Philippines 2019 for new expats

[lkv 2,328]

Well, it fits the bill for what the OP is looking for, which is, being looked after well, before the inevitable happens. 

 

He's likely right about one thing: a Filipino would look after you better than a Thai.

 

I'm not being sarcastic, but there is a reason why Philippines has the most maids around the globe.

 

That basically outweighs the negatives for him. That and the child. And the negatives are plenty, from infrastructure to being in pain while sick, on light medicine.

 

For people not in this situation, the dynamic might be different.

 

It really varies according to what one does. Retired, digital nomad, working in a company.

 

Google tells me if I am retired i should eye Panama, if I am a digital nomad I should go to Bali or Belgrade, and if I am working for a big company I should live in Singapore

 

By the way, love is also cheaper in Ukraine. They love you long at what some would find affordable prices. But not as low as Philippinnes.

 

Nevertheless, this is one of the most informative threads I have ever seen on this forum.

 

Best of luck to the OP.

 

Edited July 1 by lkv

[PingRoundTheWorld 1,018]

9 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

All that good stuff how come all the people from the Philippines come to Thailand to work? My 300 Philippine friends tell me it is wages, infrastructure, living conditions, absence of dangerous weather, government, Thai SS medical, Food, food, and a nicer country to live in.  There are 20,000 workers from the Philippines in Thailand.  Ask them.  How many Thai workers in The Philippines?  

How is this relevant? They come to Thailand to work because they can't find jobs in the Philippines or because Thailand salaries are much higher. Also the Philippines have a culture of going to work overseas in higher paying countries and send money back home - much like Isaan girls except with less action...

 

 

Manila is indeed a mess with terrible infrastructure, however Angeles City was comfortable, great cheap food, friendly people, and everything costs half of what I pay in Bangkok. Thinking of going back there for a while because I'm sick of overpaying for everything here.

[marcusarelus 6,834]

41 minutes ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

How is this relevant? They come to Thailand to work because they can't find jobs in the Philippines or because Thailand salaries are much higher. Also the Philippines have a culture of going to work overseas in higher paying countries and send money back home - much like Isaan girls except with less action...

 

 

Manila is indeed a mess with terrible infrastructure, however Angeles City was comfortable, great cheap food, friendly people, and everything costs half of what I pay in Bangkok. Thinking of going back there for a while because I'm sick of overpaying for everything here.

A lot of Philippine people work for my wife's company because the food is better in Thailand, the health care (SS) is better in Thailand.  The police are better in Thailand.  The government is better in Thailand.  I live in Thailand and not the Philippines because I can afford it.  In America I lived in a nice neighborhood instead of a slum for the same reason - I can afford it.  If the time comes and I get priced out of Thailand I'll go back home and live in my kids basement.      

[marcusarelus 6,834]

6 hours ago, Destiny1990 said:

So we expats shouldn’t relocate from Thailand to Phillipines because some filipinos go to Thailand to work??

Better Start pitching about hospitals again!

The People from the Philippines if they get sick stay in Thailand instead of go home because the health care is better.   

[PingRoundTheWorld 1,018]

9 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

A lot of Philippine people work for my wife's company because the food is better in Thailand, the health care (SS) is better in Thailand.  The police are better in Thailand.  The government is better in Thailand.  I live in Thailand and not the Philippines because I can afford it.  In America I lived in a nice neighborhood instead of a slum for the same reason - I can afford it.  If the time comes and I get priced out of Thailand I'll go back home and live in my kids basement.      

I only eat western food - and Philippines is superior to Thailand in that department - especially things like beef and lasagna. Health care I don't care about (yet). Police and government are largely irrelevant for foreigners.

 

I can afford Bangkok too, and I live here because it's a great city and I have friends here, but I enjoy Philippines every time I go there - which I cannot say for many places.

[ExpatPH 811]

IMO, negatives in many countries in SEA region. Read last weeks Thai news and immigration threads, enough to be seriously depressed, and stressed for upcoming renewal or arrival at airport.

 

I moved to Philippines while I was still healthy.

I choose to live in Philippines, because it was different from los.

For me, the positives outweigh the negatives.

 

I prefer to be called sir rather than farang or kwai farang.

