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I’m happy where I’m at in the Philippines. No nosy (or drunk) expats, prices are still low, nice beach. It’s peaceful. No expat drama. No locals drama. Life is good. You guys have to find your own place. I’m keeping my location to myself.
What do you eat every day. Even the places in the philippines where we have a major city there is still a lack of accessibility to decent quality and variety of food.
That's what i like about Gulignhan City not many expats here. Plus only a few will talk to you i think I got another American and a German friend rest walk around with their nose in the air like their 💩 don't stink 😂😂 . But the 3 of us help each other on projects of building. One is getting ready to build a wood shop he has all the planers.. and miter saws.. all the tools to build and finish wood . A plus for us
BelCris American Meat market USDA an American cheese all types and lunch meats they have everything and i shop their once a month. Go check them out @@wanderingdoc5075
Hey Gio, Those were all major reasons for “not” living in Dumaguette. But you didn’t mention two of my “huge” reasons, for not living in Dumaguette. 1.) No major “great private hospitals”, like St Luke’s, in Manila, or the “Doctor’s Teaching University Hospital, in Cebu city. A great major private hospital is a must, as we get older. 2.) Too many brown-outs in Dumaguette. There are so many brown-outs there, I hear you can almost set your watches, by how many, there are, there.
Been in Cebu 1 year. The pollution, dirt all over the streets, when you walk around after a rain there is mud flinging all over your body from how dirty it is. Lack of sidewalks as well. I'm looking for a new place. If you're healthy enough having a hospital nearby is not that essential. People live in rural parts of the united states without a hospital and they are just fine.
Lived in Dumaguete for over a year. It’s one of the worst places to live in Philippines. Terrible traffic, drivers, streets. Essentially 2 grocery stores. So many better places to live. Iloilo, Zambales, Bohol, Mindanao. I’ll never go back to Dumaguete.
No Grab or taxis was all I needed to hear. I'm 6-5 and don't fit in a tricycle. I rode one in a short trip while in Manila, laying on my back. Never again.
Not one traffic signal in Dumaguete. Thousands of motorcycles running amock all over the place. Dumaguete is a cesspool. Not fit for a human being to live in.
I started out in Cebu and then Dumagette...didn't like either. Both are dirty and crowded. Every vlogger does the boardwalk.....that's not the real Dumagette. I took a trip to Siquijor eight years ago, much nicer than either. Very clean, quiet and quaint.
agree with everything mentioned. i recently spent time in Danang Vietnam. stayed on the beach front absolutely amazing. dont understand why expats chose Dumaguete
No good long term Visa in Vietnam for a young person. If Thailand and Vietnam had easy Visas to get people would be there in droves compared to the Philippines.
Agree with you and your assessment of Dumaguete. My first trip was Cebu, Panglao, Dumaguete then Siquijor. I'm now settled in Subic freeport. No place is perfect, but I found that Subic has the right combination for me.
I avoided Dumaguete and Cebu. Why? Because thats where all the white guys go. I wanted to be the only foreigner in my neighborhood and embrace the Filipino culture, even in the city. It was a little uncomfortable at first, but totally worth it. No regrets to find a genuine Filipino neighborhood and city. Even in metro Manila there are plenty of neighborhoods where you can be the only foreigner. Go explore outside the box.
Unfortunately there already few place in some safe places in Mindanao, most of the Visayas and Luzon that are not swarm by expats and tourists nowadays!!!
Gio another reason I like watching your 🇵🇭 videos because you keep them interesting and very informative with useful information. Thank you for sharing 👌🏾👍🏾!
I've done this and if you're in a smaller budget I suggest a different area as a base. Price wise you'd save maybe $3/400 I loved cebu and will most likely settle there but if you just want a place to leave your bags while traveling youre better off leaving them somewhere else. * remember Facebook is your best friend in the philippines. Can get or do just about anything through Facebook Its a little odd at first because when you book events they ask for a portion up front and the rest the day of so it can feel like a scam though I have not had that happen yet. If you're going to do airbnb PLEASE book only a few days and not a whole month up front and if the airbnb isn't exactly what is stated leave because airbnb and your credit card company will not protect you
@@just_another_bot0110 Im booking with airbnb. But when I was traveling eastern Europe in 2019 I booked a place that did not look like in the ad. It also had roaches. I took pictures and sent them to airbnb, they sent me back the refund. I don't know if things have changed but back then airbnb stood for their customers.
