Philippines 2019 for new expats

[marcusarelus]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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, 2019 by lkv

[Destiny1990]

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]

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]

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]

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, 2019 by BritManToo

[lkv]

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, 2019 by lkv

[lkv]

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, 2019 by lkv

[BritManToo]

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, 2019 by BritManToo

[lkv]

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 technically should be more expensive.

Ok so beer is cheaper in Philippines. 46 pesos in PH, 43 baht in Thailand.

[AlexRRR]

2 minutes ago, lkv said:

Based on your pics.

 

Were talking over all....easy to find a few items more expensive, over all my money goes further when in the Phillipines.

 

IT always amazes me when i walk out of a supermarket in the Phillipines with the cost differances....Pasta ,,no i dont cook pasta in BKK or Manila, Heineken i dont drink it anywhere.

 

Boutique hotels ..i know where to find them now if in Manila...AirBNB is a great alternaitve for a short stay like 2 weeks paying just over $AU 430 in Cebu for 10 nights in a new condo and close to the shopping malls.... Ive pay more for older condos in BKK.

 

Its not a contest the op has said that... Its pure nit picking if your going to get hungover on a few items that come up more expensive...

[lkv]

The Samsung TV you mentioned costs 43,999 pesos in Philippines, the same model here in Thailand is 19,990 baht.

 

At today's rates, 43,999 pesos = 26,375 baht.

[AlexRRR]

6 minutes ago, lkv said:

Ok so beer is cheaper in Philippines. 46 pesos in PH, 43 baht in Thailand.

 

In AU$ thats around 1.30 in phillipines and $2 in thailand...yes i found booze cheaper there but where you notice the differance is if you go to a bar...the mark up is way more in Thailand...

[AlexRRR]

1 minute ago, lkv said:

The Samsung TV you mentioned costs 43,999 pesos in Philippines, the same model here in Thailand is 19,990 baht.

 

At today's rates, 43,999 pesos = 26,375 baht.

hahaha you make me laugh.....how many tv's you buy in a life time?

[lkv]

6 minutes ago, AlexRRR said:

Its not a contest the op has said that... Its pure nit picking if your going to get hungover on a few items that come up more expensive...

No, the OP was advertising the "high exchange rate" of the USD versus the PHP, and I am showing him that it helps him only that he sees higher numbers on some banknotes. That was the illusion.

[cerox]

Who cares about the price of alcohol, TVs, pasta etc.

 

Major monthly expenses make the Philippines or Thailand cheaper or more expensive for you.

 

For me, just learning from this thread (never been to PH) the Philippines seems to be more expensive for my lifestyle. The reason is that a condo which costs me 300 EUR in Thailand will cost me 600 EUR in Cebu or other cities, perhaps because they do not have enough supply. Also, I do not want to buy a motorbike, renting a motorbike costs about 207 EUR instead of 80 EUR in TH. So just for major expenses like living and transport I have to spend 400+ EUR monthly.

Moreover I see more expensive electricity.

The visa in PH will save me around 100 EUR monthly (quiet expensive in TH). Still overall much higher basic expenses in PH.

I am sure you can live much cheaper in PH; but not if you wish for a certain basic lifestyle (clean modern room).

If I am missing something, please tell me; this is just from reading here and doing research. I am not an expert - just seeing the PH is not at all cheaper than TH for me.

 

Vietnam really offers value for money for me. Similar accommodation pricing as TH and visa super-cheap compared to TH.

 

Yes, the Thai Baht is very strong. It makes Thailand almost as expensive as my home town in Europe.

Living in the Philippines, from my research it seems like a more expensive life than in Europe; but Europe is developed. Why would I pay more than in my home country which is developed; it does not make sense.

[lkv]

Pantene Shampoo 265 pesos vs 159 baht regular price, now at promo at Tops 119 baht.

 

Tops has promos on shampoos, toothpaste, shower gels etc 10 months out of 12.

 

Edited July 2, 2019 by lkv

[cerox]

Why it does not matter how much a TV costs in either country for me?

Because I will not buy one. Having accumulated a lot of stuff in Thailand when I came here, I will not make this mistake again. Fortunately I never bought Elite visa, a condo or a car. So it is only lots of stuff in my room - most of it I already got rid off, donated etc.

 

I would urge everyone to think about that, not moving to a new country, e.g. PH, buying all this stuff again and then you dont like it or visa rules change. Just because PH are now relaxed with visas as TH once was, does not mean it will change like that forever.

[ExpatPH]

Come live here for 1 year, live exact same life as you do in Thailand. 

Savings talks for itself.

 

Lack of comprehension I can't help with. Sorry.

[lkv]

27 minutes ago, AlexRRR said:

over all my money goes further when in the Phillipines.

 

Because either you change your spending pattern, or spending on drinks represents a high proportion of your monthly expenditure, or you give up "a few sqm" at the condo.

 

Or you are comparing the wrong things. It's like me comparing the rent in Nakhon Nowhere to the rent in Thonglo.

