‘How to live in the Philippines with no money’ might seem like a ridiculous title for an article, but it’s something that people are searching for on Google almost every day.
From time to time, I take a look at the statistics for this site and like to see how people are finding us. Most of the search terms are pretty obvious and are not too surprising, but when I see something as crazy as this one, I have to sit up and take notice.
The idea that somebody thinks that they can live ANYWHERE in the world for no money is just insane.
Yes, the Philippines is relatively cheap when compared to most western countries, but it is certainly not free. In fact, there are a few things that are more expensive over here.
The one that comes to mind right away is the cost of a car.
When I was living in Hawaii and just wanted an old beater, to cruise around the island, I could pick one up for less than $500.
It didn’t’ look like much, but it was reliable and served a purpose. I could strap my board to the roof and get to the beach, which was all I wanted to do.
I can’t recall ever seeing a secondhand car in the Philippines for less than $1000, though I have noticed car prices going down lately. I don’t tend to follow the automobile market on a regular basis, so if you’re reading this and know different, please post a comment below.
Cost of Living in the Philippines
It’s difficult to say exactly how much it will cost you to live in the Philippines because each situation will be different.
As a rough guide though I’d say a single guy could live over here quite comfortably for between $1000-$1500. If you wanted to live a more extravagant lifestyle, then you’ll obviously need a lot more.
If you’re trying to provide for you and your family then again, you’ll require more money. I don’t have a family so can’t give an exact cost.
If you don’t have a pension or some other means of getting money, then you’ll need significant savings.
There’s no social system for down on their luck foreigners over here, and if you ever had the gall to inquire, you’d get laughed off the island.
Stranded in the Philippines
Being stranded in the Philippines with no money is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. There are no agencies that will take pity on you, and you’ll most likely get zero help from your embassy.
If you’re lucky, they might let you use their phone for free to call a family member or friend and beg for money.
I’ve seen foreigners being so down on their luck that they had to open up a Go Fund Me page and plead for donations. It’s a sad state of affairs and not a position you would ever want to find yourself.
Conclusion
The idea that a person can live anywhere in the world for free is crazy, and no sane person would suggest otherwise.
You’ll need funds to live in the Philippines and a way to replenish them when they get low. Whether that’s a pension, investment, business or some other money making venture, you’ll need a constant stream of cash.
Also, remember that making money over here is possible, but the kind of returns you’ll get are much lower than what you’re probably used to. There’s plenty of competition from locals, and you’ll find it hard to compete unless you have some skill or service that can not be easily served by a natural-born Filipino.
Do you have experience of prices in the Philippines? Is it cheaper or are there some things that are more expensive than back in the west? Leave a comment below and let us know.
I hope it is okay for me to comment even though I do not live in the Philippines, but I have visited there seven times and my wife is a Filipina. I have observed the prices, and though I do not know as much as someone living there, I can comment on some items. Electronics are more expensive in the Philippines, even though Japan is a lot closer to the Philippines than it is to the U.S. Some foods are surprisingly more expensive in the Philippines, and gasoline for sure is more expensive there. JollyBee is not cheap, either. Electricity is a lot more there. Hotels and cabs are a lot cheaper in the P.I. but the hotel clerks will gouge Americans so be sure to have a Filipino friend book the room for you. Even though a lot of things are cheaper in the P.I. it is surprising how fast your money will go. Many years ago I pulled out $1,000 in a bank transfer for Php 50,000 and it lasted only a week, even though my wife and I did not purchase any durable goods. The money went to CityLink (V-Hire), cabs, pension houses, food for her family, some restaurants for us, and little more. Jewelry is cheaper and better in the P.I., and housing and taxes are a boatload cheaper. It is really a mixed bag, so do not go there thinking that you will live in paradise for only a song. Take your time and think through purchases and you will do well.
Bob – Thanks for sharing your experiences with prices in the Philippines. I’m sure our readers will find it very useful.
Steve
“Food for your Wife’s family”. That would be a very common occurrence, I’m sure.
I hardly get one email where I’m not reminded how poor people are and please send some money.