I will see what I can do. Dumaguete is actually pretty good with a bunch of private schools. I would probably say any areas that have a heavy expat population would be good.
I agree with several of the reasons. I live out in the Province, no grab, or grocery store, or even a bank. But no foreigners around, there's only 4 of us in this area, and we keep to ourselves. So, i don't see drunk people much, and enjoy it here.
Gio ...your one of a very few UA-camrs in the Philippines who give honest, unbiased info. Too many give BS info which newbies relay on only to find out the hard way, they made a bad choice listening to some. Thanks for years of great honest info!
Went to visit family ( day 2 of vacation ) in my rental car (Wigo) while staying in Duma, was T-boned (residential area ) by a huba-huba driver ( excessive speeding 60 kph ) spent 2 full days dealing with the aftermath, and of course the extra expense. Bike driver face planted on driver side window, ( wow what a site to see ) he was beat up badly but survived and was not charged or faced fines. This should not be the way a serious collision should be handled. Police do not care,.... UNLESS your a foreigner driving, then the rules really really change.
All valid points Gio. I enjoyed my time in Dumaguete and Valencia.for eight months. But for me it goes beyond Dumaguete. I am on a sleeper bus right now traveling from SaPa to Ha Long Bay and I Wi-Fi to listen and post. Not sure I would get that in the Philippines. But after visiting Vietnam and Thailand with the differences I choose Thailand as a home base to live and travel from. No comparison in my opinion. No place is perfect and I love the Philippines and the people too but decided not to live there. Smiles.
Dang, this video is so thorough and well done that it kind of makes you wonder why anyone would want to retire there in Dumaguete. Guess I'll look for the pro video.
I have consulted with Gio twice in last 5 months. After 2 full hours of discussion, based on his in depth knowledge, was able to discuss my requirements vs Cebu and confirmed that Dumaguete would not have the sufficient infrastructure/transportation I will need. Can highly recommend Gio as a great resource. Arriving early December.
I don't think there's any regulation in dumaguete I didn't see one cop on the street while I was over there .at this point. I think I'd just get a golf cart and drive it down the street
For me personally a lot of the very reasons you mentioned make Dumaguete the wrong place for me.. My wife and i own a small condo in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and to me it's perfect. We have Grab, trikes, bus depots, and are not that far from Clark International Airport. The city's not too big nor too small at a population of 350,000. Every food I could want is here and we live almost across the street from an S&R and a few minutes walk from two very good malls. Not that many foreigners, although if I wanted that Angeles is right next door to our city (about half an hour from our home). I also consider the locals very friendly.
@GiointhePhilippines. .,., Peddy cab is a bicycle with side cart, The driver uses the peddles with his foot for power, normally for short side street trip. Tricycle is a motorbike with a side car just like the ones in this video.
IMHO Dumaguete is a great place to start your retirement. It's a place where you can slowly learn the culture, take time to decompress from just retiring and think about what you want life to look like going forward. In a year or so you should be able to open a bank account, get your driver's license, have solid transportation and moved ahead on the culture learning curve. For me Dumaguete is not a place to be long term, I feel places like Bais, Bindoy, Bayawan and Dauin are much better locations for long term living. I live a few hours from Dumaguete and go there as needed for banking and shopping. I left the city a few years back mainly because of traffic and the number of people moving there, it's very crowded now. Enjoy the journey guys, be blessed.
The ironic part about Dumaguete is that alot of the issues you find there are all over the Philippines unless you move to the major cities like IT Park, BCG, and some other areas around Manila and Clark. But for the most part you'll play hell trying to get a lot of those "creature comfort s" most expats are use to. Just my 2 cents from what I've noticed the half dozen+ times my wife and I go there to visit family.