 

Or because what you spend your money on costs less in PH. Different people different spendings.

 

If most is cigarettes, booze and p#ssy, yeah ok. 

 

Others may look at medical care, infrastracture, appliances, rents, how it looks like when you open the window, etc.

Edited July 2, 2019 by lkv

[lkv]

It all comes down to this.

 

The reason I kept giving these examples is because the OP was going on and on with 51 peso to the dollar vs 30-31 baht to the dollar.

 

Yes, the Thai baht is overvalued. No, that's not the reason I left Thailand and I am now posting from Europe.

 

I would have accepted higher prices if they were behaving nicely, as a premium for a good life.

 

They weren't.

 

Prices will vary in every country, some more expensive some cheaper.

 

Different people will spend more or less according to their spending pattern.

 

For me, I was in Taipei a few months ago. It is generally more expensive than Bangkok overall. I was thinking. Would I pay a premium to live here?

 

Bali cheaper than Phuket. I had the same question in my mind. Is the pricing ok putting it in balance with  what I am looking for?

 

Haven't decided yet. 

 

However, I am more on the side of the posters that describe PH as a sh#thole unfortunately. For me. If it was 20% cheaper than say Thailand, I would not care. I don't want to spend 20% less and downgrade my lifestyle.

 

My lifestyle would actually cost 20% more in PH and I would get a 4th world country without infrastructure.

 

Not to say I am keen about Thailand either, for the multiple other reasons I mentioned apart from pricing, but will keep travelling and exploring the region further, see what fits best.

Edited July 2, 2019 by lkv

[ExpatPH]

Calculate the exchange rate of 2,000 USD.

102,000 Peso vs 61,000 Baht

It is actually cheaper to live here in the Philippines - with exact same lifestyle.

Exact lifestyle.

 

'Some' try to question my credibility, honesty, surveys, facts ..... and also those other members who also earlier and today agreed that money last longer here.

 

Do the math.

 

Then come live here for 1 year.  

And also try to l i s t e n  to those who been here or live here, and concur that money last longer here in the Philippines.

 

I have now explained this thoroughly, and hope further non sense are avoided.

 

ExpatPH

[BritManToo]

54 minutes ago, cerox said:

Why would I pay more than in my home country which is developed; it does not make sense.

Slim attractive hookers and warm weather?

PS.

I was paying 800 pesos/night for a beach side apartment (aircon, wifi, cable, fridge) in Subic, free use of beach hut, nice sandy beach where I could swim every day and a floating bar full of young ladies 100m away. That was cheaper then the same type of apartment I found in Krabi.

Edited July 2, 2019 by BritManToo

[lkv]

10 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

Calculate the exchange rate of 2,000 USD.

102,000 Peso vs 61,000 Baht

It is actually cheaper to live here in the Philippines - with exact same lifestyle.

Exact lifestyle.

 

No....I mean seriously, you must be doing selective reading of my posts.

 

Why do I care I get 102,308 pesos or 61,319 baht?

 

They are just some numbers printed on some banknotes. You look at the banknotes, see many zeros and feel rich?

 

It's about how far that money takes you, depending on your spending patterns, what you see around you when you open the window, how your apartment looks like, and how much pain you encounter by being denied access to medicine that otherwise you'd get in other places (in your case).

 

Why is it so difficult for you to comprehend?

 

 

Edited July 2, 2019 by lkv

[ExpatPH]

Currency rate do matter for most people.

A look at latest Thai news show that. Expats in Thailand always talk about the damn exchange rate. Sure it does matter. Add on problems with immigration, numerous problems, more and more are pushed to use agents to get their retirement extension. More expenses lately, exchange rate matters even more for majority.

Logic.

 

Ease of visa also matters, even off shore workers who I asume bring in lots of money on their weeks off, get problems at airport. Sure ease of visa is very important for many.

 

Philippines don't have too many pros. So when I repeat exchange rate and ease of visa as pros, it is because it matters for majority of expats who consider their Plan B.

 

Don't try to sell this place, have mentioned the cons many times. But in 2019 with the current situation in los, many are ready and willing to do a trade-off, rather than return home.

 

Some might remember earlier survey on TV regarding expats income / pension / budget. Majority wasn't rich or well off. 

 

The average expat now consider Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and more.

 

I personally find Cambodia a $hitho/e, but I never feel the need to write it time after time.

I accept that many former thai expats moved there the last 10 years, and have adjusted there. Good for them. 

 

Getting bored of the never ending bashing of the Philippines. How many times is enough?

How many of you bashers has actually made a real attempt to live here?

 

Same budget - exact same lifestyle = money last longer in Philippines. Much longer.

 

[madmen]

7 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

exact same lifestyle

Like chalk and cheese. Why are you trying so hard? The Philippine  bashers don't even rate compared to your relentless pumping

 

There is good reason why Thailand wins every award every year as the top tourist destination and The Philippines barely rate a mention

Edited July 2, 2019 by madmen