Adrian, yes, it is a common thing, I am sure, for a “rich” foreigner to buy food for the family. We are rich by comparison with Filipinos, but of course when we come back home to the U.S. we are a bit lower than average financially. Since prices are cheaper in the Philippines I have always been happy to help the family every time we visit. I read one blog many years ago about a man who moved to the Philippines, and he set up boundaries to his wife’s family. He would help them with their needs but not their wants. They respected that and did not pester him for money. Maybe you can set up some boundaries of your own, for as long as people think you are an easy giver they will keep coming to you.
When it comes to “helping the family” we do it to the tune of at least $1200 a month in food, medicine and paying a loan on their house that they defaulted on.
They (her parents) used to be upper middle class, but a downturn in the sugar industry, some medical issues and lack of business diversification lowered their income greatly. Lack of any real safety net doesn’t help either.
It’s sometimes been a real strain on us financially, but we do it out of love and just trying to be good people. When we’re that age early 80s), though, I’m not confident we’ll have anyone to look out for us like we do for them. Time will tell, though.
I too have Been 7 times and also married to a Philippine woman. Food is cheaper unless you eat at green belt in makati. Even there it’s a little cheaper than US.
Cars depends on the car. If your buying an import than yes it usually more expensive. If you buying one made to order in Philippines like Suzuki. It’s much much cheaper. I bought a Suzuki van built to order 15 inch tires automatic and all the extras for 5999.99 American. About 300k in peso. Newly built to my specs.
Rent is cheaper by about half the cost. I’m going to be living on the island of Leyte come September 22nd.
I was there 40 days once a couple months ago and stayed in Cebu for 12 dollars a night hotel and spent maybe 1000 peso a day for food for 5 people. That’s 20 bucks. You can’t get two drinks for that in Texas where I’m from.
If you know the area and know what the prices should be than you will not be taken advantage of. I often got things cheaper because I was an American making deals with the vendors. Everyone was very accommodating and very polite with me.
I love the country and the culture and that is why I am relocating.
Now with that said. You can definitely spend more than the Usa if you want an extravagant lifestyle.
Be frugal and your money will last a very long time.
Hi I lived in Negroes Occidental for 5 years and Marakina for 5 .The trick to living in any foreign country is to live like a local. Learn the language, and customs. Filipinos are very friendly and caring .But to understand that being showy,rude ,will get you in to trouble. Your dress and flash can make you a target. Even here in the US you have the same problem. Don’t go out with out knowing where your going.Living in the Philippines can be comfortable and enjoyable. Do always have a backup plan.You can stay 30 days with out a visa but I think it would be wise to get one.Must have a round trip ticket.Im married to a Filipina who has dual citizenship and I am a permanent resident. We live in the US but go back and forth now while are youngest finish school. We will be retiring for good in the Philippines .Things you must consider before a move banking and health insurance. A US bank with a associated bank in Philippines maintain account in US move funds to account in PI bank dollar account. Keep track of exchange rate .Maintain a credit card for emergency cases .You can purchase health insurance blue cross, united health,philihealth also save money a side for health care etc. You can purchase a condo or single residential property. Do get residents status and pay yearly tax.Thease are just a few things that are important. Most of all be smart and coming sense goes a long way.
Nice article.I am planning to retire in PI.prices are a lot cheaper than US,except electronics and gas also cars.but food and housing, clothing etc.. is cheap.you just have to know where to buy and not compete with the joneses you will survive comfortably.
Nicholas – Glad you liked the article and I totally agree with you. I’ve never been one to care about ‘competing with the Joneses’ but I have to admit, there is a few creature comforts that I just have to have. Not necessities by any means but there just things I like.
Being a Brit, HP Sauce is one that springs to mind. 🙂
Take care and keep commenting.
Steve
Supermarket food is not particularly cheap. Best to buy from markets. Coffee – instant and fresh ground is very expensive. I always bring a stash with me from the UK. Electricity is very expensive. Bottled gas is cheap. As is my water bill. As other people have said – electrical goods (especially computers and accessories) are stupidly expensive. Take a holiday to HK and fill up your suitcase with what you need.
Kevan – Thanks for your comments. You’ve hit the nail on the head with some of the things that are expensive over here. As one of the other guys pointed out, electricity is also expensive over here. Thankfully I don’t like AC so that’s not a huge drain but one of my friends has his on all the time and his electricity bill is CRAZY!!!
