Thinking of retiring to the Philippines

[DanL]

I'm reaching that age when I can start to think about retirement.  Back when I first contracted this virus I never thought I'd never reach retirement.  Many of my friends from back then didn't.  Unfortunately for me I didn't plan well for something I didn't think I'd ever see so I face the option of continuing to work here until I either drop or can't work any longer or retiring to someplace outside the US that's cheaper.  I have a small SS retirement which should allow me to live in the Philippines somewhat comfortably if not frugally.  I can afford to buy my own meds there but I'm having a devil of a time trying to get information about how to buy meds there.  It seems that most people get them for free through something called ARV or AVR and if I understand correctly it sounds like the meds they get through that program are limited to certain ones.  I currently take Sustiva and Epzicom and would like to continue to do so since I've had no issues with them.  Can anyone shed some light on my research?  Can I buy there what I need from private pharmacies.  Can I buy from other places like India and have them shipped in?  Any help would be appreciated even if it's to point me in a direction that I can find appropriate answers.  Thanks

[MitchMiller]

Are you sure you can emigrate to The Philippines?  Have you checked the current visa restrictions? 

This information is outdated, but they used to require you to be HIV negative.  I've read you can stay on a tourist visa so long as you leave the country periodically.  However, you might run the risk of being deported if you seek HIV medical care.

"No restrictions for short-term tourist stays lasting up to six months. Applicants for a permanent visa must undergo medical examination including an HIV test. This also applies to visitors who wish to extend an existing visa."

This member hasn't posted here recently, but he and his partner emigrated to Costa Rica and they are both HIV+.  That might be an option for you.  His moniker is Hoover.  http://forums.poz.com/index.php?action=profile;u=27977

[DanL]

MitchMiller
You're the first and I hope not the last to reply to my query.  Thank you! In my research on retiring to the Philippines, I've not come across any medical testing requirements.  I did, however, see where Thailand requires a blood test which is too bad as I really like Thailand.  The Philippines on the other hand is very welcoming of retirees and has a whole department, the Philippine Retirement Authority, to help ease the way for foreigners who want to retire there.  The process is really quite liberal.  I do appreciate your mentioning Costa Rica as an alternate retirement destination.  I hadn't even give that a thought and it's a place I've always wanted to visit.  I've heard so many great things about it and I would think that Spanish would be easier to learn than Tagalog!  LOL - I hope!!!

[OneTampa]

Philippines HIV Travel, Entry, Stay, and Residence Link:

http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=144