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How should I decide between moving to Thailand or staying in the Philippines considering the cost and my retirement plans?

Thailand Philippines Retirement Visa Cost of Living Currency Exchange Expat Advice

Jun 8, 2025

10 hours ago

Kenneth *******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have to step outside of my zone of comfort. Only because this is a little outside of my comfort zone. If there is anybody that's able to advise me with what's more feasible. Please reach out to me on messenger. I have less than 60 days to stay the course with my original plan. Or do I have to alternate between the two. 

Here's the issue. I am all set for my retirement/move to Thailand late August, early September. The only thing I have left is to apply for my retirement. I recently rearranged my first class flight from Thailand to the Philippines. From the Philippines then to Thailand. Saving me a couple thousand dollars. Now here is my issue and why I need help. The cost of the currency exchange and how hard of a is it going to hit me. My goal is Thailand. I should consider staying in the Philippines because of the what is happening with the US dollar. I am struggling with this decision. Apologize for the lengthy post. Hopefully there is somebody with some sound advice. Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster is seeking advice on whether to proceed with their retirement plans in Thailand or consider staying longer in the Philippines, especially in light of concerns about currency exchange rates and costs. They mention having less than 60 days to finalize their plans and have booked a first-class flight, which raises questions about the financial implications of their choices. The comments show a mix of confusion, humor, and differing opinions about the quality of life and beaches in both countries.

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Nick ************

I am scratching my head trying to work out what you mean. If you have money to waste on first class go to Florida. If not try Thailand but if that fails you can fall back on the Philippines.

6 hours ago

Paul *******

Has anyone got some paracetamol

7 hours ago

Dana *******

??????

7 hours ago

Peter **********

All those words and I still have no clue what you are asking.

7 hours ago

Peter **********

This is the most convoluted way to say you bought a first class ticket I’ve ever seen. Congrats.

7 hours ago

Braulio *********

@Peter *********

5 5 5

6 hours ago

Reply to

Braulio *********

Phil ******

@Kenneth ******************

cheapest currency exchange is Wise. The USD is f**ked so if you stay in the US its more costly than Philippines or Thailand. Either country is great and its your choice

Also just fly cattle class once to your destination like normal people

8 hours ago

Steve *******

So what is your question? If you can't make the basic decisions on your own then you're probably better of staying in the US!

9 hours ago

Steve ***********

One way first class is 1300 dollars , did you mean baht???

9 hours ago

Doug *******

I absolutely love it when I can save a couple thousand dollars by flying First Class! 🤣

9 hours ago

Harrys ************

I agree Mark. If someone can afford to pay for 1st class flights I am surprised he is worried about exchange rates. I hope he didn't vote for Trump as if he did, he only has himself to blame

9 hours ago

Alan *****

Your money will go a lot further if you stay in the PH. But the food isn’t a patch on Thailand & the girls are prettier in Thailand

9 hours ago

Jordi ********

How does flying first class save you 'a couple of thousand'? And then the exchange rate is worrying you? I'm not making any sense of this sorry.

9 hours ago

Per ********

@Jordi *******

👏👏👏

7 hours ago

Reply to

Per ********

Nitzan *****

In the words of a friend: Thailand is like disneyland for men - if you have money. Philippines is more like a second rate theme park surrounded by landfills - but you can still have fun there cheaper.

9 hours ago

TL ******

Why would u fly first class and if u can afford to waste money like that why are u asking

9 hours ago

Mark **********

If you can afford 1st class flights then who cares IMOP. Do what your heart says. Enjoy your retirement!

9 hours ago

Kevin *******

If its down to money you can't afford thailand ! Should go with your heart not your wallet ! Upto you as it were !

9 hours ago

Phil ******

@Kevin ******

still flies first class mind you

8 hours ago

Braulio *********

@Phil *****

and worries about a baht or 2 on the exchange.....

6 hours ago

Kevin *******

@Phil *****

first class to or from philly can't be that expensive !

7 hours ago

Kevin *******

@Phil *****

I don't! Worked too hard for my money! AND I KNOW WIFEY WOULDN'T APPROVE !

7 hours ago

Phil ******

@Kevin ******

i know what you mean

6 hours ago

Reply to

Phil ******

Bent *************

Same same but different

9 hours ago

Pete ******

What exactly do you mean?

10 hours ago

Jarek ************

PH is a shit hole...

10 hours ago

Glenn *****

@Jarek ***********

correction: PH is a shithole with English speaking people and significantly easier visas.

9 hours ago

Stéfan ********

@Glenn ****

and with far better beaches and the nicest people in the world

9 hours ago

Phil ******

@Stéfan *******

far better beaches than where 😂🤣😂🤣

8 hours ago

Stéfan ********

@Phil *****

if you want exceptional beaches, visit Boracay, but any average beach on the 7000 islands in the Philippines beats any in Thailand

8 hours ago

Phil ******

@Stéfan *******

no im not saying Philippine beaches aren't great but you can get lovely ones here in Thailand. Have a look at this one...... oh your on a tourist spots prices are high.

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Or this one

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or this one

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Or this island too

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Thailand has lovely beaches too but we keep secret from tourists....

7 hours ago

Stéfan ********

@Phil *****

of course there are. Thailand has amazing beaches.