So you are thinking of moving to the Philippines?

Today’s Guest Post is from Lloyd Cromer.  Lloyd is a long time reader of the LiP Web Magazine, and has contributed this article about getting everything lined up for a move to the Philippines.  Thank you for your contribution, Lloyd!

I do not have hard statistics, but I would guess that many that make the move  to the Philippines abandon their idea and move back to their home country within a few years.  Between Louis and Bob here on the LiP site, the consensus opinion is that 50 to 66% of foreigners who move to the Philippines end up going home within a relatively short time. There are many reasons, but I would guess the top 2 are: lack of income or funds, and not being able to adjust to the Philippine culture.

I have put together some of the important things to consider prior to making the move.

These may appear as common sense things to consider but in the excitement many people overlook the obvious.

1.  Are you ready to make the move?
•  Are loose ends all tended to and all potential problems solved prior to your move?
•  Do you have a firm grasp on what living in the Philippines entails?
•  Can you make the adjustments of living in the Philippines?
•  Remember, a vacation in the Philippines is NOT the same as living there.
•  Have you done your homework, and feel secure that you have all your important q uestions answered?
•  Do you have the complete support of your family that you will leave behind in your native country.
•  If you are having a difficult time living in your native country, don’t expect living in the Philippines to be any better.

2.  Have a clear cut reason why you want to live in the Philippines.
•  Saying “I want to retire in the Philippines” sounds great, but what does that really mean?
•  Once the primary reason is determined, all your decisions should support that reason.

3.  Have a plan, but don’t micro plan.
•  You know the old saying, “People don’t plan to fail… they fail to plan.”
•  Have an overall plan, a back-up plan, and finally an exit plan with a “threshold”
that will tell you when to abandon your thoughts of living in the Philippines.
•  Do not get so involved in planning, that you have made decisions that cannot possibly be attained.
•  You must be flexible. Things can and do change, you must be able to take it in stride.

4. It can’t be emphasized enough, Homework, Homework, Homework do it before you go anywhere.
•  Read and research as much as you can. Take the time to learn. Be informed.
•  Stop and learn why things are done the way they are.
•  Don’t make decisions in haste.
•  Remember “You can read everything written, but until you experience it, you will not fully understand.”

5.  Income
•  To live in the Philippines it requires money, do NOT ever think otherwise.
•  Have a budget and be realistic. You will usually spend more than anticipated.
•  Where will your income be derived? A secure, predictable income is a must.
•  Have a large enough reserve for emergencies, and only use it for emergencies.

6.  Medical issues
•   If you do not have medical insurance, you must have adequate money to cover medical expenses.
•  Only the major cities have hospitals capable of handling extreme emergencies.
•  There is no such thing as 911 (emergency) in the out-lying areas.

7.  Family issues
•  If you have children, schooling is the #1 issue. Have this worked out prior to your move.
•  Usually a filipina wife that has lived overseas will have a harder time re-adjusting to Philippine living.

8.  Don’t start a business you know absolutely nothing about, and don’t pretend to be something you are not.
•  Unless your visa allows you to work, it is illegal for you to own and run a business.
•  If you are able to operate a business, don’t expect to make a living wage.
•  If you plan to start a business, proceed slowly with your eyes wide open. Businesses are probably the number one reason for foreigners to lose most of their money.

9.  Leave your western mentality at the departure gate on your way over.
•  The Philippines is a different country with a different culture. Your way, may not be their way.
•   If you insist on “doing it your way”, you soon will become very frustrated and disillusioned.

10.  Don’t burn your bridges.
•  You may need support eventually. Make contacts and friends to have a support network.

11. Once you have made the move, set goals, and assess those goals every few months.
•  This can be therapeutic and prevent boredom. You must have a purpose for getting up each morning.

12. The Philippines is NOT the “Wild West”.
•  The laws of the universe still apply here. You will be quite conspicuous and under greater scrutiny.

13. Learn the language. Much can be gained by actually knowing what is going on.
•  When you get settled and have time, learn the language, it will be an education in itself.

14.  Finally, we all have common sense. Don’t leave home without it.
•  If you wouldn’t do something back home, then please don’t do it while in the Philippines.

I must credit Bob Martin for providing many of the above tips and considerations. Bob’s blog should be a daily read for those considering moving or even those already living in the Philippines. He doesn’t hold back on “telling it like it is”, and every article he writes is entertaining while being very informative.

I am sure every person that has made the move, successfully or not, has a story to tell.  I invite you to share your experiences, good or bad, so that others may have a better insight on what it takes to move to the Philippines.