Sure living on a tropical island where the cost of living is low sounds great. There are many wonderful people in the Philippines who have done so. But please there is a lot to consider before taking the plunge. There is a lot to consider.
The People
First of all the Philippines is a poor country, hence many poor people. Sure, there are poor people every where. From my background, the poor people in the USA have nothing on the poor of the Philippines. In the US we have social misfits who have their hands out, get everything, and still complain that they have nothing. In the Philippines there are 8, 9, … 12 people living in a shack most people would call in humane for a dog to live in. Thieves here will snatch an earring out of a lady’s ear just to get a few pesos. Your public restrooms do not have toilet paper as it will be hoarded by the first user. Sad but true. Life in the Philippines can be great, but there is a different culture to live by.
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Work Schedule
Having work done tomorrow could easily mean next week. It is slow here. Most people beat by a different Timex. Today and tomorrow are considered times for politeness. If you are told that the work will be done to day or tomorrow, good luck.
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Thievery
Watch your belongs! The smallest of things can and will be nabbed. A simple small screw can be sold for a small fee. When you buy a wallet, all pockets and storage areas of this wallet will be searched. Not by one person but perhaps two or three others. That will take place before a manager takes a final look again. Hey, you might stash something in that small wallet that will cost the store. Amazing.
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And!
Don’t be a showoff. There are always others watching. Wearing expensive cloths and flashing your I-pod around isn’t a great idea. People can watch where you go and live. Perhaps stopping by to say hello. You need to safe guard your valuables. Even the not so valuable you need to watch out for. Ladies wearing earrings can have them yanked from their ears. Sure the earring is only one and perhaps useless to you. But to some, it might fetch a few pesos so they can get a bite to eat.
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The Government
The government is corrupt. Which government isn’t? But in the Philippines they are grass roots crooked. There can be 25 people jay waking and the Police officer will nab you. Why? You have money. Even if you don’t, you know someone who will. If you get in a business or other dispute with a native and go to court, no matter your proof, you will more then likely loose. Bribery and payoffs are common. When you are a foreigner and they know it, the price will equally rise. All foreigners are abundantly rich, so spread the wealth. It would be better if you allow your Filipino spouse or other trusted friend/relative to shop and do your business for you. Keeping out of the picture can help in the traditional bargaining process. Once a foreigner is added to the negotiations, costs do tend to rise. Bargaining can be a part of the process for mom and pop stores. Don’t expect to bargain at well established or chain stores.
These are just a few of the difference that people must adjust for. There really is a lot of good in the Philippines. But there are a lot of things that most of us take for granted. To much so for me to list all here. But joining groups like Living in the Philippines and Living in Cebu, reading the books Philippine Dreams, Philippines Property Primer and Making A Living in the Philippines by Perry are both strongly recommended reads. The country is a safe as any other. But being streetwise and knowing a bit of any new country is always highly recommended.
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