We are spending the Christmas holidays with my father in law in the Philippines. There's a large and growing community of what is called balikbayan's or "return to country".  The many retirees like my father in law, a doctor, who spend a career in the U.S. and now will spend his retirement back home with family.  The life he's been able to create for himself here with his savings and Social Security is now able to provide a truly comfortable life. A home on top of a mountain in a planned community with golf, his passion, pools, gyms, massages, full time personal maids and driver. And the stuff I like, cable and broadband internet. 

So needless to say, the thought has crossed my mind, why couldn't we live here too? I've spent the last couple of weeks weighing the pros and cons of being an expat when I retire. For one, Filipino's love Americans. There are U.S flags on jeepneys, the local public transportation. I don't feel as if I have to keep my "city sense" on, or fear I'm going to be mugged, just the opposite actually. Now don't get me wrong, there is terrorism in this country, mainly in the most southern islands like Davao. You just have to check on a plane in Manila to see the security measures that are in place. Reminds me a little of the Ben Gurion airport in Israel. That being said, except for the distance, I don't see a difference when it comes to the security of retiring in say Mexico, Panama or Costa Rica or retiring in the Philippines. One thing is obvious, it's cheaper. Much cheaper.  Here are a couple of examples. 

First class medical care and prescription drugs can be had for a fraction of the cost in the U.S. Yes America, we are subsidizing the world. Even some U.S. insurance companies are now paying for medical costs here. 

Last night we took 14 people out to an amazing dinner of fresh fish, that we picked in a market then brought to the restaurant to cook. With lots of vegetables, beer, soft drinks and bottled water, it cost about $100. Fourteen people. Everyone ate good. I found out later we could of bargained the price as well. Not worth it. There are other examples as well. 

The Philippine Government has been actively courting retiring nationals who had moved away when they were young, and are now considering returning, and people like me who want a better quality of life with a much lower cost. We bring U.S. dollars and jobs into the country. 

So the question is, should I retire here and go back to the U.S. on holidays and special occasions, or use this place as our winter getaway and return to the U.S. during the summer months? Or neither. Let you know as we figure it out.