I said that already in 2017, that the best thing you can do in Dumaguete is to take the fastest means of transport away from there. Bacolod City and now Iloilo City are better for both country life and city life and the influx of foreigners there doesn't affect the prices for food or even owning a condo 😮
I agree with most of these negatives. I really enjoyed your videos on Iloilo and Bocalod! That looks modernized and well kept up. The infrastructure/traffic/pollution/terrible looking road conditions, and, all these reports of constant brown-outs! Ugh. I'd prefer a mostly (safe) walkable / bikeable area with taxis/grab if needed. Overall, and I haven't seen as many videos on it vs. Dumaguete, Thailand in general looks more modern to me (the cities anyway).
All of that is totally valid. One item that caused stress for me is the lack of housing. I know there are houses etc for rent but over all quality Is just not there. I like the volume of expats. I met some great people there.
Interesting vid. Grab Trike is available which I used a a fair bit. Walking is not too bad. I walked from Robinsons to my gym daily and after gym to Why Not then back to around Robinsons. Was pretty easy with sidewalks. I think the number 1 issue for expats is dating,while still easy, is more difficult with other expats there. Pros of Duma are, it has an airport, decent hospitals and clinics, decent restaurants covering a wide variety of types of meals, at least one excellent air con gym, cinemas and is not far from beaches and country side. Main thing I disliked about Duma is it is very cliquey and vast majority of expats were incredibly arrogant.
Duma has good and bad. Driving is bad everywhere. Go to Manila.....Yes shopping is better in big cities, but not that much. Duma, being small, is easier to get around. I left more due to the pressures on my wife from family (core and extended), and opportunities for her and our daughter. Iloilo is a great place, and would have been my first choice, but again due to family issues, wasn't what we decided on. Good vid Gio..
@GiointhePhilippines. ,., You forgot the inflating housing prices in Dumaguette. A lot of these houses and apartments are big city prices, the owners knows that many foreigners are looking for or are living in Dumaguette. So they will try to squeeze you for rent.
@GiointhePhilippines .. which I believe to be way overpriced for where it's at. Actually I think quality housing, although available is not so easy to find.
Live in vietnam and been to duma 3 times It's ok I like bravo golf and ang Tay golf Expats are a little nutty and traffic is worse then my city of 500 k Going to try Bacolod this time
While I acknowledge that it is beneficial to have some western friends, too many doesn't seem to be a good idea. After all you left your country for a change of scenery, so I would prefer to mix more with the locals. Also it is widely known to Filipinos that Dumaguete is full of foreigners so Filipinas from different islands move there to make Dumaguete their hunting grounds. These Filipinas are not necessarily the best catch.
I have been here Since last December and will be leaving at the end of the year ! The people can be nice here but it’s dirty stinks has no amenities that I desire .
Dirty stinks? Where do you live by the way? Please choose where you live. I don't see dirty stinks around where I live in my whole life here in Ph. I wonder where you live
If you're into scuba diving then Dumaguete is the place. It is like Puerto Galera. Maybe if Dumaguete has a BGC like Iloilo then it is a place to consider
Dating in Cebu has been amazing, almost like a dream, and there are plenty of foreigners. I guess Cebu if just so huge you can find anything you're looking for.
I lived in Cebu City for a year and a half. There’s definitely some pros, but way more cons. It’s filthy dirty with poverty on every corner, and worst of all when walking around theres dog shit every 10 feet. Not my style. I’ve not been to Dumaguette and not where I’d pick either.
Lets face it, Dumaguete proper is just an old city, nothing especially special. Looks similar to many other cities. There is nothing really special about it. There are more western style restuarants near the ocean/boardwalk, so that is a positive. There is a lot of traffic most of the day, and not many traffic lights. You do have more grocery store options than in Bohol for sure. We have two stores, the Alturas store in the ICM , and BQ. I think once you use the public transportation you will know what the real cost is, so you will not get upcharged. I know in Tagbilaran they have to charge the real rate, they are not supposed to upcharge anyone or face a fine if reported.
