Where Is The Disconnect?? Filipina Is Telling Me $1K Is A Lot!!

[AllenInWV]

I too have heard that $1K USD/month in the Philippines is a princely sum that will allow me to live a pretty lavish lifestyle....a "factoid" that has really piqued my interest in the RP. But from what I've read here, that's not exactly accurate.

 

What's confusing me is I've heard this from a citizen of the Philippines who was living there up until just a few years ago. In fact, just yesterday, she pointed out that $1K USD = P43K (as of yesterday, according to Google), which is around what a Senator in the Philippines makes.

 

So what's the deal?? I consider myself firmly in the middle class here in the US. I do really want to simplify my life when I retire. A smaller place to live (my house here is ~ 1,800 sq ft, half that would be fine). I can live w/o air conditioning if I can have a fan or ceiling fans. I don't hit the bars, I think my entertainment needs could be met with internet, a decent TV, and my Blu-rays when the weather keeps me from going for a walk. LOL

Not to be nosey, but is the average ex-pat a lot more well-off than I thought?

 

 

[frosty (chris)]

I have also heard the same, when I was in the Phils talking with my friend and told her my plan to re-locate there, and as I am an older single guy, I asked her would $1000 a month be ok to live on, her reply was easy peasy. I don't hit the bars, but like a beer, not a womaniser, but like woman. I know I can get a reasonable place to live for around 7000 pesos a month. Where I am here I don't spend a thousand a month so I can't see why I would have a problem there, so in 7 weeks I will see what the out come is, good luck to you, have a good one.

[AllenInWV]

Cool! Keep us posted!

[frosty (chris)]

Yes I will , I plan to keep a very accurate diary of all my expenses so can post for any one interested, one thing I have learnt is to have a friend there to help with any items you need to buy, they all seem to have a friend that can help or a friend of a friend. I do know what I spend here for a night out at a reasonable restaurant, in the Phils it is a fraction of the price, I did post this before, but to give you some indication of the price difference, a packet of 30 cigs here 820 pesos, in the Phils 40 pesos.

[Fred & Mimi]

It's not only your month to month expenses you must consider, also your inherited family's running costs. It is very hard to avoid copping the bill for the poorer members of your GF's family and you will see many comments on this forum about this subject. Also be prepared to cop medical and hospital bills for family members that fall sick or get injured.

 

You will be made to feel like the king of the family here in Phils but you will get to pay for that place in the family.

Edited November 19, 2013 by Fred & Mimi

[Jack Peterson]

Over the last year or so we have discussed this in various ways. If you consider, the average wage here is about 250p per day, it would follow, that $1000 or 43000p,  a month, should, allow us to live,  like kings.

It does not happen. There are lots of reasons and the main one is US, we still, want to live a western style life and this, can cost. For me and this is only my, opinion, you will need a very good local lady/wife that can handle money, is trustworthy and not too near her own family. Let here do her own buying, see to the bills ect. they can make 500p go a lot further than we ever could. Even beer.

 

I am lucky, I have one of these sometimes elusive ladies. My take home beer is 18p per 330m  bottle if she, shops locally.  for me the cost is 35p and this is just a one off example

 

my friend,  IMHO it can be done and is done but not in a great way, by a foreigner on his own 

 

 

I do not think I would survive very long on my own

 

 

 

 

:tiphat:

 

[AllenInWV]

LOL Well, honestly Fred & Mimi....I hope I won't be searching for a GF by the time I retire. I'm 46 now and I'm guessing I have ~10 years before I can really think about it. Even if I had any "game" (which I don't LOL) I don't think I'll be of the mind to start into dating at 56+.

 

Jack...can you elaborate on what you mean by "western style"?? I think this may be where my disconnect is.

 

And why the difference in prices? Is it knowing where to go, or do they haggle over prices??

Edited November 19, 2013 by AllenInWV

[AllenInWV]

Another thing.....she (the woman telling me this) is, or rather "was", from a pretty well-off family. Her dad owned a string of appliance stores. They had a driver, a nanny for her two children, a housekeeper (though I'm not clear on if she was also the nanny). Their house was pretty good-sized I guess. It was definitely gated. I can't imagine given that, that she'd not recognize a disparity in 'quality of life'.

[Fred & Mimi]

I can't imagine given that, that she'd not recognize a disparity in 'quality of life'.

 

If this is the case, I would move in with her. That way you just add your $1000 a month into the family kitty lol

Edited November 19, 2013 by Fred & Mimi

[AllenInWV]

LOL "If that were the case"....that was more than a few years ago, I'm afraid. Her father passed, she's here now with her boys in West Virginia. She does okay, but a far cry from having live-in help. As I recall, her mother and her brother still live in the RP. Not sure about their situation.

Regardless, moving in with her isn't an option....not that I would mind. LOL