25 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to the Philippines

By Norm Schriever

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans look to move abroad. Some do so because they're relocated for their job, while others relocate overseas looking for a slower pace of life and to live among natural beauty. Even more, people approaching retirement age in the U.S. are adding up their piggy bank and realizing that between the high cost of living, the sky-high cost of healthcare and medicines, and diminishing social safety net, a comfortable retirement at home is untenable.

Whatever the reason, expats have more options than ever these days, from Costa Rica to Colombia; Mexico to Madrid; Thailand to Vietnam, and, yes, the Philippines. Whether young or old, pulling up deep roots or just intrepid wanderers, they’re starting their new lives in those countries. If they do it right, their remaining days are filled with sunny skies and smiles, new friendships and enjoyable experiences with twice the standard of living for half the cost.

But the Philippines is also distinctly unique from other expat destinations, as well as different than any country on earth. It should be on any expat's short list, but also have an asterisk next to it since it's not for everyone.

Like no other new home nation, the Philippines can be a tropical paradise for expats, filled with scenery so amazing you have to pinch yourself to see if it’s real, laughter, good vibes, and a sense of community.

But just as many people who move to the Philippines flame out very quickly, frustrated by the inefficiency, chaos, and shoddy infrastructure. Best case scenario, they leave and try an easier – but less rewarding – country like Thailand or Vietnam. Worst case scenario, they stay, grow increasingly cranky and curmudgeonly, and poison the vibe for everyone else.

I’ve experienced a bit of both, if I’m honest with you, having first visited the country extensively way back in ’99 when I was a young buck backpacking around the world. I was both shocked by the impoverished, grimy conditions, and awed by the jaw-dropping natural beauty and genuine gregarious nature of its people.

The awe won out, and I moved back to the Philippines in 2013, settling into Boracay just in time for a super typhoon to hit (that’s another story!). In the years since, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, had a bumpy learning curve, and often questioned my choice to live here.

But you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing. I fall in love with the majesty and magic of the Philippines every day, as she still reveals her secrets to me little by little – once I earn them.

And I feel like I'm a better, happier, and definitely more patient person for it. Life is not dull (that's for sure!) in the Philippines, but life is also beautiful, and those statements need no asterisk.

So, is the Philippines right for you? What is daily life like for expats here? (Is it truly more fun in the Philippines?!) And how can you get to the beautiful, happy part with the smoothest transition?

Basically, what is it you should know about living in the Philippines?

Let’s find out!

Mabuhay!

-Norm Schriever
www.move2ph.com

• Language: English
• Publisher: Norm Schriever
• Release date: Jul 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781370952595

Norm Schriever

Norm Schriever is a humorist, cultural mad scientist, and enemy of the comfort zone. He grew up in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he was never accused of over-studying, and went on to live in North Carolina, Colorado and most recently in Northern California. Dissatisfied with a conventional existence, Norm sold or donated all of his possessions and moved down to Costa Rica in 2011 to pursue his lifelong dream of traveling the world and writing about his journey. His first book was written in the sleepy surf town of Tamarindo with the help of his secret weapons: fresh ocean air and Baileys in his morning coffee. He's since lived in Nicaragua, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and, currently, the Philippines. You can contact Norm at [e-mail] or visit www.NormWrites.com for more information.

Book preview

25 Things You

Need to Know Before Moving to the

Philippines

The Official Philippines Expat Fact Sheet (Part Two)

By Norm Schriever

move2PH.com

25 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to the Philippines

The Official Philippines Expat Fact Sheet (Part Two)

Copyright ©2019. Norm Schriever. All Rights Reserved.

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