I lived in the northern part of the Philippines as an Expat for several years. I stayed in Dagupan and Rizal. Manila, Angeles City, Alaminos (Hundred Islands) and Baguio was my average hang out spots. Apartment was a two bed room, one bath, with my girlfriend and her sister. My expenses in Rizal was Rent - 3,500P. health Care - non Electric - 2,500P. Drinking Water - 750P Water - included in rent. Trans. - 1,000P Entertainment - 10,000P WIFI - non Groceries - 5,000P Eating out 5,000P Immigration - 1,415P Total - 29,165P $611.34 501.93 Euro Best and relaxing time of my life, hopping to return as soon as i can.
John that's awesome. I would love to talk to you bc I'm thinking about making my move out there once the boarders open up again. Is there anyway I can get in contact with you?
I rent a 2 bedroom in the Deep South U. S. I live comfortably by having a lifestyle as if I would in the Philippines. It taught me a lot visiting there. Keep it simple. Great video Calvin.
None of this matters if Philippines does not open up soon we are dying here suffocating we need out ASAP it’s unlivable here the cost of living in the USA 🇺🇸 has gone up 400% save us Calvin !!!!!
Great video bud. I 100% believe the “boots on the ground” $1000 a month….If I retired now I’d have $2000 (plus whatever if anything the VA will be rating me at) and another $1300 when I turned 62 If I worked until 62 (55 now) I’d come there with $5500 a month. I’m really torn what to do but this helps
@@edwardlawler9487 what's a realistic budget fir two to live quire comfortably in the Philippines and travel around the islands a fair bit for diving etc.?
There really isn’t a question…just a ponder….do I bail on the rat race and live comfortably there or wait 6 years and live pretty high….🤔. This video has me thinking 🤔🤔
@@kennethboehnen271 Nobody has a clue on how much you will spend on trips or basic rent. You can live like Calvin for a grand a month where he is, everything else will be added expenses. How many dive trips, how far away they are, what hotels and food cost there, what the dive shop charges Too many variables that all depend on you. You can't tell me how much I will spend in a week. It all depends on me.
@@kennethboehnen271 during my stays which is 3 months max I jet ski, scuba and island hop but I paid for my condos years ago. Just based off my retirement and va I would say doing those hobbies $2500 would suffice very well.
Would you go over the total cost of your motor bike including gas, maintenance, registration fees, and advice on how negotiate the best cost and what brand of bike to buy? Thanks.
A new Yamaha/Honda etc 125-150cc won't be needing much maintence atall, regestrationfees are peanuts. And if u get a flat tire etc that will set u back the same amount as a beer or something like that. My experiences are based on Thailand but should be basicly the same. My Yamaha 135cc had 30000km on the clock when i last saw it heh. Other than changing the fuelinjection once I had no major issues.
Thanks for the house tour. I live in a Condo in Cebu but I'm going to have to check out San Carlos. I'll be looking for a place next yr in Luzon. Electricity is going up everywhere here. I moved from a rented house to a Condo. If it's just yourself and a partner it's perfect. I don't miss having to stand in lines to pay bills.
Yes Calvin,its about happy go lucky lifestyle.....cheap housing,the women,less stress,different enviroment etc.....its alot of things rolled up into a great package....the pros outweigh the cons....i like your location,but would like something similar on Cebu island so i dont have to catch a ferry to a good hospital or airport etc.....any towns in Cebu like san carlos....
@Sunshine Shoulders , Thanks for the straight forward and personal info Calvin. 17500 PHP monthly, y'all are eating good in the P.I. lol 😆. The exchange rate fluctuates daily. The lowest I've personally seen the USD was 17 PHP to $1 USD mid/late November 1987. $1000 USD was only 17000 PHP. The way our knuckleheaded gov is printing dollars these days raises some concern in me. Best wishes.
I am also in the province In Eastern Laguna. And yes you can live and sustain on 1000. But what I always wonder is what you do all day. I have a hard time keeping my total expenses less than 90k. But I spend on getting the house improved or do some projects always. I would get bored if I just "live" day to day. My groceries are way more expensive. Maybe it is because I keep some western eating habits. Like dairy (Greek yogurt) beer and so forth. The transportation. I live 2km out of a provincial town so use a scooter for the trips to bayan. We have no mall. That's 45 minutes away. So I won a car for the long trips. All paid for. Traffic can be weird sometime but I never feel uncomfortable to drive myself as long as I drive very defensive. I am always worried that people think they can live on 1000us but still want to spend also to "have things to do". Instead of limiting yourself around the house only
Calvin, look for "Magnetic Thermal Insulated Door Curtain" on Amazon. It might be what you need to to keep cold air in a room while allowing easy passage.
