Answer:
Talking only about the Philippines, there are not many downsides to worry you. It’s very different in how it works as a country compared to yours, but it does work.
I’d suggest the cost of living, whilst lower, is not cheap. Property can be bought more cheaply but remember that unless you marry a national you cannot own land. You can own the building, but not the land it sits in. This may not worry you, but if it does then buy a condo.
Condos vary enormously in quality. Newer ones have all the facilities but you get smaller rooms. Older ones are larger but you don’t get the facilities. The ones in the main business areas in Manila are much more than those in the outlying areas.
A major consideration if you’re looking to live here permanently is the visa that you’ll need. There is no option to becoming a citizen or to have dual passports. You’ll need to look at the visas. One option is the SSRV which will give you many rights. To obtain this you must meet specific requirements, one of which is to have a pension of at least $800 pcm. You also need to deposit $10k into a bank. If you do not have a pension then the deposit must be $20k. However you can use this deposit to purchase property so it’s not sat there doing nothing.
Like any country it has good and bad sides to it which you’ll need to come to terms with. This is not a first world country and there are many frustrations ahead, but it is a brilliant place in so many ways - far outweighing the negatives. You’ll not change it, and demanding things be done is not as successful as asking nicely - manners and humility count for a lot here.
Traffic in Manila, the speed of any bureaucracy, the way banking works, food, levels of service, the list goes on. Learn to wait and learn to speak at least some of the language and genuinely try to integrate and you’ll be fine. Arrogance, superiority, throwing money around, constantly saying how things are wrong or better in your country will not win you any favours!
The people here are one of the friendliest I’ve met. Easy to share a joke, keen to speak in English, but shy to do so at the same time. There is a sense of pride in their country, and a sense of purpose for most people. Yes, very high levels of poverty, homelessness and begging, but that’s not to be shied away from. Find a way to deal with it that suits you - for example just over order in a restaurant and take the extra out and give it to someone who needs it. You won’t see this in all areas, and it is being tackled by the current administration, but look and you’ll see it all the same. Be supportive, but don’t give money - it’s often not the best thing to do.
Provinces are far poorer than the cities, but the simple life there is often better in many ways. Mosquito bites aside, it’s humble but beautiful. Mosquitoes carry dengue fever and other diseases - just like other countries. They are a problem but not insurmountable.
The sun is seriously strong here - be careful, use sunblock and stay in the shade. The rainy season is long, there are about 20 typhoons a year and the damage these cause can be heartbreaking. People in bamboo houses have little protection when the storms arrive. The cities fare better but it gets a bit scary all the same. Flooding in Manila can be bad - not uncommon to see people wading waist deep in places when it floods.
But you must balance these with the benefits of living here too. Thousands of islands, thousands of adventures! A way of life so good you’ll wonder why you worried. It’s not as cheap here as you might think, but yes the cost of living is lower.
I’d recommend a visit to see for yourself. And keep an open mind when you do.
Explanation:
hope it helps for you :)