Retire to the Philippines for $100,000

Retirement is a chapter of life that many look forward to. It’s a time for relaxation, but also adventure. Retiring abroad is a popular move for seniors, as you finally have the time and savings to travel and discover a foreign country. With a literal world of options, it’s hard to choose. Consider the Philippines, an archipelagic Southeast Asian country situated in the Pacific Ocean. With over 7,000 islands, the geography ranges from beaches and tropical rainforests to volcanoes and mountains. The Philippines is among the top 25 countries to retire to on International Living’s “The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2018.” It scores 90 for cost of living, higher than its 2017 score of 85. Other high scores for the Philippines from International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index for 2018 are 96 for fitting in and 94 for entertainment & amenities.

Continue reading below to see our calculation on how to retire to the Philippines for $100,000.

Cost of Living in the Philippines

The Philippines has a generally low cost of living. International Living reports that you could comfortably live on $800 to $1200 a month, covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare and taxes.

If you live on $800 a month, your $100,000 can spread out to about ten and a half years. If you live on $1,200 a month, your $100,000 could last about seven years. The average worker’s Social Security benefit for 2018 is $1404 per month. Your monthly benefit alone could cover your basic living expenses, giving you some comfortable wiggle room for using your savings.

Obviously, your monthly housing payment will depend on where you live and in what kind of space. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $228.94; go outside the city and that average is $124.77 per month. A three-bedroom property in the city has a monthly average rent for $394.53 and outside the city is $240.59. Something important to note is that non-Filipinos cannot own land, but they can own property. Thus, buying a condominium would be your best bet if you wanted to own your place.

Living in the Philippines as a Retired Expat

Perks for expats include a government agency dedicated to retired expats, and the surrounding culture is welcoming to foreigners. Other incentives for 60+ expats include:

• Duty-free import of $7,000 worth of household goods
• Exemption from airport travel taxes
• Your retiree visa does not expire, and you can leave and return to the country without having to reapply for residency

For a more complete list of what benefits are offered to senior citizens in the Philippines, click here.

Live Like A Filipino

The best way to spread out your savings across your entire retirement is to embrace the local lifestyle. Don’t spend like you’re on vacation, where you might be more inclined to splurge here and treat yourself there. Live, and spend, with the mindset of a citizen in your new country. Find the local markets for your grocery shopping, then cook at home. Avoid the popular shopping centers where prices may be jacked up because of tourists. Limit your entertainment spending and outings to a few occasions. All of these saving tricks are rules you’ve known and followed at home, so apply them to your new home in the Philippines.

Moving to the Philippines

Ready to start your retirement in a beautiful tropical country? Schumacher Cargo Logistics now ships to the Philippines! You can trust us to move your items and vehicles safely and efficiently, while you relax and enjoy your retirement. Check out our guide to make the move and start retiring to the Philippines today.

More Reading

• Moving to the Philippines
• How to Move Overseas
• Top 10 Places to Retire 2019

Packing for a move is an exhaustive chore, and it can seem even more daunting if you’re moving to a different country. Not only are you making sure that all your items get to your destination safely and efficiently, you have to figure out a foreign country’s laws, culture and overall way of life. This list of important items to take with you as an expat is a great place to start and refer to during your move abroad.

Important documents to bring as an expat:

Be sure to have copies of these tucked away in a safe spot, and provide copies of these to a trusted contact back home in case of emergency.

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Debit and credit cards; remember to notify your bank of your move so the activity on your account isn’t marked as suspicious.
• Immunization records, health insurance, and other key medical records for all members of your family
• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other kind of legal documentation that affects you and your family
• Physical list of important contacts in case technology fails; don’t forget to have the address and contact information of the nearest Embassy or Consulate of your home country.

Tech-related items to bring as an expat:

• Universal plug converter
• Voltage converter
• Cell phone and coverage plan that both work in your destination country
• Handy apps for your smartphone: language translator, a currency calculator, navigation and maps that can be saved offline, etc.

Health-related items to bring as an expat:

• Prescriptions: renew and fill these prior to moving, and do your research to make sure that your prescriptions can be filled in your destination country.
• Over-the-counter medicines: probiotics, antihistamine, cold and flu care, etc. Living in a new country, your body may take a while to get used to the unfamiliar elements.
• If you are particular about your brands of toiletries, be sure to stock up on those if they aren’t carried in your destination country.

Comforts of home to bring as an expat:

While you should do everything you can do embrace the culture of your new country, having a couple items to remind you of home can help with homesickness and the ease of moving.

