Retiring in Philippines may not seem like a good idea to many people. Unfortunately, the only thing that most people know about the Philippines is that it is a developing country. While this may be true, the Philippines does have a lot to offer a retiree. Following are six reasons why one should seriously consider retiring in the Philippines.
No Language Barrier
Many people who retire abroad have to deal with the language barrier. Popular retirement destinations such as Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica all speak Spanish and one will need to learn the language in order to get around and really enjoy the country. Fortunately, the Philippines is an English speaking nation and one will be able to communicate with the local people with no problems.
It is Cheap
The average rental price of a one bedroom apartment in the city center is $217; renting a one bedroom apartment outside the city comes to an average of $156 a month.
Utilities (garbage, water, electricity, gas, internet and cable) cost about $116 a month.
Cheap Medical Care
The rising cost of medical care in the United States and Europe makes it difficult for a retiree to live frugally. On the other hand, it is not hard to obtain cheap yet high quality medical care in the Philippines. A routine doctor visit for minor ailments costs as little as $7 – $10; treatment for serious ailments is likewise not expensive.
Lots to See and Do
Those retiring in the Philippines will enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike, dive, fish and enjoy other outdoor sports. The Philippines also has malls, movie theaters, golf courses, health clubs and all the modern amenities that a person is used to enjoying in his or her home country. Philippines nightlife as well is so exciting all over the archipelago, from Manila, Subic-Olongapo, Angeles City-Clark, Cebu, and even all the way down in the famous Boracay Beach.
Great Weather, Great People, and Great Places
The people in this country are extremely friendly and often go out of their way to get to know foreigners. Those retiring in the Philippines will enjoy great weather year round. It’s a tropical country, meaning that one can enjoy outdoor sports and activities year round. Some of the best places you might want to visit and experience are in this country, and you’ve probably heard of these places over the news, magazines, websites, or maybe from your friends. Topping the list are:
1. Boracay
A small island in the Philippines and it is one of its most popular tourist destination because of its 4km sand beaches.
2. The Underground River Cave of Puerto Princesa
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was also recently named as one of the Earth’s “New” 7-Wonders of Nature in the World. It is the worlds longest subterranean river extending 8.2km underground and its 2km length is accessible to the public.
3. Tubbataha Reef
Located in the Sulu Sea, was inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in 1993 is one of the largest and best preserved reef systems in the world. A perfect and beautiful place for scuba diving enthusiast.
4. Mount Pinatubo
Drive through a vast and spectacular scenery between hills and mountains, along an endless river, lahar deposits and rock formations, plus a few kilometers of trekking all the way up to its crater; swim and relax on a nature-made lake on the mouth of its crater itself.
Easy Visas
The Philippines offers a special retirement visa that enables one to live in the country long term and come and go as he or she pleases. Retirees with a pension must be at least 50 years old, pay a $800 fee and place a $10,000 time deposit in a bank in the Philippines. Younger retirees without a pension can obtain a retirement visa by making a $50,000 time deposit, while senior citizens without a pension can make a $20,000 time deposit.
Those who are looking for a good place to retire abroad should consider retiring in the Philippines. The Philippines is cheap, has great weather, friendly people and lots to see and do. The above mentioned points are just some of the advantages of retiring in Philippines and one can find out more about this fantastic island paradise by looking up http://www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com.
Return to the Cheapest Countries Page
or click here to return to Cheapest Places to Retire