I prefer to go to immigration without stress and fear to get my extension denied.

I prefer the high exchange rate we have here, compared to the baht that only get stronger, and the trend seems to continue in the future.

 

I have no problem to admit that I miss Thailand, but the Thailand I miss, was the Thailand I fell in love with in the 90's.

Phuket and Pattaya was a 'different world' then. Visa was easy in soi 8, not many in queue. Police was friendly, no helmet law, no checkpoint just waiting to catch a farang. Wouldn't call that time lawless, but it sure was easier and stress free. The Thailand I fell in love with, is long time gone.

 

Had many short holidays to Thailand since I moved to PH. The last years 2016-2019 high season get shorter by the year. While TAT proudly come with latest record arrival number, foreigner business owners paint a different picture. When TAT last week for the first time came with decline in arrival numbers, it must be a serious decline, probably more than what we was told to believe.

 

Retirement extension in los was 1,900 baht, before 400/800k was implemented. These days a extension can for many (many, not all) only be had by using agents, (to get around 400/800K).

Agents who want 8000 - 25,000 baht.

Thailand news last week, told us increased living cost in Thailand. With lousy exchange rates on top, value for money is a thing of the past. Forced to deposit 400/800k in a bank, even many can do it, they say enough is enough. 

I would urgently explore other destinations.  Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, are all welcoming to tourists and expats.

 

'My Thailand', the beautiful country with friendly natives, low cost living, and a stress free life ... isn't there anymore.

 

I'm grateful for my many years in Thailand, it was a blast, and the good memories are never forgotten.

 

ExpatPH

[ExpatPH 811]

9 hours ago, Benroon said:

So welcoming that it is now the child sex capital of the world  

 

Important for some no doubt but No ta

 

Total utter nonsense.

Obviously you haven't read previous pages.

Police, numerous undercover agents, NBI, all are hard working to catch criminals. People with a criminal record are arrested at arrival. Those already in country and who committed a crime, many now serve 20 to life in prison. Don't underestimate local law enforcement!

[lkv 2,328]

8 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

I prefer the high exchange rate we have here, compared to the baht that only get stronger, and the trend seems to continue in the future

You keep saying that. As if what's 100 baht in Thailand is 100 pesos in Philippinnes, so therefore you are getting the exchange difference in your pocket.

 

It's false.

 

Let me give you some examples:

 

Coca Cola 1.5L. Your supermarket: 61 pesos. Tops Thailand: 26 baht.

 

Potatoes 99 pesos vs 37 baht in Tesco Lotus

 

Processed Cheese 155- 160 pesos vs 120-145 baht (Villa)

 

Head & Shoulders 450ML 275 pesos vs 179 baht regular price that generally goes down to either 135 baht or 109 baht depending on promotions.

 

So aside cigarettes and maybe slightly on alcohol (PH does not look that cheap either), it's more expensive in PH.

 

Housing rents, we agree they are cheaper in Thailand.

 

Rent a motorbike we agree there it's 12,000 pesos and on Thai islands you can get it for 2,500-3,000 baht.

 

So when you keep saying "you prefer the high exchange rates", realise it's just numbers and an illusion in your head.

 

 

Edited July 2 by lkv

[Destiny1990 4,075]

1 hour ago, lkv said:

You keep saying that. As if what's 100 baht in Thailand is 100 pesos in Philippinnes, so therefore you are getting the exchange difference in your pocket.

 

It's false.

 

Let me give you some examples:

 

Coca Cola 1.5L. Your supermarket: 61 pesos. Tops Thailand: 26 baht.

 

Potatoes 99 pesos vs 37 baht in Tesco Lotus

 

Processed Cheese 155- 160 pesos vs 120-145 baht (Villa)

 

Head & Shoulders 450ML 275 pesos vs 179 baht regular price that generally goes down to either 135 baht or 109 baht depending on promotions.

 

So aside cigarettes and maybe slightly on alcohol (PH does not look that cheap either), it's more expensive in PH.

 

Housing rents, we agree they are cheaper in Thailand.

 

Rent a motorbike we agree there it's 12,000 pesos and on Thai islands you can get it for 2,500-3,000 baht.

