Answers: Retiring, Wintering and Buying in the Philippines

Straight answers first, sources at the bottom. Each page opens with the answer, shows the figures and the date they were checked, and says where the answer stops. Updated October 13, 2026.

• Best Time to Live in the Philippines to Escape U.S. Winter
  November to April is the dry season; December to February is the mildest stretch, not the hottest.
• Can Snowbirds Use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion? The 330-Day Rule
  Usually not on a winter-only stay: the exclusion needs 330 full days abroad in a 12-month period.
• Does Medicare Cover You in the Philippines? What to Do Instead
  Generally no: Medicare does not pay for routine care abroad, though you can keep Part B by paying the premium.
• How Long Can an American Stay in the Philippines? Visa-Free, Extensions, SRRV
  Most U.S. passport holders get 30 days visa-free; longer stays need an extension, a visa, or the SRRV.
• Is There a U.S.–Philippines Tax Treaty? What It Does and Doesn’t Do
  Yes. It has been in force since 1982 and mainly cuts withholding; U.S. citizens still file on worldwide income.
• How to Check If a Philippine Condo Is Still Open to Foreign Buyers (40% Cap)
  Ask the condo corporation or developer, in writing, for the project's current foreign-ownership percentage before you pay.
• Cost of Living in the Philippines for a Retired Couple in 2026
  Published estimates run about $1,800 to $2,500 a month for a couple outside Metro Manila.