Should I retire and open a bar in the Philippines?

Public Comments

1. Hell yes, and let me know when and where, thanks;) LOL
2. Sure, sounds good, you need a good bartender?
3. That sounds like a fantasy come true. If you can afford it, do it!
4. yeah do you want someone to work in your bar i'm available
5. sounds awesome.. watch out for tropical bugs :/
6. If you can afford it and it is what you really want, then go for it, now !
7. Yes, go for it! If you need an assistant manager let me know.
8. hmmm...sure, but the philippines is saturated with bars...make sure you conduct a feasibility study first to see whether your idea will catch fire and burn...otherwise, go back to the drawing boards and create another concept...why? you have to offer something different to your customers...otherwise, you'd just end up wasting your investments. and ugh..do keep in mind: location , location , location... and let the world know where you are ;) goodluck
9. My first question to you would be do you have a stable source of income of at least $1,000 a month ? The second question is are you married to a Philippina ? I retired here in the Philippines (Iloilo) 4 years ago. To maintain a western aka American lifestyle you need at least $1,000 a month income to be comfortable. If your not married you'll need to apply for a visa to stay here. SSRV for example. To qualify for that kind of visa you need to invest $20,000 USD if over age 45 and $50,000 if you are 45 or younger. If your married to a Philippine Citizen you qualify for the 13a spousal visa. There are plenty of tourist spots here in the Philippines and opening a bar could be a good business here especially if you offer some unique type of food or entertainment. The competition is stiff, but it can be done.Opening a bar or resturant anywhere is a high risk business. If your counting on the income from the Bar to support you, I recommend you hold off before you sell the farm and move here. I have seen too many expats here risk it all on a business only to return home in 2-3 years Angry and bitterly disappointed because of failed business ventures. All the sucessful expats I know over here stayed at least for one year in an area before they invested in a business. What works well in one area might seriously flop in another. You also need to have a businees that is not easily duplicated. Copycat business here have ruined more than one good business market. Internet Cafes are a prime example. In my paticular area there are allot of Private schools and colleges that are to international standards. Western styled furnished rental housing is in great demand. That is where I am investing my retirement funds. But If it should fail, I still have an income above $1,000 a month. Good luck in your search.
10. Sure, and post your address on the web please.
11. One of the previous answers is quite good and provides much information that you need to consider. There are some significant omissions however. 1, Unless you are a Filipino, you can not own property in the Philippines. This would mean putting the business in a Filipinos name . 2, By law, you will not be permitted to work in the business. 3, You will need to devote a large percentage of your income to bribe money for the many government agencies that you will come into contact with. 4, I know that some that monitor this site , think that I am so negative. I have a very positive out look on life and try to see the good in all people, however, their are many, many problems in the Philippine Islands today that people are trying to hide or deny. No one with any business sense would even consider trying to open a business in the Philippines
12. open a gay bar in Boracay! that would be hot.....
14. Why? Do you want to get shot by a drunk guy?