🇵🇭 Unfortunately You Should Rethink Retirement in the Philippines

Expats are reconsidering the Philippines as a retirement destination due to several challenges, particularly when compared to other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. One significant issue is the difficulty in getting apartment deposits back. Landlords often find reasons to withhold deposits, citing minor damages or charging for services like carpet removal, even when tenants are given conflicting instructions. This contrasts with countries where deposit returns are generally straightforward. Accommodation value for money is another concern. For the same amount of rent, expats report getting more spacious, secure, and well-maintained properties in other countries. In the Philippines, there are complaints about maintenance money being collected but no actual maintenance being performed, and a general feeling of being taken advantage of financially. Visa regulations have also become less favorable. The popular six-month tourist visa, which allowed for easy renewals, has been discontinued. Now, extensions are typically for two months, and after two months, foreigners are forced to purchase an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) card, even if they only plan to stay a short time longer. This card is often not ready for a month and its one-year validity is based on the renewal date, not the purchase date, effectively shortening its useful period. Additionally, while the six-month visa made exit clearances logical, these clearances are still required for shorter stays, despite the two-month renewal process already checking for holds on individuals. Medical care in the Philippines is described as top-notch only for a small percentage of the population, with most hospitals being rundown. There are anecdotes of misdiagnoses, where local doctors provided advice that was later contradicted by doctors in Western countries, highlighting a disparity in medical standards. Traffic is another major frustration. Despite the common advice to live in the province to escape city traffic, even small towns experience significant congestion during rush hour, especially in city centers where essential services are located. The primary issue is the lack of investment in road infrastructure, with new buildings being constructed but roads remaining inadequate. This leads to long waits at intersections. The Grab app and similar ride-hailing services are a saving grace, providing convenient and reasonably priced transportation, in contrast to tricycle and taxi drivers who often overcharge foreigners or claim meters are broken. Buses are also noted for being poorly maintained. Power outages, or "brownouts," are a persistent problem across the Philippines, having affected the country since the 1990s. Unlike other Asian countries, the Philippines continues to experience frequent and widespread power cuts, which can disrupt daily life and lead to boredom if one is stuck at home without power. Even resorts and beaches may not offer peace and quiet during brownouts as everyone seeks refuge there. Water availability can also be an issue, with some areas experiencing dry taps at night. Dating in the Philippines presents unique challenges, particularly regarding financial expectations. Many local women on dating apps or websites are perceived as constantly asking for money, even before a relationship is established. There's a perceived tendency for Filipinos to lie, even among married couples, with little apparent understanding of consequences. This cultural trait can lead to frustration and distrust. Furthermore, there is a "new generation fem fatal" phenomenon where Filipino women with foreign boyfriends expect to be spoiled financially, a dynamic not typically present in relationships with local men. There are also cautionary tales of foreigners buying houses for their Filipina partners only to be subsequently evicted, with local men moving in. Customer service is another area of frequent complaint, often described as indifferent. Waiters may ignore customers, banks have long queues, and service personnel for things like Wi-Fi may not show up. Return policies are often rigid, with no refunds even for recently purchased items. These constant minor frustrations contribute to a phenomenon described as "death by a thousand cuts." The overall experience can lead to "expat burnout," where individuals periodically feel the need to visit countries where things simply "work." The Philippines is characterized by a "overcharge, underdeliver" motto, where basic services and infrastructure are often lacking. Despite these challenges, some tips are offered for foreigners considering retirement in the Philippines. One is to build a social network, as humans are social animals and having friends can make life in a city more enjoyable. Another is to organize one's life by considering ideal environments (e.g., beaches, mountains, quiet, exciting) and hobbies (e.g., hiking, swimming, playing pool) to find a suitable location. It's suggested to proactively list activities that bring happiness to combat boredom. Finally, it's advised to learn how to navigate practicalities like managing money, finding accommodation, sourcing food, and arranging transportation to avoid headaches. The importance of adapting to local conditions and finding ways to make a location work, rather than constantly moving, is also emphasized.