It’s widely accepted by many globetrotters that the Philippines is one of the best vacation spots in the world. Over 7,000 small islands peppered with pristine beaches, tropical rain forests, along with affordability make the country a popular tourist spot. In fact, a lot of travel sites including Internationalliving.com have recommended the Philippines as one of the best places to retire in the world in 2016.
However, let’s admit one thing: retirement is different from touring. A whole range of metrics must be considered to evaluate whether the country is an ideal retirement hub or not. Now, that’s what this post will focus on. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of retiring in the Philippines.
Pros of retiring in the Philippines
- Low cost of living (just US$10 to US$12 for doctor consultation. Homes can be purchased at one-fourth of the price of homes in the US and UK)
- Emergency help (drivers, carpenters, housemaids, etc.) at inexpensive rates
- Pleasant climate year-round
- Friendly people (most of the youngsters are fluent in English)
- Countless nature-friendly places to explore in free time
- Delicious food and dirty cheap Rum
- Cons of retiring in the Philippines
- Adherence to the local culture could be challenging for Westerners
- Lack of Infrastructure (transportation, Internet connection, public utilities, etc.)
- Limited healthcare facilities when compared to that of US or UK centers
The bottom line
There you have it – the pros and cons of retiring in the Philippines. It’s a great country to settle down if you like to spend the rest of your life in a natural setting and lead a luxurious life with less cash in hand. However, if you prefer more of technology and advanced developments around you i.e. with respect to the infrastructure, then this might not be the best place for you.
However, retirement in the Philippines is purely a matter of personal choice rather than a recommendation from a friend or tourist. Do analyze your needs, and see how many boxes the Philippines ticks. If you’re like most 60+ people who like to lead a calm and peaceful life while enjoying the beauty of nature, then the Philippines could be your best choice.
Ashley is a globetrotter who blogs mostly on travel and tourism. She is the chief writer and social media strategist at GolfPh, a site dedicated to providing information related to golfing in the Philippines.
By ASHLEY WATSON