• Personal mementos
• Favorite snacks and other foods that might not be available
• Books in your native language; if you want to lighten the load and save space in your new home, look into an e-reader, like a Kindle, or find downloadable copies of books that you can access on a smartphone.
• Tape measures, measuring cups and related items in case the system used is different than what you know
• Clothes or shoes that fit you if you need a specific, hard-to-find size

While this isn’t a definitive list of items you should bring, it’s a good place to start. Feel free to do your own research or contact the Embassy or Consulate of your home country in your destination country if you have questions.

Trust Schumacher Cargo Logistics with your move

You want your items to reach their destination as securely and efficiently as possible. Schumacher Cargo Logistics can do exactly that. Trust Schumacher Cargo Logistics to safely move your vehicle, boat, motorcycle and household goods.

Living somewhere new can be disorienting, especially when it’s in a different country than your home. Los Angeles is a melting pot of different cultures, so you can easily find your niche. Check out these events for expats in Los Angeles as they are great for any expat to become familiar with the City of Angels, while also celebrating your home culture.

Events for Expats in Los Angeles

When moving to LA, many expats want to celebrate events beyond their culture and the culture of LA. Since it has so many different people from all parts of the world, expats can enjoy events from all over the world in their new home of Los Angeles.

Japanese New Year Celebrations (Early Jan)

The Japanese New Year celebrations take place the first weekend of January in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district. Here you’ll find parades, food and family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy.

Octoberfest (Sep-Nov)

For any European expats, the Oktoberfest happens in many different areas, with more focused on the traditions, while others are more in line with Los Angeles.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival (Late October-Early Nov)

While in LA, expats can enjoy the traditional day of the dead or Dia de Los Muertos Festival. On Olvera Street, you can find a traditional festival with a blend of LA flair including a parade, face painting, and other mixes of Halloween flair at the same time.

There are events for expats every day somewhere in Los Angeles. You’ll find events centered around native languages, food, fashion and simply meeting others from your home country. Another great resource for expats to meet up is through Internations or Meetup.

Can’t Miss Events in L.A.

Los Angeles has made a name for itself within the United States and the rest of the world. It’s the city of movie stars and beautiful beaches. Expats can also enjoy events that focus on LA culture rather than culture from abroad. Here are some year-round Los Angeles events that you simply cannot miss no matter where you are from:

The Academy Awards (Feb)

Los Angeles is known for Hollywood’s biggest night. Every February, the year’s biggest feature films are celebrated at the Dolby Theatre. Even if you aren’t walking the red carpet, you can still grab your camera and snag a spot alongside the paparazzi to see some of Tinseltown’s biggest stars shine.

The L.A. Marathon (Mar)

Residents of Los Angeles are big on staying fit. The normally packed streets are cleared out in March to make way for hundreds of runners. Grab your bib and run past L.A.’s most notable sights and landmarks.

Doo Dah Parade (May)

A lively take on the annual Rose Bowl Parade, but without the stingy rules and judges. This fun event takes place in May, and you’re sure to find folks of all backgrounds having a blast in the streets.

Los Angeles Film Festival (Jun)

Every June, filmmakers from all around gather together to show and celebrate their films to audiences. You can find local short films or international blockbusters at the film festival. Audience members range from excited moviegoers to big names in the industry.

Summer X Games (Jul-Aug)

L.A.’s huge extreme sporting event takes place in July and August. Events range from skateboarding and climbing to BMX and Moto X racing. Even if extreme sports aren’t your thing, you’re sure to be impressed and entertained by the talented athletes.

Labor Day Festival (Sep)

End summer with a bang at Compton’s annual street fair. The L.A. suburb hosts this massive event that is full of carnival rides, fair food, crafts and family-friendly activities.

Planning a Move to Los Angeles?

If you are planning on moving to Los Angeles from overseas, you can learn more about our Los Angeles international shipping company and we’ll be happy to make the expat transition less stressful!

To see our updated write up see our page on 10 Best Countries to Retire Abroad 2019

Retirement is a great time to live adventurously. What better way to do so than live abroad? While there are countless places to enjoy this new phase of life, International Living compiled a list of ten countries that boast a great cost of living, beautiful scenery and a new experience that’s waiting for you.

10. Malta

Located in between Sicily and Tunisia sits Malta, a chain of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Its location is prime for warm sunny days year-round. Colors burst around you in the golden sunsets, blue water and white cliff faces. The natural beauty isn’t the only pull for life after retirement; the cost of living is a sweet deal, too. International Living reports that the average couple can live on less than $2,700 a month. Healthcare is pretty low cost, and patients can often pay for appointments and prescriptions out-of-pocket.

