Hello everyone, my name is Taylor. I'm a veteran with a 100% disability rating, and I'm 37 years old. I recently learned that I might be able to get a Philippine retirement visa once I turn 40. I've been watching a lot of videos from foreigners living there, and it's impressive how much further my money would go. They all seem satisfied with their decisions, and I've also seen some videos that cover the downsides. But here in the U.S., I get a paycheck and barely get by on it, since most of my money goes to bills. I'm stuck at home all day and can't really travel or do much. Food prices keep going up too. I feel like I should spend the next three years preparing to move.
I'm also a 100% service-connected disabled veteran and a former U.S. Marine. I've been living here for 17 years on my pension, and for the last 5 years I've also been receiving Social Security (SS). I'm living very comfortably in Iloilo. (I highly recommend this area.) There are several hospitals nearby that accept FMP (covers all military service-related conditions), TRICARE, and CHAMPUS, and the VA outpatient clinic is in Manila, about a 1-hour flight away if you have the time. I've saved far more than I ever dreamed of in the U.S. In just 7 years I bought a house and land, a car that I paid off completely, and a condo that I'm still paying installments on. I had a Filipino wife, and although I lost her to cancer last year, life here is very comfortable, and the people and culture are amazing. Here, if you show respect, you can go far, and people respect you back just the same. For the military SRRV, you only need a $1,500 deposit in a bank and a $1,500 processing fee. Since I've been here the whole time on a tourist visa and renewed it whenever needed, that's possible too. Good luck! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.
I've been in the Philippines for about 8 months, traveling and living here. I used to live in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, and now I'm in Panglao, Bohol. I've also lived in Cambodia and Vietnam, and traveled around Thailand and Laos, and I've learned that each country in Southeast Asia offers something different. Personally, for long-term living, especially if your budget is tight, I recommend Cambodia over the Philippines. Cambodia is one of the most underrated hidden gems in Southeast Asia. It's a country that truly changed my life. 🇰🇭 Cambodia One of Cambodia's big advantages is that the long-term visa process is relatively simple. You enter on a regular E visa and then apply for an EB (business) or ER (retirement) extension depending on your situation. A reliable agency in Phnom Penh can help you with the process, but always check the current requirements and submission documents yourself. Also, Cambodia uses both the U.S. dollar and the Cambodian riel. Many shops accept dollars directly, which is convenient for Americans, and small amounts or change are usually given in riel. Cost of living is where Cambodia really shines. If you know where to live, eat, and get around, you can realistically live on about $1,000 a month. It was much easier for me to maintain a comfortable lifestyle than in Philippine tourist areas. Food is also a plus. If you know where to go, you can eat plenty of cheap, fresh, good-quality local food without spending much. Culturally, I felt that Cambodian women are more traditional, especially outside Phnom Penh. In my experience, in terms of dating culture and social expectations, Cambodia is somewhere between Vietnam and the Philippines. Of course, it varies a lot from person to person. Compared to the Philippines, Cambodia has less traffic and is less congested in many areas. Driving in Phnom Penh can still be chaotic, but outside the capital life is generally slower and less crowded. 🇵🇭 Philippines The Philippines has some of the most beautiful natural attractions I've seen in Southeast Asia. The beaches, scuba diving, waterfalls, and islands are truly amazing. But after 8 months of traveling and living here, I realized that visiting the Philippines and living there are completely different experiences. Especially in tourist areas, the cost of living can be surprisingly high. Rent, electricity, groceries, transportation, and dining out add up quickly. I also found it harder to find healthy, affordable food compared to Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Philippines has advantages: English is widely spoken, people are friendly, and the island experiences are fantastic. But personally, I think Cambodia offers better value for long-term living. 🇹🇭 Thailand Thailand is also an excellent choice, especially …(text cut off in original)
A few years ago I was in a similar situation. 100% is more than enough, and I'm in the same boat. Organize your bills (forget about them, haha), sell or give away what you don't need, and move. I know bills eat up money, but I lived very well in Angeles on just $2,500 a month. If you can realistically meet that amount, you won't have to wait too long. It's an amount you can comfortably manage. The Philippines and a better life are calling you, and you won't stop until you get there.
Come and see for yourself first and then decide. If you avoid big cities and find a good province, you can live quite comfortably in the Philippines 💪
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