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An American Expat Retired to Paradise

Posted August 6th, 2009 by bjruth

American expat Barry says it's important to do your homework first before making life-changing decisions, such as moving to another country. Here, he talks about why he decided to retire to the Philippines, what he likes about living there, and his views on the cost and standard of living.
 
Me and my beautiful bride
Barry Jay Ruth

-Where were you born?

I was born in Chicago, Illinois USA in 1944, but moved to Southern California during my teen years.

-In which country and city are you living now?

Cainta, Rizal,  Republic of the Philippines, is my home now, and I reside here permanently on a Special Resident Retiree Visa.  This is a city just outside the National Capital Region so it is not as congested, but still has all of the conveniences of Metro Manila.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

In October, 2007, I married my wife, Elma, and we purchased a condo in an American style condo community.  There are over 800 units in the complex and enjoy all of the expected amenities.  There is a large pool, club house, lots of greenery, and even a sari-sari store.

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?

I actually moved into a rental unit 2 1/2 years ago, in anticipation of finding a permanent place to live.  We did finally decide that we wanted to purchase our own unit in late 2007 and live here permanently.

-What is your age? 

I turned 65 in July, 2009.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Philippines?

I had been planning my retirement since my late 50's, and became involved with another Filipina who I had met online.  Over the next five years I visited the Philippines over a dozen times.  I liked the idea that English was spoken widely.  The cost of living here is much lower than in the U.S.  My Social Security and pension go a very long way, and I can live much better here with less worry about the future than if I had not moved.  While medical technology here is not as available as in the U.S., medical care is good.  Because the Philippines was part of the U.S. for over four decades, there is a mixing of American and Asian cultures here.  It is hard to tell that you are not in the U.S. when you go into a local mall, stop by KFC for some chicken, or phone Pizza Hut for home delivery.
 
When I met my wife, it was a perfect fit from the start.  She is educated, has a Bachelor's degree from a good Manila university, and is working on her Masters.  She is a Special Education teacher at an elementary school here in Rizal Province.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

No, I had made contact with the Philippine Retirement Authority (www.pra.gov.ph) first online and then during my last visit to the country in person.  The process was rather straight forward, and the personnel in their Makati City office were professional and helpful.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Medical insurance is readily available here. Companies like Blue Cross and Maxicare, which have affiliates in the U.S., offer plans with which most Americans woud be familiar.

-How do you make your living in the Philippines? Do you have any type of income generated? 

I am retired.  My income comes from Social Security and a private employer-sponsored pension.  For someone who needs to earn additional income, the Philippines is NOT their country.  Jobs are very scarce here, and native Filipinos are more likely to be hired before a foreigner.  About the only area that has some demand is for English teachers, but not to teach Filipinos, but other Asian nationals who come here to learn that language so they can migrate to the U.S. 
 
As for starting a business, a foreigner can only own 40%.  The remaining 60% must be Filipino owned.  Most businesses here are small and do not generate the cash flow that one would expect in the U.S.

-Do you speak Filipino and do you think it's important to speak the local language? 

In Metro Manila, most people understand English, but may be shy to speak it.  I have no problem communicating with those I come into contact every day.  In the Provinces, it is a little different.  While English is widely understood (it is the mode of instruction in high school and above), fewer people have the chance to practice it.  By the way, only 40% of Filipinos finish high school.  I am fortunate that my wife can interpret for me in situations where the communication is done in Tagalog (Filipino).

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

I have reached the age where there are fewer and fewer of my family still alive, but I certainly do miss my elderly mother and my sister and her family sometimes.  My wife and I did take a trip to the U.S. earlier this year and plan on doing the same every year or two.
 
The Philippines is a beautiful and diverse country.  We are fortunate that travelling here is relatively inexpensive.  Most islands/places can be reached by air or boat for under the equalivant of $100.  Hotel rooms (or B & B rooms) can be rented for as low as $15 a night (and that is for very clean and comfortable accomodations).  So we enjoy travelling.
 