Greetings Calvin. Great content. Honest & accurate. I'm married to a Filipina for 14 years now and we are about to make the move back as soon as this covid mess clears up a little. San Carlos is actually on our short list of places to move to. How long is the trip to Bacalod? And have you spent any time in Salvador Benedtico? We don't want to be too close to family! I bet you get that!! Maybe a future video? haha
Is there a cooler (temperature wise) to live on that island that maybe catches some trade winds? How is Bacolod city? Thank you for your awesome generosity and especially your channel!
Nice residential district! That's the kind of place I'd be looking for, not on a major road with lots of traffic, but not in a gated community either. I need greenery and quiet. Pretty amazing that you're feeding and lodging all these mouths on that budget. I think location is huge part of it, those living in luxury condos in large cities can't imagine living on less than 1500$-2000$ but it's all down to location, and whether you need that Starbucks coffee every day... Frugality is a skill few truly understand.
50k is easy. I do 40 and have some left. There are a few things that I don't do. No kids No A/C No Western food No Western restos No Coffee culture nonsense No cable (good internet) No allowance for GF No cars No television or cable Its easy if you can assimilate in to the culture.
@@jonfishmacon Rent ₱10k. Electric 1k. Water 400. Internet 2k. BI 1.5k. Medical savings 3k. Rest on food, fun, etc. A/C gives me respiratory problems if I'm in it for more than 24 hours. I won't pay for mediocre, overpriced food at the Western restos. Won't pay for the overpriced , imported Western food at the store. Don't like coffee. Don't watch sports. GF has a real job so she has her own money. No money, No honey is a 2 way street. Family is self sufficient but if GF wants to give them ₱ that is her business. Cars are a black hole. They take and take but give very little. I got tired of owning them and am happy not to have one hanging around my neck. Minimalism = Freedom. Childfree = Freedom.
Again, I only need around 10,000 Pesos per month. I'm married, house, lot and car is paid for, I have a backup electric generator, have PLDT FIBER 50 Mbps, no Immigration costs due to Section 13a, have health insurance through my wife and California Blue Cross, can livestream every TV channel in the world, buy quality imported groceries and usually have funds left over.
@@garrylafferty100 It does here in Central Mindanao. You must be one of the gullible foreigners who are charged 5 times the true price of things here....
hi @Sunshine Shoulders, you did not include a category for unexpected expenses and another category for cell phone service. How much would you budget for those two categories? Thanks for the interesting video!
Calvin, very elegant place you and the family live in. So glad you discuss this topic. You are correct, most of the guys just think about going to the Philippines just to get the women. If they take your advice, set up their small castle there. Then the women will come to them always. Most Filipina know the difference between a short stayer and a person digging into society. They want the latter. Beside, the women outnumber men,. The American dollar to peso rate is the best than all western countries especially the close neighbor of Australia. We have them beat big time. Thanks for the information that helps us tremendously brother Calvin.
Is the WiFi secure? Do you do online banking? How do you pay your bills. Thru debit cards, checks, cash, at a mini mart etc. can anyone get health insurance especially if you have many pre existing conditions?
Security of the WiFi would be based on which router he uses, WPA2 is pretty standard around the world so it wouldn't be different in the Philippines. In other words, yes, it's likely just as secure as anywhere else.
HEY...I AM TAKING CARE OF --7-- HERE IN LIPA..I AM A RETIRED TRUCKER FROM NEW ENGLAND..WE DO FINE I HAVE BEEN HERE OVER 2 YEARS, AND WE ALSO HELP OTHERS..
He was born premature at 7 months and spent 18 days in a private hospital with 16 in an incubator and his mother was there for 6 days. Average birth here is usually around 16k pesos.
My biggest concern is the U.S. economy might crash soon and what will happen if the dollar goes down to 20-30 peso? It could happen and happen soon so plan for it if it happens.
Do you get a rent increase yearly? I rented a large house in Bacolod and there was a 8% yearly increase which is within the law. Later, I rented an apartment in a gated community and also had a yearly increase San Carlos looks nice, its good your girlfriend could get a house like that. 👍for that price.
@@calroach1 ok i should have said a rental increase anywhere from 0 - 8% but it's left to be seen what will happen after you've lived there a year, there is a tendency to extract money from expats whenever possible
Hi Calvin. I and another viewer were wondering if you'd confirm that was 350,000 for your baby's birth? I thought maybe you meant 35,000. I'm also wondering about the cost of your cell phones. Here in Edmonton we pay for wifi and I pay for my phone to a different company. I'm chatting with a lady in Butuan who pays a lot for her phone and wifi will be about what you said also. All the best buddy. Glad you are so happy there! Thanks for the informative vlogs.
My daughter’s was only 16000 pesos my son was born 2 months premature in 2012 and spent 28 days in a private hospital and 16 of those in an incubator. Average cost of a birth here is about 16000 pesos. Sorry for the confusion.
During a pandemic, budget or spending could change for the time being until it’s over or in case some other disasters or natural disasters pop up “randomly “(whatever)! BTW, I don’t see why they don’t just include everything in the rent besides the groceries and immigration fee
USD500 is our monthly budget for a family of 4 with 2 dogs. We don't pay a rent coz we own the house. I add additional USD10 for my parents' insurance. USD 1000 is already living a luxurious life here 😂
@@calroach1 you are always welcome. The Philippines is CHEAP and its cost is tempting to for others to SPEND MORE. Come to the Philippines and do NOT change your lifestyle. You'll save a loooottt in no time.
@@garrylafferty100 we don't buy medicine, host a birthday party or splurge ourselves in buying expensive school supplies every month. I do not consider them as a monthly expense. I save up for birthday parties, i don't worry of funeral and medical expenses because my family is insured (the insurance premium is already included in our USD500 budget). I also have an emergency fund. Filipino cooking is simple and inexpensive. A meal for 4 people is just around 4-5 dollars here. It's about budgeting and knowing what your needs are. AFTER ALL, A TYPICAL FILIPINO FAMILY, A LOW INCOME EARNING FAMILY, DOES NOT EVEN EARN 50K A MONTH. And yes, we can stretch our budget. You'll be surprised how we do it
Good for you, but your lifestyle is far from the norm. But if you are happy, that is all that matters. People with kids in school, with vehicles, who enjoying out of towns, shopping, eating differently, etc just can’t live on 50k. A family with 4 kids, helpers need much more. Monthly expenses could run this (maybe more or less): 55k rent, 56k vehicle payment, 24k electricity, 3k water, 20k helpers, 30k tuition, 80k food, 14k vehicle expenses, 4k cable/internet, 25k condo for students, clothes, medical, dental, entertainment, travel, etc, etc, etc
55k rent? In the Philippines that’s more than I was paying in America. People are different and budgets are different. Thanks there is no debate on budgets.
50, 000 pesos is a big amount for Fil. 50 thousand monthly budget for foreigners can have a very comfortable life and can have maid. So, you can live like a King and Queen with maid especially if you are living in the province and if you own your house.
Hi Calvin, I'm planning to meet my Filipina girlfriend for the first time in Cebu city. I know in one of your video's you mention about your trip to Cebu city. Are you able to recommend a clean place to stay in Cebu City?
@@jasperkooijmans4212 LOL, no you have to pay BEFORE the VISA expires. If you are late they will fine you for every month you are late. When you arrive you get a FREE 29 day stamp and the next is a 59 day and after that you can get 1 month, 2 month, or 6 month extensions up to 36 months after which you must leave the country for 24 hours and when you come back your 3 years starts again. My buddy was late because of COVID and they still charged him about 20,000 pesos in late fees. Which is why I prefer 6 month VISA extension/renewals vice the 2 month Calvin mentions. Most immigration offices will only do 2 month extensions though :(. I am lucky that here on Leyte the Immigration in Tacloban lets you do 6 months extension because it is a 6 hour round trip to me from Ormoc to Tacloban.
@@calroach1 sorry I guess I mean to say what exactly are you painting immigration for...Visa stamps? And if that's it what type of Visa costs that price. Thanks again for helping myself and many others learn and answering our questions when we are not 100 percent clear on a topic.
@@albertthedogeinstein7983 when you get to the PI you get 30 days visa free. You can extend the tourist visa in 1,2, or 6 month increments up until 3 years. Then you need to leave the country but can come back again after 24 hours and the 3 year clock starts again. Calvin is stating the cost of the visa renewal for 2 months extensions at a time.
@@calroach1 We had one of those big window box ones before, it sucked down a lot of energy. Now we have one of those Samsung split inverter types, it blows directly on our bed and I have to shut it off after just a couple minutes cause its so cold. I spend all day turning the a/c on and off . We were surprised how low our electric bill was 1352 piso, down from 5000 +.
How to get rich and retire early to the Philippines. buy amc, hold, sell during short squeeze. How to get more shares for free if you can’t afford investing this late. Buy 100 shares. Sell covered calls out of the money for a nice premium, buy more shares for free.
Inflation, year after year, in the PI and around the world will affect a lot of foreigners. In addition, medical costs and "unexpected emergencies" will definitely affect a foreigner's finances. Plus, you add a girlfriend and her family you have to support Every Month, and you can kiss that sweet $1000 goodbye. It seems like a lot of foreigners want to go to the PI to simply 'survive' instead of actually live but oh well.
What's good Calvin I would like to say once again I love your channel I have a lot of those fancy things big screen TVs washers and dryers I busted my ass for it But one thing I learned I can't take none of this shit with me it's killing me So So So around 40 to 60 months from now I should have about 25K And I'm going to live off of that until I get My retirement when I move to the Philippines And when I move I'm having everything must go sale I'm selling everything dirt cheapThe price is gonna be so low they don't think is stolen But I got receipts for everything Real talk because of you now I'm not thinking about it no more I'm already made plans of moving there the only thing left I got I wanna make sure I got enough money Because I would love to have the simple life I'm willing to give all this stuff up and leave I wish I can go now I make almost 80000 a year I already started trying to live simple simple sometimes I take the bus to work that's the work Because I understand that life over there It's definitely a slowdown so you have to get used to some of the things now if that's where You will be living Life here is all about chasing a dollar if you don't keep chasing that dollar you will be left Behind Calvin I look at all your videos over and over and over because I need it to be stuck in my head like a song like a song So I keep my life simple I go to work and I go home I do that 7 days a week I'm used to it now And I eat the same thing over and over because it's cheap If so any advice you have I'll take it in consideration in consideration And I save all your videos So I never forget them So thank you for taking a time out Of your day and doing this for everyone I try to help somebody here I gave a dude $20 he got mad because he wanted 20 more that is life here you give someone a inch and they Want a mile Life is just too fast here too fast old guy like me
@Curtis Baten wow Curtis. It sounds like you know what you want, are forming a plan and making preparations. I certainly did my research off the internet before making my trip. Yep, Sunshine Shoulders gives great information from a guy out there living it right now.
Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity and support of my channel. I’m truly grateful!
I lived in the northern part of the Philippines as an Expat for several years. I stayed in Dagupan and Rizal. Manila, Angeles City, Alaminos (Hundred Islands) and Baguio was my average hang out spots. Apartment was a two bed room, one bath, with my girlfriend and her sister. My expenses in Rizal was
Rent - 3,500P. health Care - non
Electric - 2,500P. Drinking Water - 750P
Water - included in rent. Trans. - 1,000P Entertainment - 10,000P
WIFI - non Groceries - 5,000P Eating out 5,000P
Immigration - 1,415P
Total - 29,165P $611.34 501.93 Euro Best and relaxing time of my life, hopping to return as soon as i can.
my wife is from rizal it's beautiful
John that's awesome. I would love to talk to you bc I'm thinking about making my move out there once the boarders open up again. Is there anyway I can get in contact with you?
If i was a single expat, i wouldnt be trying to marry nobody. I would just be doing me, wherever I'm at. Great video and info
I REALLY LIKE WHAT YOU HVE TO SAY
Right on brother you got the perfect idea of how to go to it
Right on bro. Just have a different woman every week.
I rent a 2 bedroom in the Deep South U. S. I live comfortably by having a lifestyle as if I would in the Philippines. It taught me a lot visiting there. Keep it simple. Great video Calvin.
Your damn right Calvin about sharing and paying for everything. If she complains about your budgeting then that's a bad sign.
Appreciate the breakdown. The cost of living is a huge draw. Thank you for showing guys they way. God bless you brother.
one thumbs down 100 up. what a wonderful community.
Peace and blessings! Keep putting out the good information. It is much appreciated!
I can't wait for the Philippines to open back up!👍🏼
Love your show brother!!! Great information
Glad you enjoy it!
Glad you focused on budget instead of women. Not every expat is looking for a wife. Keep up the good work.
That is great advice. "You then add to yours". Very great plan to work it.
Love your Honesty, & your videos
Thanks Kevin.
*Thx4Sharing valuable content Calvin* 👍🇺🇸
“Not a whole lot of night life.” That’s a benefit in itself!😎
Find the right woman and you got your "nightlife"
Hahaa
Stephen Kroplewski 👍🏽
@@bigstick346 true 😉
Great information🤜🏾🤛🏾 thanks bro🌴🌴
Thanks for the tour of the house.
Another great video thank you Calvin 🙏🙏
Good information. We are in Mindanao and within 10% item for item with you. 2 br 1 bath. No rent as we own.
None of this matters if Philippines does not open up soon we are dying here suffocating we need out ASAP it’s unlivable here the cost of living in the USA 🇺🇸 has gone up 400% save us Calvin !!!!!
Hi Calvin, the UK £1 has been hovering around the 67 peso mark lately and i would be happy with that if i was in the Philippines.
hey Calvin, many thanks for this video and the breakdown of your costs
great video Calvin, i hope to have about $1800 each month to live on
Great video bud. I 100% believe the “boots on the ground” $1000 a month….If I retired now I’d have $2000 (plus whatever if anything the VA will be rating me at) and another $1300 when I turned 62 If I worked until 62 (55 now) I’d come there with $5500 a month. I’m really torn what to do but this helps
I’m retired mil what’s your questions on living?
@@edwardlawler9487 what's a realistic budget fir two to live quire comfortably in the Philippines and travel around the islands a fair bit for diving etc.?