9. Portugal

Portugal continues to gain popularity among retirees, due to its low cost of living, real estate and gorgeous scenery. While it’s located on the Atlantic, it has a climate similar to countries on the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Likewise, the culture follows a laid-back Mediterranean life, with fresh seafood, great wine and a strong love for family and friends. Living in the smaller cities can cost about $1,700 a month, while life in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, increases up to $2,200 a month, reports International Living.

8. Nicaragua

Venture down to Central America, and you’ll find Nicaragua. Over the past decade, the country has seen vast improvement with bettering road conditions, creating renewable energy, and celebrating small town culture. While the local culture flourishes, expats can still find comfort in familiar items and brands like Walmart and other modern supermarkets. International Living reports that a couple can live in Nicaragua for $1,500 a month, with plenty of funds leftover to sample the country’s award-winning coffee and chocolate.

7. Spain

Sitting directly west of Portugal is Spain, a country of life, flavor and passion. It’s been a long-time favorite vacation destination for Europeans, and it’s not hard to see why; the mild climate, beautiful beaches, and low cost of living all add up to Spain being a top place for expat retirees. And since it’s located on the Mediterranean, you can relax in the easygoing lifestyle and dig into the amazing food and drink available. International Living reports that a couple can comfortably live on $1,900 a month in smaller cities, and smaller apartment can be either rented for about $500 a month or bought for $70,000. Living in Valencia, the country’s third-largest city, can cost a couple about $2,200 a month. Spain’s geographic location gives you the best of both worlds with mountains and sea nearby, plus it serves as a great launching pad for discovering other parts of Europe.

6. Malaysia

Coming in as the only Asian country on this list, Malaysia hosts a wide variety of lifestyles. From modern and busy cities, to the natural beauty of its beaches, rainforests and islands, Malaysia offers something for everyone. There are 878 islands that make up the southeastern Asian country, and its location is a prime hotspot for different cultures to come together. You’ll find Asian influence from the Chinese, Malay and Indian, with some European flair from the Portuguese, Dutch and English. Buying real estate is an easy practice for expats, as you’re given a three-month visa upon arrival, reports International Living.

5. Colombia

Sporting gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Andes Mountains, Colombia sits at the northern point of South America. The country has seen improvement over the last several years, showing off its culture to foreigners from far and wide. Visitors can find comfort in the country’s friendly people, locally grown coffee, charming small towns and beautiful beaches. Its location is a short plane ride from Florida, and being so close to the equator means long days of sunshine and warmth. International Living reports that expats can find a variety of places to rent for $500 to $1,250 a month.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been a popular choice for expats for years, and it’s no wonder why. The Central American country has no army, putting that funding toward education, and the country celebrates its biodiversity and renewable energy. Since so many expats have come through, the country has its residency process down to a T. Take some time to explore Costa Rica’s rainforests, beaches, marshes, mountains and farmland. The country’s unofficial motto, Pura Vida, radiates in the easygoing and happy lives the people lead. International Living reports that $2,000 to $3,000 a month can cover all expenses a couple might spend on food, rent and going out. Legal retired residents can easily purchase healthcare or just pay out of pocket at the doctor or pharmacy, making healthcare a low cost benefit to retired life in Costa Rica.

3. Ecuador

Ecuador has consistently ranked high on the Global Retirement Index year after year. The South American country is located on the equator– notice the name– and has great warm weather year round. From its large cities to its breathtaking mountains, Ecuador has something for everyone. The real estate is available and affordable, and the same goes for its healthcare. Benefits for retirees include discounts on air travel, public transport, utilities and entertainment like movies and sports. An International Living correspondent lives in Salinas, a beach town in Ecuador. He and his wife have a monthly budget of less than $1,500, and they’ve noticed improvement in their health over the years.

2. Panama

With neighboring countries on this list, Panama comes in as No. 2 for places to retire. The famous Panama Canal makes traveling to and from Panama a breeze, and it’s welcoming to foreigners from all over. The canal serves as a large trading hub, so you’ll easily find big brands and modern comforts from home here. Benefits for retirees include Panama’s Pensionado program, one of the best in the world, as well as discounts on healthcare, travel, dining and more. Bordering the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Panama connects Central and South America, and there are warm days year round.

1. Mexico

Sitting at the top of this list– and rounding out the many Latin American countries here– is Mexico. Not only is it close to home, it has a great balance between Old World flavor and modern day amenities. Expats continue to find Mexico as a haven despite the recent negative news coverage. International Living found expats living comfortably at $1,200 a month, some even less. The exchange rate for the peso is in the US dollar’s benefit. Every major city has a first-rate hospital, and healthcare is extremely affordable. Mexico’s geographic features include beaches, mountains, highlands and deserts, with climate ranging from comfortably cool to sunny and warm. It’s easy to qualify for Mexico’s residency program, and retiree’s discounts include airline and bus travel, museums, medical care and more.