Forigners and the problems some can bring with them. We see it often on youtube Also i have moved around the Philippines and im unable to see the attraction in Dumaguete 😊
I have heard the dating possibilities in Duma is played out and any available (decent) prospects have been ran through by other foreigners. The YTber even called them village bicycles.
never been there.. have no interest in it simply because it has become known as a drama spot for expats.. probably will visit one day, but it is low on the list when compared to the rest of the Phils
#4-6 are common no matter where you go in this country. My wife isn’t keen on the lack if taxis and doesn’t care for tricycles etc. for me, its a nice place to visit (we live near Bacolod) but for me, the plethora of white people is a bother…to me, for some reason. I like the Bacolod area cuz there are fewer of ‘us’ around-too many waipipo approach me and start in on politics or trqshing the country and i try to slip away
It is better for Dumaguete NOT TO BECOME a PANGLAO.... Theres been many incidents too of Veteran Expats violently assaulting each other.... There's alot of bad drama with the Anglo Expats
Transportation issues - especially for the elderly. Higher priced rental property with western standards (!) and not enough of a selection for the large number of expats ? ( gentrification ) Serious health issues require trips to Cebu or Manila. -?- Older expats are less likely able to get around easily in the business districts. It isn't very accommodating towards the elderly ! 🤔
Ideally, elderly stay hone snd are taken care of by family, or their families escort them about while shopping, restaurants, etc. Not ideal for the live alone single foreigner
Thank you Gio. This helps a lot. Knowing that I really would like to not ride a motorcyle makes me think Duma is out. Now to whittle it down some more... Iloilo? Bucolad? Davo are on my top to visit when I do there March/April 2025
Your nice guy, but just to many simps have fcked it to many foreigners, to many bloggers, to much UA-cam BS, by the way foreigners who have lived in the Philippines for long time call it dunbarsre agetti
Love the Dumes. The whole Duma-Valencia-Dauin triangle is great . my fave is Bacong. EDIT: it's all so subjective, to each their own!! (no "grabs", sidewalks, that petty crap. please. 🙄 )
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hey gio, how r u guys over with the hurricane that passed through? was it as bad as southern luzon or no? thx . glad u guys are safe tho
I’m happy where I’m at in the Philippines. No nosy (or drunk) expats, prices are still low, nice beach. It’s peaceful. No expat drama. No locals drama. Life is good. You guys have to find your own place. I’m keeping my location to myself.
What do you eat every day. Even the places in the philippines where we have a major city there is still a lack of accessibility to decent quality and variety of food.
That's what i like about Gulignhan City not many expats here. Plus only a few will talk to you i think I got another American and a German friend rest walk around with their nose in the air like their 💩 don't stink 😂😂 . But the 3 of us help each other on projects of building. One is getting ready to build a wood shop he has all the planers.. and miter saws.. all the tools to build and finish wood . A plus for us
BelCris American Meat market USDA an American cheese all types and lunch meats they have everything and i shop their once a month. Go check them out @@wanderingdoc5075
@@wanderingdoc5075 bugs and dirt
@@wanderingdoc5075 my wife prepares Filipino foods and I also prepare some American meals. There is a local market and lots of food.
Hey Gio,
Those were all major reasons for “not” living in Dumaguette. But you didn’t mention two of my “huge” reasons, for not living in Dumaguette.
1.) No major “great private hospitals”, like St Luke’s, in Manila, or the “Doctor’s Teaching University Hospital, in Cebu city. A great major private hospital is a must, as we get older.
2.) Too many brown-outs in Dumaguette. There are so many brown-outs there, I hear you can almost set your watches, by how many, there are, there.
Very true!
Been in Cebu 1 year. The pollution, dirt all over the streets, when you walk around after a rain there is mud flinging all over your body from how dirty it is. Lack of sidewalks as well.
I'm looking for a new place.
If you're healthy enough having a hospital nearby is not that essential. People live in rural parts of the united states without a hospital and they are just fine.
@wanderingdoc5075
yeah my biggest gripe with Cebu City is the lack of walkability
@@petepinal8415 well to be honest, dumaguete is still considered the province but I get where you are coming from
Lived in Dumaguete for over a year. It’s one of the worst places to live in Philippines. Terrible traffic, drivers, streets. Essentially 2 grocery stores. So many better places to live. Iloilo, Zambales, Bohol, Mindanao. I’ll never go back to Dumaguete.
How about Cebu City? I'm thinking of going there to meet Nurses, Nursing Students in college and professional people.