 

So when you keep saying "you prefer the high exchange rates", realise it's just numbers and an illusion in your head.

 

 

That is somewhat true..honestly its hard to compare prices with different currencies.

i think thai phill prices are similar but over the years the bht keep rising and the peso doesn’t move.

[ExpatPH 811]

2 hours ago, lkv said:

You keep saying that. As if what's 100 baht in Thailand is 100 pesos in Philippinnes, so therefore you are getting the exchange difference in your pocket.

 

It's false.

 

Let me give you some examples:

 

Coca Cola 1.5L. Your supermarket: 61 pesos. Tops Thailand: 26 baht.

 

Potatoes 99 pesos vs 37 baht in Tesco Lotus

 

Processed Cheese 155- 160 pesos vs 120-145 baht (Villa)

 

Head & Shoulders 450ML 275 pesos vs 179 baht regular price that generally goes down to either 135 baht or 109 baht depending on promotions.

 

So aside cigarettes and maybe slightly on alcohol (PH does not look that cheap either), it's more expensive in PH.

 

Housing rents, we agree they are cheaper in Thailand.

 

Rent a motorbike we agree there it's 12,000 pesos and on Thai islands you can get it for 2,500-3,000 baht.

 

So when you keep saying "you prefer the high exchange rates", realise it's just numbers and an illusion in your head.

 

 

 

Nonsense

 

I posted earlier link to comparison survey.

Philippines is overall 8% cheaper than Thailand.

Thats also my own experience.

When was you last time in Philippines, and for how long duration?

 

The illusion is on you!

 

And I live here in Philippines full time.

 

[AlexRRR 3,817]

2 hours ago, lkv said:

You keep saying that. As if what's 100 baht in Thailand is 100 pesos in Philippinnes, so therefore you are getting the exchange difference in your pocket.

 

It's false.

 

Let me give you some examples:

 

Coca Cola 1.5L. Your supermarket: 61 pesos. Tops Thailand: 26 baht.

 

Potatoes 99 pesos vs 37 baht in Tesco Lotus

 

Processed Cheese 155- 160 pesos vs 120-145 baht (Villa)

 

Head & Shoulders 450ML 275 pesos vs 179 baht regular price that generally goes down to either 135 baht or 109 baht depending on promotions.

 

So aside cigarettes and maybe slightly on alcohol (PH does not look that cheap either), it's more expensive in PH.

 

Housing rents, we agree they are cheaper in Thailand.

 

Rent a motorbike we agree there it's 12,000 pesos and on Thai islands you can get it for 2,500-3,000 baht.

 

So when you keep saying "you prefer the high exchange rates", realise it's just numbers and an illusion in your head.

 

 

 

Ive been there a few times...food over all is definatly cheaper, supermarkets...and mass chains....in fact i spend less when im there compared to Thailand.

[BritManToo 18,752]

2 hours ago, lkv said:

So aside cigarettes and maybe slightly on alcohol (PH does not look that cheap either), it's more expensive in PH.

I was buying 700ml bottles of San Miguel gin for 60 pesos in BizMart.

Cheapest bottle of drinkable gin in Thailand is over 200bht.

Edited July 2 by BritManToo

[lkv 2,328]

14 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

 

Nonsense

 

The illusion is on you!

 

And I live here in Philippines full time.

 

Based on your pics.

Edited July 2 by lkv

[lkv 2,328]

I apologize, it takes too long to find the price of the Heineken can, so I'm substituting it with bottle, which technically should be more expensive.

Edited July 2 by lkv

[BritManToo 18,752]

7 minutes ago, lkv said:

I apologize, it takes too long to find the price of the Heineken can, so I'm substituting it with bottle, which techically should be more expensive.

Nah, cans are usually more than bottles in SEA.

But shouldn't you be comparing local products, rather than expensive imports? Leo Vs San Miguel etc.

 

Full regional pricing on budget beers ........

I was paying 35 peso for a small 330ml San Miguel beer in a Flip bar, Vs 60bht for a small 330ml Leo in a Thai bar. Vietnam 15,000VND for a 450ml Saigon Green, Cambodia 50c for a 330ml Ankor Draft.

Edited July 2 by BritManToo