There really isn’t a question…just a ponder….do I bail on the rat race and live comfortably there or wait 6 years and live pretty high….🤔. This video has me thinking 🤔🤔
@@kennethboehnen271 Nobody has a clue on how much you will spend on trips or basic rent. You can live like Calvin for a grand a month where he is, everything else will be added expenses. How many dive trips, how far away they are, what hotels and food cost there, what the dive shop charges Too many variables that all depend on you.
You can't tell me how much I will spend in a week. It all depends on me.
@@kennethboehnen271 during my stays which is 3 months max I jet ski, scuba and island hop but I paid for my condos years ago. Just based off my retirement and va I would say doing those hobbies $2500 would suffice very well.
You are so damn smart! Everything you said is so right on. I wish i knew about you before i moved here.
Excellent stuff and nice for you sharing. Cheers
Would you go over the total cost of your motor bike including gas, maintenance, registration fees, and advice on how negotiate the best cost and what brand of bike to buy? Thanks.
A new Yamaha/Honda etc 125-150cc won't be needing much maintence atall, regestrationfees are peanuts. And if u get a flat tire etc that will set u back the same amount as a beer or something like that.
My experiences are based on Thailand but should be basicly the same. My Yamaha 135cc had 30000km on the clock when i last saw it heh. Other than changing the fuelinjection once I had no major issues.
Thanks for the house tour. I live in a Condo in Cebu but I'm going to have to check out San Carlos. I'll be looking for a place next yr in Luzon. Electricity is going up everywhere here. I moved from a rented house to a Condo. If it's just yourself and a partner it's perfect. I don't miss having to stand in lines to pay bills.
Good video. The man tells it like it is, no bs.
This is like music to my ears, Calvin. 🤓
That's real good info bro! I have another 10 years to retire and have a lot of passive income.
Thanks for this information. Good video
Yes Calvin,its about happy go lucky lifestyle.....cheap housing,the women,less stress,different enviroment etc.....its alot of things rolled up into a great package....the pros outweigh the cons....i like your location,but would like something similar on Cebu island so i dont have to catch a ferry to a good hospital or airport etc.....any towns in Cebu like san carlos....
@Sunshine Shoulders , Thanks for the straight forward and personal info Calvin. 17500 PHP monthly, y'all are eating good in the P.I. lol 😆. The exchange rate fluctuates daily. The lowest I've personally seen the USD was 17 PHP to $1 USD mid/late November 1987. $1000 USD was only 17000 PHP. The way our knuckleheaded gov is printing dollars these days raises some concern in me. Best wishes.
Nice video very good information
Great videos man!
Great advise Calvin
I am also in the province In Eastern Laguna. And yes you can live and sustain on 1000. But what I always wonder is what you do all day. I have a hard time keeping my total expenses less than 90k. But I spend on getting the house improved or do some projects always. I would get bored if I just "live" day to day. My groceries are way more expensive. Maybe it is because I keep some western eating habits. Like dairy (Greek yogurt) beer and so forth. The transportation. I live 2km out of a provincial town so use a scooter for the trips to bayan. We have no mall. That's 45 minutes away. So I won a car for the long trips. All paid for. Traffic can be weird sometime but I never feel uncomfortable to drive myself as long as I drive very defensive. I am always worried that people think they can live on 1000us but still want to spend also to "have things to do". Instead of limiting yourself around the house only
Calvin, look for "Magnetic Thermal Insulated Door Curtain" on Amazon. It might be what you need to to keep cold air in a room while allowing easy passage.
Thanks!
That was a very interesting video about the cost of living, with some great tips! Thank you so much for sharing and best regards Calvin/Ned 💪🏽👍🏽💪🏽
Thanks Calvin Shared and tagged my wife so she would look.
Thanks for the information very insightful.
Greetings Calvin. Great content. Honest & accurate. I'm married to a Filipina for 14 years now and we are about to make the move back as soon as this covid mess clears up a little. San Carlos is actually on our short list of places to move to. How long is the trip to Bacalod? And have you spent any time in Salvador Benedtico? We don't want to be too close to family! I bet you get that!! Maybe a future video? haha
Thank you, very helpful video, I really appreciate it! 🙂
Is there a cooler (temperature wise) to live on that island that maybe catches some trade winds? How is Bacolod city? Thank you for your awesome generosity and especially your channel!
There are mountains here where living is breezy and cool!
Nice residential district! That's the kind of place I'd be looking for, not on a major road with lots of traffic, but not in a gated community either. I need greenery and quiet.
Pretty amazing that you're feeding and lodging all these mouths on that budget. I think location is huge part of it, those living in luxury condos in large cities can't imagine living on less than 1500$-2000$ but it's all down to location, and whether you need that Starbucks coffee every day... Frugality is a skill few truly understand.
I’m not frugal at all but as you say location is the key. My community is also not a gated one 😀
Good video and you have a good perspective on life.