No Grab or taxis was all I needed to hear. I'm 6-5 and don't fit in a tricycle. I rode one in a short trip while in Manila, laying on my back. Never again.
Not one traffic signal in Dumaguete. Thousands of motorcycles running amock all over the place. Dumaguete is a cesspool. Not fit for a human being to live in.
I started out in Cebu and then Dumagette...didn't like either. Both are dirty and crowded. Every vlogger does the boardwalk.....that's not the real Dumagette. I took a trip to Siquijor eight years ago, much nicer than either. Very clean, quiet and quaint.
Where do you live now?
@@wanderingdoc5075he lives in zombuanga del norte
Expats from hell. Duma is a sad spot. Used to be ok back in the day. Those tricycles make an awful noise.
Great video Brother. All of those are valid points why foreigners might not like Dumaguete 🙌 ❤️🇵🇭
Thanks for the honest video Gio. Every point you made is valid. I hope the multitude of Duma vloggers follow your lead.
Number 2 you are right GIO to many expats which is raising the prices of rentals even in Valencia.!
True.
Hey Gio, you helped me find a place to live and I'm finally in the Philippines 😊
agree with everything mentioned. i recently spent time in Danang Vietnam. stayed on the beach front absolutely amazing. dont understand why expats chose Dumaguete
I absolutely love DaNang!
No good long term Visa in Vietnam for a young person. If Thailand and Vietnam had easy Visas to get people would be there in droves compared to the Philippines.
@@elvantonucci695 I agree. Please, where is the Da Nang equivalent in The Philippines ?
Did u enjoy fa nang t hinking of going thefe
@@geoferyunsworth3562 amazing place holiday or live . Stay on the beach front of the city
Agree with you and your assessment of Dumaguete. My first trip was Cebu, Panglao, Dumaguete then Siquijor. I'm now settled in Subic freeport. No place is perfect, but I found that Subic has the right combination for me.
Well said!
No wonder. Subic is a place for US airforce before. It's more modern and has beach as well. I love Subic. So many expats as well.
I agree you can't beat the American built infrastructure of Subic
I avoided Dumaguete and Cebu. Why? Because thats where all the white guys go. I wanted to be the only foreigner in my neighborhood and embrace the Filipino culture, even in the city. It was a little uncomfortable at first, but totally worth it. No regrets to find a genuine Filipino neighborhood and city. Even in metro Manila there are plenty of neighborhoods where you can be the only foreigner. Go explore outside the box.
Unfortunately there already few place in some safe places in Mindanao, most of the Visayas and Luzon that are not swarm by expats and tourists nowadays!!!
Gio another reason I like watching your 🇵🇭 videos because you keep them interesting and very informative with useful information. Thank you for sharing 👌🏾👍🏾!
October 28 here I come!!! Cebu as a base and will be traveling to the surrounding islands!!
I've done this and if you're in a smaller budget I suggest a different area as a base. Price wise you'd save maybe $3/400
I loved cebu and will most likely settle there but if you just want a place to leave your bags while traveling youre better off leaving them somewhere else.
* remember Facebook is your best friend in the philippines. Can get or do just about anything through Facebook
Its a little odd at first because when you book events they ask for a portion up front and the rest the day of so it can feel like a scam though I have not had that happen yet. If you're going to do airbnb PLEASE book only a few days and not a whole month up front and if the airbnb isn't exactly what is stated leave because airbnb and your credit card company will not protect you
@@just_another_bot0110 Im booking with airbnb. But when I was traveling eastern Europe in 2019 I booked a place that did not look like in the ad. It also had roaches. I took pictures and sent them to airbnb, they sent me back the refund. I don't know if things have changed but back then airbnb stood for their customers.
Can you make a videos on top places for families to move with kids? Like with schools and etc. thank you!
I will see what I can do. Dumaguete is actually pretty good with a bunch of private schools. I would probably say any areas that have a heavy expat population would be good.
I agree with several of the reasons. I live out in the Province, no grab, or grocery store, or even a bank. But no foreigners around, there's only 4 of us in this area, and we keep to ourselves. So, i don't see drunk people much, and enjoy it here.
