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Retiring to the Philippines

Magazine for expats thinking of retiring to the Philippines

  • Guide
    • About the Philippines
    • Moving to the Philippines
    • Visas
    • Packing & Shipping
    • Bringing Your Pets
    • Importing a Motor Vehicle
  • Living in the Philippines
    • Culture Shock
    • Property
    • Banking
    • Driving
    • Public Transportation
    • Telecommunications
    • Hobbies & Interests
  • Travel
    • Airline News and Promotions
    • Places to Visit
    • Best Way to Get There
    • Lodging
  • Food & Drink
    • Restaurants
    • Imported Foods & Drinks
    • Home Cooking
  • Entertainment
    • Nightlife
    • Things to Do
  • Shopping
    • Where to Shop
  • Health
    • Doctors
    • Hospitals
    • Alternative Medicine
    • Insurance
  • Economy
    • Cost of Living
    • Business News & Information
    • Investing in the Philippines

Sell It Or Ship It?

June 4, 2015 by Gary McMurrain 14 Comments

That is the big question many foreigners have, as time is growing near for them to retire to the Philippines. What to take with them and what to leave behind? I remember those days in 2009 when my wife and our son began the countdown to paradise living in the 'Land of Smiles'. It was easy for us to decide what to ship, sell and give away. Winter clothing was given away and … [Read more...]

Fresh Off The Boat

February 3, 2015 by Gary McMurrain Leave a Comment

philippines-motorbike

Are you excited about retiring to the Philippines? Feeling anxiety? Are you nervous? If you have newly arrived, do you feel like you are fresh off the boat? In 1986, I moved to Metro Manila to live for a year. Back then, there weren't any forums or even internet to seek advice from other expats in the Philippines. I did not have a Filipina girlfriend or a wife in those days. … [Read more...]

More Needful Things!

September 15, 2014 by Gary McMurrain 1 Comment

grocery-shopping-philippines

I've heard it said and read many times about foreigners' opinions that are simply wrong! One such myth is that you simply cannot buy quality appliances, electronics or furniture in the Philippines. I think they were working with a limited budget that they were willing to spend on household goods and they bought the cheapest crap available. Well, I agree, that is not going to … [Read more...]

Needful Things!

September 8, 2014 by Gary McMurrain 19 Comments

Balikbayan Box

You are ready to make the move and you are deciding what you should bring from your home country to make your life more comfortable in the Philippines. Right? I knew it! I was faced with that dilemma once and I remember it well. If there is something you know that you absolutely cannot live without, it may well be the deal breaker once you get to the Philippines! If you are … [Read more...]

Dreaming Different Dreams

December 23, 2013 by Gary McMurrain 9 Comments

dreams-road-sign

Ever since I was a little boy, I have always been a dreamer! Back in those days, in the 1960s, my dreams were not actually realistic and were child-like in some respects. As a teenager, a young adult and as a middle age adult, I still had dreams and the dreams became more realistic with time. I think everyone should have a dream because dreams have a way of making life more … [Read more...]

Paradise Or Pair A Dice

July 23, 2013 by Gary McMurrain 5 Comments

Maybe your idea of paradise is living near the strawberry fields of Baguio? When many people think about the Philippines, they often conjure up an image of lounging on a beautiful white sandy beach with an ice cold tropical fruit cocktail. Others think about trekking around one of the breathtaking mountain resorts found on a number of islands. Yet, others visualize dancing with … [Read more...]

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

May 16, 2013 by Gary McMurrain 2 Comments

With so many islands to chose from, it can be overwhelming to those who are about to make their first journey to the Islands of Paradise. I heard of one expat putting the names of 5 locations in a hat, where he intended to visit in the Islands, and he visited each one in accordance to the order the names were drawn. I guess that is one way to do it! Chatting with other … [Read more...]

Latest Articles

  • Is Gambling in the Philippines Illegal?
  • Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Proceed With Caution If You Want to Stay Safe.
  • 5 Tips for a Healthy Retirement in the Philippines
  • How to Ship a Car to the Philippines
  • Top 5 Financial Tips for Expats in the Philippines
  • How to Live in the Philippines with No Money
  • Why I Ultimately Left the Philippines
  • Keep the IRS off Your Back! Advice for Americans Abroad
  • Are the Guys at RTTP Fascists?
  • I Never Chose to Live in the Philippines

Latest Comments

  • Charlie Bamford on Why I Ultimately Left the PhilippinesHi Vic I live near Tacloban & worked remotely for a UK company for 8 years. Despite what PLDT &...
  • Charlie Bamford on Who Let The Dogs OutYou will hopefully look after your dog well but that isn't the problem. There are numerous stray dogs that nobody...
  • john allcott on Banking in the PhilippinesInteresting idea. How did it work, Calvin? Any recommendations?
  • Vic Bernsdorff on Why I Ultimately Left the PhilippinesJay, How reliable is you Internet connection? We are planning to move to Dumaguete City. I live in Stockton, CA...
  • jjord on Why I Ultimately Left the PhilippinesIt sounds like you weren't retired when you moved to the Philippines. If so, the main concern is making money....
  • Jord on Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Proceed With Caution If You Want to Stay Safe.Does anyone know of the actual process to get the land title in the Philippines? Please provide a link if...
  • Charles Lacoste on Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Proceed With Caution If You Want to Stay Safe.I totally agree. Western countries, US, Canada and Australia stand out for allowing the third-world (often criminals) to wantonly buy...
  • Morgan on New Courtesy SRRV For VeteransI arrived here in Bacolod City and am buying a house with a Flippin lady that we plan to wed....
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Popular Posts

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