– Steve
Thank you Steve Fleming for the article and the strong comments it produced. I am as close to becoming an Expat as a person can get. We are in the process of selling our California home where we reside. I need to find a container to ship our stuff to western Leyte. My wife of 35 years is from Baybay City. We recently purchased property (no home), and we will stay with her Family while we build.
I’m not sure how much it will cost to mail letters to the US, or how will we get her high blood pressure medication, or even what phone service we will use. I want to buy locally or ship in the container: a kayak (ocean and river), and a half-way decent mountain bicycle. Does anyone have advice?
More importantly, I want to buy a healthy full breed puppy or two to train, preferably Pit Bull or German Shepherd, but I would also consider Anatolian Shepherd (saw one in Baybay), Rhodesian Ridgeback, or a variety of other large breeds. I’m not sure about veterinarians, dog food, shots, etc. I have only seen a few dogs in her hometown that resemble what I want. I have training and years of experience training dogs for personal protection, poison proofing, and hope to train our dogs to bark when a snake comes onto the property. Yeah, that’s actually pretty easy!
I transfered ownership of my handgun to my wife and plan to ship it in my luggage (after legally declaring it.) But I don’t know how much 9 mm ammo costs. I have seen ads for a shooting club in her hometown.
Lastly, we plan to live off the land as much as possible (chickens, ducks, a piggery, harvest fruit and veggies, and fish as often as possible, We have plenty of experience, lots of family to help, and a state agricultural college nearby to consult. Please feel free sharing your thoughts and any experience. We should be there by the end of the summer (we hope!)
Jay – Thanks for your comment. I’ve read it over a few times and I’m sorry to say, I can’t really offer much help I’m afraid. Most of the things you mention aren’t things I’ve had many experiences of in the 12 years I’ve been here.
Guns, Kayaking, Farming… the one thing I can maybe give some help on is dogs. I’ve had a few over here and currently have a Doberman. She’s getting pretty old now and I think her time is almost up. I have a friend over here who runs a great dog breeding and training center. You can drop him a line on Facebook and if he can’t help you out, he can most likely recommend somebody.
His FB page is https://www.facebook.com/pawmarksbacolod/
Be sure to tell him Steve from RTTP sent you. 🙂
– Steve
I’m not sure about the guns but I think you can not take them even if registration is in your wife’s name. I would seriously look into that first.
Also a container to ship all your worldly possessions say a three bedroom house is about 10000 American dollars. I’ve priced it. So I sold it all instead and can buy all new there on leyte where i am moving for much less
. Instead I shipped 11 forex boxes crammed with stuff for 1150 bucks.
Shop at local wet markets for all your groceries and it will be real cheap.
The only fruit I have come across that is expensive is jack fruit. Wow. Very expensive.
Absolutely live like a local. Travel like a local. Eat like a local.
For what would cost 3k a month in Texas would cost at least half that on leyte. I rented a nice hotel for a month in maasin city for less than my rent here in Texas by less than half.
7 pesos to take a trike across town “.14 cents” would cost 7 dollars in the states. So like 350 pesos. You could do that trip 50 times in maasin before spending the 7 dollars.
I ate every morning for 150 pesos.
Actually snack before breakfast was sticky rice and the best coffee I ever had at the same place for also 7 pesos. All you can eat buffet for p99 with a drink. 2 dollars.
You know where to go you can live very well on 1500 a month American dollars. For a family of 2 with a cook.
Very nice check list. It is now my base line. I spent 2.5 years in the pi. Can hardly wait to return, older for sure, wiser too. Its the people that make the PI what it is. Hidden paradise.
Keith – I’ve had both good and bad experiences with the people over here but generally I’d have to agree with you. For the most part, people are polite and friendly but they do have a hot temper and are very proud. My British sarcasm didn’t go down too well with some people when I first got here… I’ve toned it down a LOT over the years and don’t have too many issues these days.
– Steve
I am planning to retire in about 2 years and will live in Bolinao Pangasinan. I too wonder about getting my prescriptions and how much they may cost. We already own a house so there will only be upkeep and utilities to worry about. I plan to buy a car which will bring some expense but much needed pleasure. For food I agree that if you eat local you can eat cheap. If you plan to eat western food I think that could weigh heavily on a budget. My plan to mix them and try to lean towards local. I would like to be able to travel to the US once a year but that may be out of reach.