50k is easy. I do 40 and have some left. There are a few things that I don't do.
No kids
No A/C
No Western food
No Western restos
No Coffee culture nonsense
No cable (good internet)
No allowance for GF
No cars
No television or cable
Its easy if you can assimilate in to the culture.
so what do you have Fan , power , rent, food?
@@jonfishmacon Rent ₱10k. Electric 1k. Water 400. Internet 2k. BI 1.5k. Medical savings 3k. Rest on food, fun, etc.
A/C gives me respiratory problems if I'm in it for more than 24 hours.
I won't pay for mediocre, overpriced food at the Western restos. Won't pay for the overpriced , imported Western food at the store. Don't like coffee. Don't watch sports.
GF has a real job so she has her own money. No money, No honey is a 2 way street. Family is self sufficient but if GF wants to give them ₱ that is her business.
Cars are a black hole. They take and take but give very little. I got tired of owning them and am happy not to have one hanging around my neck.
Minimalism = Freedom.
Childfree = Freedom.
Again, I only need around 10,000 Pesos per month. I'm married, house, lot and car is paid for, I have a backup electric generator, have PLDT FIBER 50 Mbps, no Immigration costs due to Section 13a, have health insurance through my wife and California Blue Cross, can livestream every TV channel in the world, buy quality imported groceries and usually have funds left over.
@@garrylafferty100 It does here in Central Mindanao. You must be one of the gullible foreigners who are charged 5 times the true price of things here....
50k is very easy to do in the province
Thanks Brother.
hi @Sunshine Shoulders, you did not include a category for unexpected expenses and another category for cell phone service. How much would you budget for those two categories? Thanks for the interesting video!
Calvin, very elegant place you and the family live in. So glad you discuss this topic. You are correct, most of the guys just think about going to the Philippines just to get the women. If they take your advice, set up their small castle there. Then the women will come to them always. Most Filipina know the difference between a short stayer and a person digging into society. They want the latter. Beside, the women outnumber men,. The American dollar to peso rate is the best than all western countries especially the close neighbor of Australia. We have them beat big time. Thanks for the information that helps us tremendously brother Calvin.
Thanks David.
Nope. The Pound way outclasses the dollar.....
Is the WiFi secure? Do you do online banking? How do you pay your bills. Thru debit cards, checks, cash, at a mini mart etc. can anyone get health insurance especially if you have many pre existing conditions?
Security of the WiFi would be based on which router he uses, WPA2 is pretty standard around the world so it wouldn't be different in the Philippines. In other words, yes, it's likely just as secure as anywhere else.
It’s secure I pay my bills in the Philippines with cash and my credit card bill online. Cash is king here.
HEY...I AM TAKING CARE OF --7-- HERE IN LIPA..I AM A RETIRED TRUCKER FROM NEW ENGLAND..WE DO FINE I HAVE BEEN HERE OVER 2 YEARS, AND WE ALSO HELP OTHERS..
Good BTS information man. What’s the immigration payment for?
visa buddy
Visa Extention.
I noticed a lot of people have 200- 300 dollar food bills. Why is it so much. It seems more than the rent.
We tend to shop in the grocery where food is expensive. My bill includes toiletries too.
Mine runs around $500. It depends on what kind of food you like. I buy a lot of imported food.
Most of this cost thing is common sense and taking a hard look at what you have and the life style you want to life,
Good advice
Keep safe and God bless you more sir
Calvin 350,000 Philippine pesos for the baby delivery back in 2012? that's over $7,000 US that's about how much it cost to have a baby here
I was surprised at that figure. I thought maybe he meant 35,000. Maybe he'll answer our question.
@@duanet.7463 he said son was an emergency, I think he said a 16000 pesos for birth of daughter 8:30
He was born premature at 7 months and spent 18 days in a private hospital with 16 in an incubator and his mother was there for 6 days. Average birth here is usually around 16k pesos.
@@calroach1 thanks for the update Calvin, that totally explains the additional cost. Heck that would be a 300k bill in the U.S. lol
Do you keep a US phone number? If not, how do you handle online banking and credit card transactions?
@@JustChristianBlack Thanks
Online and I use wifi.
I plan to move to Davao & Cebu for 2 people, I hope 50k peso would enough, as the rent in those places are more
You are the man! I can hardly wait to get over there
Thanks for the info
The problem is dealing with the exchange rate. It not fixed.
My biggest concern is the U.S. economy might crash soon and what will happen if the dollar goes down to 20-30 peso? It could happen and happen soon so plan for it if it happens.
Do more houses for sale or rent content if possible.
There ain’t no Medicare or Medicaid in the PI . All cost come out of your pocket for medical expenses
Do you get a rent increase yearly? I rented a large house in Bacolod and there was a 8% yearly increase which is within the law. Later, I rented an apartment in a gated community and also had a yearly increase
San Carlos looks nice, its good your girlfriend could get a house like that. 👍for that price.
No. I haven't been here a year yet but I would move if they tried that on me. Thanks.
@@calroach1 ok i should have said a rental increase anywhere from 0 - 8% but it's left to be seen what will happen after you've lived there a year, there is a tendency to extract money from expats whenever possible
Hi Calvin. I and another viewer were wondering if you'd confirm that was 350,000 for your baby's birth? I thought maybe you meant 35,000.
I'm also wondering about the cost of your cell phones. Here in Edmonton we pay for wifi and I pay for my phone to a different company. I'm chatting with a lady in Butuan who pays a lot for her phone and wifi will be about what you said also.
All the best buddy. Glad you are so happy there! Thanks for the informative vlogs.
My daughter’s was only 16000 pesos my son was born 2 months premature in 2012 and spent 28 days in a private hospital and 16 of those in an incubator. Average cost of a birth here is about 16000 pesos. Sorry for the confusion.
@@calroach1 No worries buddy. Thanks for clarifying that. Glad your son is fine now.
50,000 pesos is a lot in the Philippines
Absolutely but some people still aren’t convinced!
During a pandemic, budget or spending could change for the time being until it’s over or in case some other disasters or natural disasters pop up “randomly “(whatever)! BTW, I don’t see why they don’t just include everything in the rent besides the groceries and immigration fee
These are living expenses I’m not advocating anything else. Thanks.
Where do you go to the gym?
I workout at home.
USD500 is our monthly budget for a family of 4 with 2 dogs. We don't pay a rent coz we own the house. I add additional USD10 for my parents' insurance.
USD 1000 is already living a luxurious life here 😂
Thanks for sharing this information!
@@calroach1 you are always welcome. The Philippines is CHEAP and its cost is tempting to for others to SPEND MORE. Come to the Philippines and do NOT change your lifestyle. You'll save a loooottt in no time.
@@garrylafferty100 we don't buy medicine, host a birthday party or splurge ourselves in buying expensive school supplies every month. I do not consider them as a monthly expense. I save up for birthday parties, i don't worry of funeral and medical expenses because my family is insured (the insurance premium is already included in our USD500 budget). I also have an emergency fund. Filipino cooking is simple and inexpensive. A meal for 4 people is just around 4-5 dollars here. It's about budgeting and knowing what your needs are. AFTER ALL, A TYPICAL FILIPINO FAMILY, A LOW INCOME EARNING FAMILY, DOES NOT EVEN EARN 50K A MONTH. And yes, we can stretch our budget. You'll be surprised how we do it
@@CriselleSebastian.. Hello, miss Sebastian, do you live in the Philippines? ☺
@@thetop3channel432 yes
Man .....I can make that home for sure...what you saying is unbelievable.... just almost unbelievable...
Good for you, but your lifestyle is far from the norm. But if you are happy, that is all that matters. People with kids in school, with vehicles, who enjoying out of towns, shopping, eating differently, etc just can’t live on 50k. A family with 4 kids, helpers need much more. Monthly expenses could run this (maybe more or less): 55k rent, 56k vehicle payment, 24k electricity, 3k water, 20k helpers, 30k tuition, 80k food, 14k vehicle expenses, 4k cable/internet, 25k condo for students, clothes, medical, dental, entertainment, travel, etc, etc, etc
55k rent? In the Philippines that’s more than I was paying in America. People are different and budgets are different. Thanks there is no debate on budgets.
50, 000 pesos is a big amount for Fil. 50 thousand monthly budget for foreigners can have a very comfortable life and can have maid. So, you can live like a King and Queen with maid especially if you are living in the province and if you own your house.
Exactly baka medyo maypagka ung asawa nya...
Hi Calvin, I'm planning to meet my Filipina girlfriend for the first time in Cebu city. I know in one of your video's you mention about your trip to Cebu city. Are you able to recommend a clean place to stay in Cebu City?
I would definitely do Airbnb here in Cebu City
Yo bro Immigration payment is 80 dollar a month right? Even tourist are able to stay longer that way right kelvin?
No its about 30
@@calroach1 so if i only have tourist visum for 1 month i can stay a year and pay like 330 dollar? Ad they end?
@@jasperkooijmans4212 LOL, no you have to pay BEFORE the VISA expires. If you are late they will fine you for every month you are late. When you arrive you get a FREE 29 day stamp and the next is a 59 day and after that you can get 1 month, 2 month, or 6 month extensions up to 36 months after which you must leave the country for 24 hours and when you come back your 3 years starts again. My buddy was late because of COVID and they still charged him about 20,000 pesos in late fees. Which is why I prefer 6 month VISA extension/renewals vice the 2 month Calvin mentions. Most immigration offices will only do 2 month extensions though :(. I am lucky that here on Leyte the Immigration in Tacloban lets you do 6 months extension because it is a 6 hour round trip to me from Ormoc to Tacloban.
@@Termnator1964 nice my girlfriend is from biliran so thats not to far tnx bro❤️
@@jasperkooijmans4212 Not to far at all!! Look me up when you get here!! Bob Withrow on FB.
Can you elaborate what you mean when you say X amount of pesos for your "immigration?
Sure. Two month Extention costs 2830 pesos.
@@calroach1 sorry I guess I mean to say what exactly are you painting immigration for...Visa stamps? And if that's it what type of Visa costs that price. Thanks again for helping myself and many others learn and answering our questions when we are not 100 percent clear on a topic.
@@calroach1 of a tourist Visa?
@@albertthedogeinstein7983 when you get to the PI you get 30 days visa free. You can extend the tourist visa in 1,2, or 6 month increments up until 3 years. Then you need to leave the country but can come back again after 24 hours and the 3 year clock starts again. Calvin is stating the cost of the visa renewal for 2 months extensions at a time.
@@jasonwill5949 thanks for the breakdown
How many KWH you use per month? We used 176 KWH last month.
I have to check my bill.
495 because the aircon in the living room was pulling so much power trying to cool that big space. We shut it off.
@@calroach1 We had one of those big window box ones before, it sucked down a lot of energy. Now we have one of those Samsung split inverter types, it blows directly on our bed and I have to shut it off after just a couple minutes cause its so cold. I spend all day turning the a/c on and off . We were surprised how low our electric bill was 1352 piso, down from 5000 +.
G/M Calvin
Need to know info. Thanx
50 K pesos= 1050 $ approx, 6/8/21
How much is 50k in USD?
47,000 is 1000 usd if the exchange rate is 47. So about 1060 usd. 😉 ish.
If you are not married to a good Filipina Woman, May God Help You.....
What no roosters and barking dogs.
FIRST! HA! 😁
Nice quiet place sounds great,was worried about my 5500 usd retirement if I could live comfortably. Thanks for your channel.
23k for me.
Paradise brother!!!
Would a gentleman be able to meet a nice 20 year old in your city ?
Yep
Ezy pezy.
That’s funny…a receipt but they write it on the back lol 😂
😆😆😆
50K pesos, damn you rich, psh🤠🤠🤠
😂😂😂
How to get rich and retire early to the Philippines. buy amc, hold, sell during short squeeze.
How to get more shares for free if you can’t afford investing this late. Buy 100 shares. Sell covered calls out of the money for a nice premium, buy more shares for free.
I'm still laughing about the "Filipino make over story😄😄
.....Seems like you can live on a budget there........
Inflation, year after year, in the PI and around the world will affect a lot of foreigners.
In addition, medical costs and "unexpected emergencies" will definitely affect a foreigner's finances.
Plus, you add a girlfriend and her family you have to support Every Month, and you can kiss that sweet $1000 goodbye.
It seems like a lot of foreigners want to go to the PI to simply 'survive' instead of actually live but oh well.
Thanks I hope you watched the video seems you didn’t cause I’m living very comfortable. Take care.
50k a month is to much unless if you staying in manila then I can say that 50k is ok for a month....
What's good Calvin I would like to say once again I love your channel I have a lot of those fancy things big screen TVs washers and dryers I busted my ass for it But one thing I learned I can't take none of this shit with me it's killing me So So So around 40 to 60 months from now I should have about 25K And I'm going to live off of that until I get My retirement when I move to the Philippines And when I move I'm having everything must go sale I'm selling everything dirt cheapThe price is gonna be so low they don't think is stolen But I got receipts for everything Real talk because of you now I'm not thinking about it no more I'm already made plans of moving there the only thing left I got I wanna make sure I got enough money Because I would love to have the simple life I'm willing to give all this stuff up and leave I wish I can go now I make almost 80000 a year I already started trying to live simple simple sometimes I take the bus to work that's the work Because I understand that life over there It's definitely a slowdown so you have to get used to some of the things now if that's where You will be living Life here is all about chasing a dollar if you don't keep chasing that dollar you will be left Behind Calvin I look at all your videos over and over and over because I need it to be stuck in my head like a song like a song So I keep my life simple I go to work and I go home I do that 7 days a week I'm used to it now And I eat the same thing over and over because it's cheap If so any advice you have I'll take it in consideration in consideration And I save all your videos So I never forget them So thank you for taking a time out Of your day and doing this for everyone I try to help somebody here I gave a dude $20 he got mad because he wanted 20 more that is life here you give someone a inch and they Want a mile Life is just too fast here too fast old guy like me
@Curtis Baten wow Curtis. It sounds like you know what you want, are forming a plan and making preparations. I certainly did my research off the internet before making my trip. Yep, Sunshine Shoulders gives great information from a guy out there living it right now.