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The California Expat Letter

Practical updates on life in the Philippines — visa news, cost of living, what's changing, and what actually matters over time.

Written by John Smulo. Based on real experience living and building here, not short visits or secondhand advice.

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Honest perspective on cost of living, location, culture, and relationships

Updates when visa rules, programs, or policies change

Real observations from building a life and running businesses in the Philippines

Practical insights you can actually use — not generic content

The Letter is free and designed to be useful on its own.

If you want deeper guidance, tools, member-only videos, and more direct insights, California Expat Insider builds on this.

Want a structured starting point? The California Expat Guide covers the six things that matter most in your first year.