Cost of Living Update

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) carried out a survey of the cost of living in various cities around the world totalling 140.

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines was placed at number 124, proving that the Philippines is still a cheap place to live.

The most expensive cities included Tokyo, Geneva, Osaka and New York.

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Philippine Retirement Authority Update

The Philippine Retirement Authority(PRA) has reduced the cash deposit requirement from US$50,000 to US$20,000.

It can still be withdrawn for the purchase of a condominium or golf or country club shares.

One Man's View about Living and Retiring in the Philippines

It would be very sensible for those peoples who are considering, living, working or retiring in the Philippines to browse the internet for information and opinions.

One site you may find is http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FxUwdejwf7w4&h=RAQAVrAGk

However, review carefully what the Presenter says. It is his view alone based on his experiences and he has only been in the Philippines for five months. It is important to read or hear other opinions, preferably of those foreigners who have been here for several years.

• He mentions the amount of poverty and that is certainly true, unfortunately, wherever you choose to live it is inescapable. It is up to you whether you choose to ignore it or try to help a few of the poor. Remember, the Philippines is not the only country in Asia that has this problem.

• The Presenter mentions the hospitality of the Filipinos but translates this to mean that the expats will have to pay more than the local residents. In my experience there are situations where this can happen and also many where it cannot happen. In the markets when buying food ingredients, for example, the vendor may try to charge more. If you choose to have clothes or shoes made to measure it can happen. Tradesmen coming to your house may attempt to increase their prices. My advice is, be prepared to haggle over prices, and if you cannot get the price you want then walk away. Often, that will result in a lower price. My solution is to be seen in the markets or stores regulary, learn a few words of Tagalog and if you have a Filipino friend or relative or even a trusted house maid get them to come too for the first few visits. They will quickly tell you and the vendor if you are being overcharged. For more important products and services ask for written quotes from at least two suppliers. Prices in supermarkets and shopping malls are displayed and fixed as are the prices of utilities. Be wise and you will not have a problem.

• The Presenter talks about the cost of living. In general, it is cheaper than in more developed countries. Locally grown vegetables and fruit, local meat and seafood are not at all expensive but if you want a US Angus Rib Eye expect to pay more than in the US of course.Restaurant meals, local beers and spirits, locally made tobacco products are all cheaper but expect to pay more for any imported products.

• The Presenter must have experienced the public hospitals when he talks about low standards and poor hygiene and perhaps in the province where that can certainy be true. I strongly recommend that any body who is is going to be in the Philippines for a long time needs to arrange a health insurance policy which will enable them to use the private hospitals. There are several in Manila which are world class both in terms of equipment and the standard of medical care. Having had two operations and some diagnostic procedures in two of them. I can vouch for that.



Surgeon in operating room




Knee joint



• It is certainly true that there are Muslim extremists in southern Mindanao such as the Abu Sayaf. Most countries, including the USA and the UK warn their citizens to avoid these areas. This does not mean that all of Mindanao is unsafe.