Because my wife works, I find myself going to the malls alone (there are six large ones within a 20 minute taxi ride from my condo).  First run American movies are available, as well as bingo and other activities.  (Movie admission is the equalivant of about $1.50 or less.)
 
There are expat groups available, and enough Americans, Brits, and Aussies around that you do make friends.  Overseas organizations for Democratics and Republicans are also here.

Additionally, I have a website which keeps me busy.  The website offers information to those thinking of retiring in the Philippines, including travel information, history, culture, and cost of living. (Go to www.bjruth.com.)

-Do you have other plans for the future? 

As I mentioned previously, I am retired.  About the only thing I would like to do is to travel outside the Philippines, and show my wife the countries I visited in the past, both in Asia and in Europe.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it? 

Again, as I mentioned previously, we purchased a condo unit in a large American style complex.  For a small 53sm two bedroom end unit with balcony we paid approximately $50,000.  For the few months I rented, I first paid about $450 a month (including utilities) for a fully furnished unit, and then about $325 a month (including utilities) unfurnished. 

-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?

The cost of food, housing and personal services (like hair cuts) is much cheaper than in the U.S.  My weekly budget for my wife and I is PhP2000 (about $40) for groceries, and I buy many branded foods like I purchased in the U.S.  American brands like Del Monte, Dole, Hunts, Kelloggs, and Hersheys are all here. (Although some may be manufactured in countries other than the U.S.)  Telephone with DSL service runs PhP1295.  Cable TV is PhP680.  Electricity bills run about PhP2300.  Our condo association dues are PhP2400.  (I have a chart on my website that will give you an idea of many more items.  Go to www.bjruth.com/cost_of_living.html.)

-What do you think about the Filipinos? 

I am treated extremely well by Filipinos.  While in the U.S. older Americans are not always treated well, here age entitles one to respect.  As a foreigner, where ever I go I am greeted in a friendly manner, and many that I may have a conversation with are eager to know my opinion of their country, and want to know many things about the U.S.  Filipinos are a warm and generous people. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Philippines?

Many of the positive things I have outlined above.  Of the negative, living in the Philippines, just like living in any developing nation, is not like living in the U.S.  One should not expect the same culture, or the same living conditions.  The first thing you notice the first time you come here is that this is a POOR country.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Philippines?

Through my website, I have offered advice when asked to many people thinking about moving to the Philippines, or to American men thinking about a relationship with a Filipina.  The first thing I always encourage is to visit here, and see for oneself, what this country is really like.  All too many people make life changing decisions without doing their "homework" first.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Philippines?

My wife and I have put a great deal of time and effort into our website with the hope that people will consider at least visiting the Philippines (it is a beautiful place to vacation), and then, maybe, decide to retire here.  This is not a place for younger people to relocate to, so I emphasize RETIRE.  We are always open to questions, and if we cannot give you a factual answer, we will direct you to other places on the internet that can.  Please visit us at www.bjruth.com.  Mabuhay!  Greetings from the Philippines.

I have to agree with you

69_enchant.39's picture
On August 9th, 2009 69_enchant.39 says:

I have to agree with you regarding visiting a place first before deciding on relocating there. I was born in the Philippines however, I left at a tender age. I have not visited since and it's been decades. My husband who is also a filipino, visited recently after not seeing the Philippines for a lot longer than me, suddenly introduced the idea of retiring in the philippines in the future. I feel like a complete stranger to my own home country. I am sure should I visit it now, I will be seeing it with a completely new perspective. I agreed to entertain the idea of retiring in the future on a trial basis to see how we will fit in. I enjoyed reading your interview, it is both informative and helpful.

retire

john kearney's picture
On August 29th, 2009 john kearney says:

thanks for the information i also want to retire to the philipines in five years as my wife is a filipino and i will have a goverment pension from the uk also the sale of my home should provide a comfortable life .as my hobby is fishing with fly only canyon developments have a lake for fishing if anyone knows of other facilitties let me know