Great info Gio. Thank u
Gio ...your one of a very few UA-camrs in the Philippines who give honest, unbiased info. Too many give BS info which newbies relay on only to find out the hard way, they made a bad choice listening to some. Thanks for years of great honest info!
I appreciate that
Went to visit family ( day 2 of vacation ) in my rental car (Wigo) while staying in Duma, was T-boned (residential area ) by a huba-huba driver ( excessive speeding 60 kph ) spent 2 full days dealing with the aftermath, and of course the extra expense. Bike driver face planted on driver side window, ( wow what a site to see ) he was beat up badly but survived and was not charged or faced fines. This should not be the way a serious collision should be handled. Police do not care,.... UNLESS your a foreigner driving, then the rules really really change.
All valid points Gio. I enjoyed my time in Dumaguete and Valencia.for eight months. But for me it goes beyond Dumaguete. I am on a sleeper bus right now traveling from SaPa to Ha Long Bay and I Wi-Fi to listen and post. Not sure I would get that in the Philippines. But after visiting Vietnam and Thailand with the differences I choose Thailand as a home base to live and travel from. No comparison in my opinion. No place is perfect and I love the Philippines and the people too but decided not to live there. Smiles.
I agree Steve, there are better fits. I think the English and easy dating bring people here, it isn't the infrastructure.
Dang, this video is so thorough and well done that it kind of makes you wonder why anyone would want to retire there in Dumaguete. Guess I'll look for the pro video.
Well, there are positives also.
I have consulted with Gio twice in last 5 months. After 2 full hours of discussion, based on his in depth knowledge, was able to discuss my requirements vs Cebu and confirmed that Dumaguete would not have the sufficient infrastructure/transportation I will need. Can highly recommend Gio as a great resource.
Arriving early December.
I don't think there's any regulation in dumaguete I didn't see one cop on the street while I was over there .at this point. I think I'd just get a golf cart and drive it down the street
So true
For me personally a lot of the very reasons you mentioned make Dumaguete the wrong place for me.. My wife and i own a small condo in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and to me it's perfect. We have Grab, trikes, bus depots, and are not that far from Clark International Airport. The city's not too big nor too small at a population of 350,000. Every food I could want is here and we live almost across the street from an S&R and a few minutes walk from two very good malls. Not that many foreigners, although if I wanted that Angeles is right next door to our city (about half an hour from our home). I also consider the locals very friendly.
@GiointhePhilippines. .,., Peddy cab is a bicycle with side cart, The driver uses the peddles with his foot for power, normally for short side street trip. Tricycle is a motorbike with a side car just like the ones in this video.
Yes, you are correct.
IMHO Dumaguete is a great place to start your retirement. It's a place where you can slowly learn the culture, take time to decompress from just retiring and think about what you want life to look like going forward. In a year or so you should be able to open a bank account, get your driver's license, have solid transportation and moved ahead on the culture learning curve. For me Dumaguete is not a place to be long term, I feel places like Bais, Bindoy, Bayawan and Dauin are much better locations for long term living. I live a few hours from Dumaguete and go there as needed for banking and shopping. I left the city a few years back mainly because of traffic and the number of people moving there, it's very crowded now. Enjoy the journey guys, be blessed.
The ironic part about Dumaguete is that alot of the issues you find there are all over the Philippines unless you move to the major cities like IT Park, BCG, and some other areas around Manila and Clark. But for the most part you'll play hell trying to get a lot of those "creature comfort s" most expats are use to. Just my 2 cents from what I've noticed the half dozen+ times my wife and I go there to visit family.
True enough
too many ex pats, that's why I chose to live more south of dumaguete
I said that already in 2017, that the best thing you can do in Dumaguete is to take the fastest means of transport away from there. Bacolod City and now Iloilo City are better for both country life and city life and the influx of foreigners there doesn't affect the prices for food or even owning a condo 😮
Ops, you've dropped the bomb 🤣
I agree with most of these negatives. I really enjoyed your videos on Iloilo and Bocalod! That looks modernized and well kept up. The infrastructure/traffic/pollution/terrible looking road conditions, and, all these reports of constant brown-outs! Ugh. I'd prefer a mostly (safe) walkable / bikeable area with taxis/grab if needed. Overall, and I haven't seen as many videos on it vs. Dumaguete, Thailand in general looks more modern to me (the cities anyway).
Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand much better on the infrastructure.
@@GiointhePhilippines Thank you, Gio!
Of course even in Manila it's modern. Anywhere in any nations rural is not really modern. Are you kidding me?
All of that is totally valid. One item that caused stress for me is the lack of housing. I know there are houses etc for rent but over all quality Is just not there. I like the volume of expats. I met some great people there.
My favourites are Iloilo and Cebu 😊
So much congestion and traffic and no bathrooms the thrill is gone people are nice but better places . 😊
no bathrooms?
I ended up in Leyte. Very happy here
Anywhere there's large numbers of foreigners the rent is double or triple+ baseline.
True!
Interesting vid. Grab Trike is available which I used a a fair bit. Walking is not too bad. I walked from Robinsons to my gym daily and after gym to Why Not then back to around Robinsons. Was pretty easy with sidewalks. I think the number 1 issue for expats is dating,while still easy, is more difficult with other expats there. Pros of Duma are, it has an airport, decent hospitals and clinics, decent restaurants covering a wide variety of types of meals, at least one excellent air con gym, cinemas and is not far from beaches and country side. Main thing I disliked about Duma is it is very cliquey and vast majority of expats were incredibly arrogant.
Duma has good and bad. Driving is bad everywhere. Go to Manila.....Yes shopping is better in big cities, but not that much. Duma, being small, is easier to get around. I left more due to the pressures on my wife from family (core and extended), and opportunities for her and our daughter. Iloilo is a great place, and would have been my first choice, but again due to family issues, wasn't what we decided on. Good vid Gio..
I would like to point out currently the construction of davao bypass and davao bridge road is been done
Always take carewhen you are staying in the province..
If you’re still considering buying a car right now would be a good time. PhP is 58.57 to the USD.
Good information
@GiointhePhilippines. ,., You forgot the inflating housing prices in Dumaguette. A lot of these houses and apartments are big city prices, the owners knows that many foreigners are looking for or are living in Dumaguette. So they will try to squeeze you for rent.
Prices have gone up a lot. I find that under 30k does not get you quality housing anymore.
@GiointhePhilippines .. which I believe to be way overpriced for where it's at. Actually I think quality housing, although available is not so easy to find.
Live in vietnam and been to duma 3 times
It's ok I like bravo golf and ang Tay golf
Expats are a little nutty and traffic is worse then my city of 500 k
Going to try Bacolod this time
While I acknowledge that it is beneficial to have some western friends, too many doesn't seem to be a good idea. After all you left your country for a change of scenery, so I would prefer to mix more with the locals. Also it is widely known to Filipinos that Dumaguete is full of foreigners so Filipinas from different islands move there to make Dumaguete their hunting grounds. These Filipinas are not necessarily the best catch.
Yes, too many ladyboys come up from Dapitan, Mindanao to seek customers or bf among the male expats
How about Cebu City? I'm thinking of going there to meet Nurses, Nursing Students in college and professional people.
Too much traffic and I disliked all the one way streets and also lack of destinations through airport
I have been here Since last December and will be leaving at the end of the year ! The people can be nice here but it’s dirty stinks has no amenities that I desire .
Yea, many agree with you.
Dirty stinks? Where do you live by the way? Please choose where you live. I don't see dirty stinks around where I live in my whole life here in Ph. I wonder where you live
If you're into scuba diving then Dumaguete is the place. It is like Puerto Galera. Maybe if Dumaguete has a BGC like Iloilo then it is a place to consider
I'm looking for a place to dive. Are there other options? Like to be able to shore dive.
Dating in Cebu has been amazing, almost like a dream, and there are plenty of foreigners. I guess Cebu if just so huge you can find anything you're looking for.
I visited Duma, and thought they had a better choice of international restaurants than here in Cebu..
I lived in Cebu City for a year and a half. There’s definitely some pros, but way more cons. It’s filthy dirty with poverty on every corner, and worst of all when walking around theres dog shit every 10 feet. Not my style. I’ve not been to Dumaguette and not where I’d pick either.