Pack Your Bags with Schumacher Cargo Logistics

Now that you have an idea of the retirement havens out there, let Schumacher Cargo Logistics lend you a hand in your move abroad. You can trust us to handle your vehicles carefully and start your retired life easily.

The #1 must-do for any North American motorcyclist is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held annually every first week of August in Sturgis, South Dakota. The 2017 rally will be the 77th rally, held August 4-13. Located on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest and just northwest of Rapid City, the rally offers a chance to connect with other riders, get a taste of the American West, and fulfill the dream of being part of a motorcycle gang. Vendors will set up shop along Sturgis’ Main Street and show off their inventory of gear, bikes, and other motorcycling necessities. The rally also hosts races, bike shows, and concerts from A-list musicians.

Things To Do

Music

The party doesn’t stop at motorcycles. Sturgis is proud to host rock legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Lynyrd Skynyrd among other favorites on the Rally’s set list. Here’s a current breakdown of the week at Buffalo Chip Campground:

• Friday, Aug. 4, and Saturday, Aug. 5: Dirt Riot Off-Road Races
• Sunday, Aug. 6: Shinedown, American Flat Track Sturgis Buffalo Chip TT Races
• Monday, Aug. 7: The Doobie Brothers
• Tuesday, Aug. 8: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackberry Smoke
• Wednesday, Aug 9: Ozzy Osbourne, Pop Evil, Street Drag Invitational
• Thursday, Aug. 10: Blink-182, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Doug Danger’s Rattlesnake Jump
• Friday, Aug. 11: Alter Bridge, AMA Supermoto
• Saturday, Aug. 12: AMA Supermoto

Group Rides and Highways

There are plenty of group rides available on the Sturgis Rally website, or the lone traveler can ride highways like Iron Mountain Road, Vanocker Canyon Road, the Wildlife Loop, and Spearfish Canyon.

• 15th Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride: Limited space available, so book fast! The Sturgis mayor will host this annual ride on Monday, Aug. 7, and all proceeds benefit the local emergency services. The ride takes you to the best of the Black Hills, stopping for lunch at Custer State Park. Participants will receive a limited edition Jack Daniels decanter signed by the mayor, a T-shirt, a Mayor’s Ride pin and other items from sponsors. To celebrate this being the 15th year for the ride, all participants will be entered into a drawing to join the mayor as a VIP guest for a pub crawl the following night.
• Carey Hart’s Good Ride: A “social spin on the traditional motorcycle charity ride,” the Good Ride will take place on Sunday, August 6. Proceeds from this ride go to the Infinite Hero Foundation, an organization that helps veterans dealing with mental and physical issues after returning home.
• Ride with a Local: For those who are new to the Rally or who just want a taste of the local flavor, this free ride will go through the best back roads and places in the Black Hills. There are two chances to ride, on Friday, Aug. 4, and Wednesday, Aug. 9, and it is expected to last five hours, including lunch and rest breaks. Lunch is not included in the ride. Spots are limited to 25 riders per ride, and itineraries and maps are included.

Other Highlights

South Dakota is full of hidden treasures. Local sightseeing includes Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, and Devils Tower in nearby Wyoming. Take advantage of the surrounding beauty and fun while you’re in the area.

Badlands National Park: get a glimpse of Mars without actually visiting another planet. The Badlands offer other-worldly landscapes of buttes and valleys, deeming it a “bad” place for the pioneers to travel through with their wagons.

Needles Highway: If you love the excitement and adrenaline of twisting roads and narrow passes, the Needles Highway is a must. The towering granite spires lining the highway give it its name, and the highway lies in Custer State Park, offering a chance to visit another incredible South Dakota must-see.

Sturgis Bar Scene: Sure, riding is what you want to do during the day, but what can you do once the sun goes down? Downtown Sturgis is home to plenty of saloons, bars, and pubs to give you a good time. Join the annual Sturgis Mayor’s Pub Crawl, or plan your own through Iron Horse Saloon, Knuckles Saloon, and Broken Spoke Saloon.

Where To Stay

Hotels, campgrounds, and other 300+ vacation rentals are available for lodging. Private homes to rent or vacation packages to purchase are also available. Find your home away from home here. Most lodgings are open year-round and can host individuals, families and larger groups.

Don’t Wait Too Long!

The 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is less than 90 days away, so start planning your trip now! Schumacher Cargo Logistics is prepared to get your bike there safely.

Thinking of Making the Trip from Overseas?

Check out our page on importing motorcycles and vehicles into the USA. If you have any questions you can give us a call or reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter.