Clear, honest guidance for expats exploring, planning, or building a life in the Philippines
Most people make decisions about the Philippines with incomplete information. California Expat exists to help you think clearly, avoid expensive mistakes, and understand what life here is really like.
Real World Insights On
Start Here
20 pages on the six things that matter most in your first year — where to live, what it costs, how relationships work, visa options, healthcare, and what daily life feels like after the honeymoon phase. Written from real experience. Not a vacation recap. Not a YouTube research binge.
Inside the guide
California Expat Insider
Ongoing, practical guidance for making better decisions about life in the Philippines.
$39/month or $390/year. Cancel anytime. Course participants automatically get $50 off.
Join InsiderWhat's inside
Featured course
The structured planning system for turning "I'm thinking about moving" into "I know exactly what I'm doing and why." 14 lessons. Lifetime access.
Financial models, visa strategy, location frameworks, the first 90 days, and building a life that actually works long term.
From the Community
“This is probably the most insightful and important video you made. You lay out the universal needs of humans and then map individual behavior in a relation to their own needs. A real and powerful video which will help expats AND Filipinos to understand each other's behaviors.”
@MrJoe1199
YouTube
“Your last few videos have been absolute bangers! A lot of food for thought man thank you so much.”
@futurecobrah
YouTube
“John, another fantastic video. I appreciate your honesty and the time you have taken to learn the culture. I've learned a lot from you!”
@ChrisTorres78
YouTube
The California Expat Letter
Practical updates on life in the Philippines — visa news, cost of living, what's changing, and what actually matters. Sent when there's something worth saying.
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