Lets face it, Dumaguete proper is just an old city, nothing especially special. Looks similar to many other cities. There is nothing really special about it. There are more western style restuarants near the ocean/boardwalk, so that is a positive. There is a lot of traffic most of the day, and not many traffic lights. You do have more grocery store options than in Bohol for sure. We have two stores, the Alturas store in the ICM , and BQ. I think once you use the public transportation you will know what the real cost is, so you will not get upcharged. I know in Tagbilaran they have to charge the real rate, they are not supposed to upcharge anyone or face a fine if reported.
" GO AND RETIRED IN BAGUIO CITY ,, LA UNION,, HIGH LAND TAGAYTAY,, PALAWAN,, OR ILO ILO CITY "
Forigners and the problems some can bring with them.
We see it often on youtube
Also i have moved around the Philippines and im unable to see the attraction in Dumaguete
😊
Duma is soooo played
Use grab almost everyday for 7 years in Hanoi Works for me Take large cars for extra comfort and safety.
Very difficult to do any safe cycling also, no bike paths or shoulders on roads
Very true!
Im big into road cycling. I will explore the Philippines and also Da Dang. Da Dang might be way more ideal for that.
I have heard the dating possibilities in Duma is played out and any available (decent) prospects have been ran through by other foreigners. The YTber even called them village bicycles.
Haha haven’t heard of the term village bicycles. I have heard, she’s not your girlfriend it’s not your turn.
never been there.. have no interest in it simply because it has become known as a drama spot for expats.. probably will visit one day, but it is low on the list when compared to the rest of the Phils
#4-6 are common no matter where you go in this country. My wife isn’t keen on the lack if taxis and doesn’t care for tricycles etc. for me, its a nice place to visit (we live near Bacolod) but for me, the plethora of white people is a bother…to me, for some reason. I like the Bacolod area cuz there are fewer of ‘us’ around-too many waipipo approach me and start in on politics or trqshing the country and i try to slip away
I liked Dumaguete until I saw this video, Duma is a whole different experience if you are visiting rather than living there...
It is better for Dumaguete NOT TO BECOME a PANGLAO.... Theres been many incidents too of Veteran Expats violently assaulting each other.... There's alot of bad drama with the Anglo Expats
Transportation issues - especially for the elderly. Higher priced rental property with western standards (!) and not enough of a selection for the large number of expats ? ( gentrification ) Serious health issues require trips to Cebu or Manila. -?- Older expats are less likely able to get around easily in the business districts. It isn't very accommodating towards the elderly ! 🤔
Transportation is the big issue.
Ideally, elderly stay hone snd are taken care of by family, or their families escort them about while shopping, restaurants, etc. Not ideal for the live alone single foreigner
This video encourages expats to come but other videos discourage so funny 😅😅😅
Thank you Gio. This helps a lot. Knowing that I really would like to not ride a motorcyle makes me think Duma is out. Now to whittle it down some more... Iloilo? Bucolad? Davo are on my top to visit when I do there March/April 2025
Yea, transportation seems to be the biggest reason for many.
Wish they had Trader Joes in SE Asia
I Love Dumaguete…Moving there in February 😊
Way way overrated
I realize I want to have grab available or I will have to own a car
Never been
Your nice guy, but just to many simps have fcked it to many foreigners, to many bloggers, to much UA-cam BS, by the way foreigners who have lived in the Philippines for long time call it dunbarsre agetti
What about IloIlo?
Too many brownouts
Dumagette is not the only game in town..lived here 2.5yrs and maybe see a westerner around town 1 time a month.
Love the Dumes. The whole Duma-Valencia-Dauin triangle is great . my fave is Bacong. EDIT: it's all so subjective, to each their own!! (no "grabs", sidewalks, that petty crap. please. 🙄 )
Fair enough! But for some people it's important.
Hi Gio. What about organic food there? Any answer helps.
Very hard to find
Grow it yourself
😮 What they sell at local markets? No Their produce?There should be plenty of organic food if not all.🤔Am I missing something? @@GiointhePhilippines
In the market, farmers grow them so it's organic. Don't worry most of our food are organic not like USA which are processed food mostly.