Retiring to the Philippines

DavaoBruce's picture
On August 29th, 2009 DavaoBruce says:

Bruce
http:www.americanindavao.com
I just read your interview and next plan to visit your site. I moved here because of loss of occupation in the US, so instead if bringing my Filipina to the US, I moved here.
I am not of age to collect Social Security, but my Filipino nephew who is a Marine Engineer, who thinks of me as his dad and I look at him as my son, supports us. This way I can build my annuity income for emergencies. On my site I have many atricles about live in Davao and the Philippines. I hope you will visit my site too.

response to Barry J Ruth

julijaner's picture
On September 14th, 2009 julijaner says:

Your answers here are the best I have ever read. I have been to the Philippines on five occasions, from Manila to Davao, and I agree with your summation of things in this beautiful country. I am going now to your website to receive more insight....I too plan to retire there. I have family in the Mindanao interior, but my heart is in Cebu. I am a 68 year old widow and I have a great love for the Filipino culture and the people.
Thank you for such positive input...I have visited other sites for expats ...chat rooms...and they are distasteful in many ways...therefore, it is refreshing to hear an intelligent person speak the truth. It is people like you who are an asset to the Filipino community.
God bless you as you live and love in the Philippines. Julia

Paradise

braddockrd's picture
On September 27th, 2009 braddockrd says:

The greatest thing in the Philippines are the islands. Unfortunately, Metro Manila is a real pit. Being retired, I am surprised that you chose to live there, where you could find so many great locations to live. I have personally been to many of the islands, and they are beautiful. Every business trip I make to the Philippines (about once a quarter) I end ups spending a long weekend and visiting a new destation. With the budget airlines it is so cheap to go anywhere!

There are nice places in Metro Manila

bjruth's picture
On November 16th, 2009 bjruth says:

I agree with you that overall the islands in the Provinces have more natural beauty than Metro Manila. However, if you are one who is used to city life and would like to spend retirement in an urban environment with all of the conveniences, than you can certainly find nice places. Take a look at my website, Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines and you will see pictures of where I live and places I visit. These are certainly not the "pit." It is one thing to visit an undeveloped area and another to actually live there as a retiree.

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

Searching work in the PI

Happygolucky's picture
On December 7th, 2009 Happygolucky says:

Hello, Im 29, I have a BS in business. I know alittle spanish, I know a few words in Japanese, and of course fluent english. Please email me at nickinil@yahoo.com I will sen you my resume an answer any questions you have. I visted phillipines for the first time a month ago and I didnt want to leave. I'm making 70K+ at the moment do you think it will be possible to match that in the PI? I can do anything business related with trainnig, and can probably absorb the language in 3 years if required. Nick

Sorry to have to discourage you ...

bjruth's picture
On December 7th, 2009 bjruth says:

Nick, I am glad you enjoyed your stay in the Philippines a month ago. You probably noticed the poverty here. The average Filipino lives on US$1 a day. The President of the Philippines would love to have the income you have, as she officially earns about US$12,000 a year. Most graduates of Philippine universities can not even hope to ever make what you are now. As an example, my wife is a professional teacher (she passed the national board exams), and has been working in Special Education for over 16 years. She is currently the head of her department in a very good private school in Rizal Province. She earns a little more than US$200 a month. She works over twelve hours a day, sometimes six days a week. It is almost impossible for a foreigner, certainly one without native language fluency (either Tagalog or another dialect), to find employment. Over 10% of the Filipino population must leave the country for work that will support their families remaining in the Philippines. To work here you need a resident visa and a work permit. A young man without a job and contract with a multi-national company here, or substantial capital, would never be given one. As I mentioned in my interview above, the Philippines is great to retire to, but not to work in. You can find more information on my website Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines (http://www.bjruth.com), or join the discussion in Mabuhay! Forum (http://forum.bjruth.com)

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

retiring in the philippines

eddie tarp's picture
On January 17th, 2010 eddie tarp says:

barry, thank you so much for the information you provided on your website. i am from new jersey and my wife is originally from san pablo but grew up in the states. we are planning to retire in mactan island in a few months to start up a basketball academy for kids. it will be more of an outreach program through a church to help kids out. how is mactan island for setting up basketball clinics for the kids? will it be well received in that area? if you get a chance check out our website. www.mactanislandhawks.com thanks so much and look forward to hearing from you.

We wish you well in your plan

bjruth's picture
On January 17th, 2010 bjruth says:

Eddie, thanks for your comments and we wish you well with your plans. While my wife and I are not experts in the islands around Cebu, including Mactan, we are sure that anything that is aimed at helping kids should be received well. My wife has been involved with Christian NGO's for many years helping kids, especially special children, and knows the good that these activities bring. While there could be some obstacles to success, if you are working with an existing church in that area, they should be minor. Again, the best of luck to you. If you would like more information, please contact us through our website, Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines (http://www.bjruth.com).

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

Info

jamesc66's picture
On February 9th, 2010 jamesc66 says:

Which part of the RP do you feel would be best to retire to in Mindaneo pertaining to cost of living and safety.....Thank you..James Christian from Tennessee Jamesc1943@yahoo.com

lov to read your comments and experiences

marichulupas's picture
On February 11th, 2010 marichulupas says:

Hi Barry, I am a Filipina currently living here in the States...I feel very happy for you and your wife, being in the Philippines. I was born and raised in the Philippines ,but had to work abroad for the last 10 years now.One day I hope to go back fo good and retire in the Philippines. My co-workers some are Filipinos, laugh at my thoughts of going back, but I put it aside, I cannot understand how can they not appreciate the beauty of the Philippines. I pray for your both and may you further have a happier life.

Retiring on Mindanao

bjruth's picture
On February 12th, 2010 bjruth says:

As I am sure you know, the island of Mindanao is only about 10% smaller than the State of Tennessee. Its largest city, Davao City, is the third largest in the Philippines with a population of about 1.5 million. Expats are scattered throughout the island, and live with very few security issues. Living outside of Davao City is less expensive than living in the city, and is less expensive than other parts of the Philippines. Keep in mind that we are not talking about a standard of living on a level of the U.S. This is a poor country, and the general population lives in conditions most Americans would not tolerate. Unless you have a Filipina spouse or girlfriend, or know Filipinos well living here, I would not think of living outside of a major city with the support services it offers. In terms of areas that are unsafe for Americans, the southwest portion of Mindanao offers less security for foreigners in general. These are, however, areas that most foreigners would not normally visit.

The best way to determine which area is best for your retirement is to actually visit the Philippines. Think of spending at least three weeks (initial tourist visas are 21 day duration without pre-application) exploring the parts of the country in which you have an interest.

I invite you to visit my website, Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines, and utilize our resources to assist you in making your retirement decision. About 40% of foreigners who retire to the Philippines eventually return home, mostly because of poor planning.

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

Thank you for your comments

bjruth's picture
On February 12th, 2010 bjruth says:

I too know many Filipinos living in the U.S. who laughed at the idea of retiring in the Philippines. It may be because of the problems in Metro Manila, or the lack of opportunity in the country as a whole. However, retirement in the Philippines for someone who has a foreign source of income is definitely better because of the lower cost of living. Having 7,107 beautiful islands to explore offers a never ending inexpensive list of activities. Thousands of retiring overseas foreign workers (OFW's) do return here each year, along with thousands of retirees from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and countries around the world.

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

INSURANCE

JGRABEK's picture
On March 28th, 2010 JGRABEK says:

i want to know how to purchase medical insuarance in the Philippines and also if you are a citizen of USA do you have to becaome a ciizen of the Philippines?? thanks

Re: Insurance

bjruth's picture
On March 29th, 2010 bjruth says:

Even though most expats in the Philippines do not carry medical insurance because of the low cost of care, there are a number of companies who offer policies, including some American names, Blue Cross and Maxicare being the two most notable. We have complete information available in our article archive, Mabuhay!, (http://articles.bjruth.com), and on our discussion forum, Mabuhay! Forum (http://forum.bjruth.com).

In answer to your second question, no, you are not obligated to become a Philippine citizen, although many returning former Filipinos do elect to obtain dual citizenship. The citizenship process for non-Filipinos is lengthy and complicated. Most expats see no need for the trouble.

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

Philippines why I like it:

misterb's picture
On April 9th, 2010 misterb says:

Hi Barry

I have been reading your blog with a lot of interest: I have made 4 trips to the Philippines in the last 5 years, each time for vacation. I had traveled to several destinations in Asia/Pacific region prior to the Philippines, but find my experience is always best in the Philippines. I have had a long standing interest to move to a tropical place, and have completed 1 work related expat assignment ( in Europe ).

I am too young to retire yet ( although some days after work, I feel ready :) ).

So far, I have visited, Manila ( Ft. Santiago ( including the Rizal memorial and exhibit of his writings), Corregidor ( ruins and memorials ), Boracay Island, Mt. Mayon ). I would also like to stress, that I really like several things about Metro Manila, especially the Baywalk area. I like the sunsets and several years ago, it there was plenty of great live music to be heard. Perhaps that is one of the best things, I always find really good live music, not so many DJs but good bands.

I have found the people friendly and curious about my opinion of their country. I am always greeted by someone at NAIA who says "mabuhay", I mean as a guy who likes to travel far on his vacations, being greeted this way means alot. I certainly dont experience this type of greeting anywhere else.

I know opportunities for work are limited, and your plan to retire makes perfect sense to me. I do check from time to time to see if any multinational companies are looking for someone to fill an expat position in the Philippines, but so far no luck.

I miss my travels to the Philippines, I hope to make the journey again, as soon as I can get some time away from my office. I like the music, san mig, friendly people, good food, and sunsets over the South China sea. It is a long way to travel, but worth it.

Thanks, but also a word of caution ...

bjruth's picture
On April 9th, 2010 bjruth says:

We are happy that you have had memorable experiences while traveling in the Philippines. A word of caution for you, though. Just remember that retiring permanently to a foreign country is much different that just visiting on vacation. You will encounter the differences trying to accomplish daily routine tasks, let alone trying to go over all of the hurdles to permanent residency. We always counsel those thinking about retiring here to get as much information as possible. Spend some time on our sites, Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines (http://www.bjruth.com) and Mabuhay! our eZine article archive (http://articles.bjruth.com). Join our forum, Mabuhay! Forum (http://forum.bjruth.com). There are also a number of other sites also run by expats currently living in the Philippines. When you have time spend at least three weeks living here as you would want to do when you retire. See what the problems are to everyday living on your budget. The first one will be to just decide in what part of the country to settle. Remember, retiring overseas is a life changing decision. Take it seriously and carefully.

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

Hello

canam's picture
On April 24th, 2010 canam says:

Good Morning From California:
Just wanted to say hello and see how is life in Philippines. I am considering retiring early and moving there. her places
Can You tell me a bit more about Cebu or other places
John

Good morning from California

bjruth's picture
On April 27th, 2010 bjruth says:

Thanks for your inquiry, but you are asking a very broad question. I suggest that you go to my website, "Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines, http://www.bjruth.com. as we have information devoted to all of the major islands of our country.

Barry in Cainta, Rizal

Asia: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Europe: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Middle East: - - - North America: - - - Central America: - - - - South America: - - - - - - Pacific: - - - Africa: - - - - - - - - Caribbean: - - - -