My living money will come from SS. Does anyone have experience with US social security there? I was told that it is best to have it deposited in the US and transfer it to the Philippines. Taxes will be a learning experience. I am hoping that a budget of $2000 – $2500 a month is adequate.
I appreciate all of the comments made so far. The more information from people actually living there now is most welcome.
Thanks
Randy – I can’t speak to prescriptions as I’m still relatively young and in good health… touch wood. Your funds should be more than OK but if health is an issue I’d suggest having a nest egg of some kind, just in case.
I bought a health plan when I first came here but again, thankfully I’ve never had to avail of it yet. It’s supposed to be good though so only time will tell.
It’s with Caritas https://www.caritashealthshield.com.ph/ and Gary, who used to write for RTTP, swears by them.
Hope that helps.
– Steve
Steve, thank you for your comments. I will check out the healthcare.
Hello Randy, you can live quite nicely on that sum in the Philippines. Even though you own your own house there you will need to pay utilities, and electricity there is quite expensive. You will find that local food is quite good, and after a while you will stop missing western food, which is pretty unhealthy for the most part. The best way to handle your money is to have your Social Security checks deposited in Citi Bank because that bank has branches in the Philippines so you will not need to pay expensive transfer fees. And as you may have heard from others, DO NOT pull out your wallet and let others see your cash in public. If you are married to a Filipina, give her the money before you leave the house and let her pay for the groceries or restaurant food. Otherwise make some very good and trustworthy Filipino friends who are willing to go with you wherever you may want to buy things. Best of luck to you.
Bob, thanks for the advice. As I’m sure you know, when you are married to a Filipina she is the family banker. I have no money… hehe
I’ll check into the Citibank option. Actually, I live in China now due to my work and did try to set up a Citibank account for transfers but it did not go well. I’m from the Toledo area and the closest actual bank was Chicago so I was trying to do the task over the internet and phone. I will do some more research.
why wouldnt i pull out my wallet in tthe philippines and let others see my cash in public to buy something what will happen im a american thinking about retiring there
Ken…while the people there are, generally nice, there are a lot of thieves just waiting for an opportunity. I’ve been in a Jeepney with a passenger, a Filipina, that had her cell phone ripped out of her hand by a guy passing by on a bicycle. When I was kid, we lived in the PI….my brother and I were in the car when a couple of kids came up and ripped the mirror off from the parked car in front of us. So….take the advise given. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Don’t flash around any money. Keep some pesos in your pocket for small purchases. Know the currency and exchange rate. Be nice to everyone. Don’t cop an attitude. Don’t be rude. But, be aware of your surroundings, constantly.
Are you that naive?
Great article. I always love visiting the PI (just got back from there 6 days ago, for my 7th trip there).
Can’t wait to retire there and I agree with quite a few, try to eat the way the locals do, and as healthy as possible, much better lifestyle I feel.
I have had past girlfriends who always say that the most important thing is to live there happily even without much money. I agree and disagree. I say be as comfortable as you want to be but be prepared and do your homework. I know I am learning each and every time I go there
Great advice Calvin. Glad to hear you’re loving the Philippines and planning to retire over here.
– Steve
The US Social Security office for Asia is in Manila. I’ve been expat for some years now, first in Spain then India. Planning a move to PI soon. SSA will want you to get a local bank account and direct deposit your benefits. Actually much more convenient than transfers and will keep you out of trouble with the SSA. Forms and advice are available via email from FBUManila@nullssa.gov
Hi Steve I have been retired here for the last 5 years, my wife is Filipino I don’t know about $ but my pension is about 60.000 peso a month and that’s plenty. We have a 2 bed 2 bath house so no rent, I run a 2004 Pajero 250.000 peso elec 1.500 a month diesel 36 peso ltr go to the local market on market day and buy your fruit and veg from the local farmers. Much cheaper than supermarket. We live in Zambales.
I’d like to add that if you find yourself stuck, you can go to the consulate to get a patriot reparation loan. I don’t know about all of the specifics, but from what I’ve heard, they will keep your passport till the loan is paid off, allowing you to use that money to get you back home.