Expat Advice: Living in Surigao City, Philippines
Young Surfer in Surigao
An expat living in Surigao City in the Philippines offers advice on the costs of living there, what the people are like and more.
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Surigao City
How long have you lived there?
12 Months
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
Suriago city is actually not a tourist destination area though there are some activities that are available to you here. I would certainly not consider spending a lot of time here. Siargao Island is the place to visit. Great pictures, fantastic surfing - if you need a heads up message me.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
They all live in harmony. The majority are Catholics - there are a small amount of Muslims but they coexist.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Mine is the main source of business here though there are a lot of small retailers as well
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
I would suggest a minimum income from Australia or the US dollar 400 per week and that's living very comfortable. Rent is about $45 per week, food can add up to about $100 plus per week - electricity is about $75 a month, water about $10 a month. In general if you want to live the same lifestyle you will need no more than $400 per week. Make the move - I regret not doing it earlier in my life. I'm 52 getting married next month the one piece of advice don't believe what a lot of Filipinas tell you take your time choosing a partner you don't want to make one big mistake as divorce is very difficult to have undone in the Philippines.
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Comments about this Report
minocquaWhat year was this posted ?
kenbowlesI spent a week in Esperanza near Del Carmen on Srigao Island. Visited a few of the beaches and Dapa. On return to Luzon, I left from Dapa to Surigao. Spent the day in Surigao and then took the Super Ferry to Manila. Both ships were packed. And, when I flew there (Esperanza) the plane from Cebu was packed, too. Lots of surfers headed there for a small tournament. Only problem I had there was the humidity and mosquitoes. Riding habal habal was fun.
guestPretty narrow summary. When one divorces in Pi it's easy and considered null and void. It's just the revenge factor to consider. Hired assassins come cheap here. $400 sounds reasonable. Surigao AINT a city more like provinces and the fishing and surf is great but remember the wet season can rain for weeks. A holiday is always different than living there. I will when possible trial living o/s before diving in the deep end and have a plan B if it don't wor out. I found Surigao to be one of the nicest islands in Pi.... But doubt if I'd live there. It's great to grab a bike and go for a super ride. There is only 1 ATM on the island and if it's empty it's a 2 hr boat to get some cash...........
