adminee
From: United States
11/25/2008 12:08 EST
We're going to be putting together an article entitled, 10 Tips for Living in Philippines, and we need your help. Please post a reply to this thread with as many tips as you'd like (or as few) for expats living in Philippines. Whether you're a newcomer yourself or a seasoned expats whose lived abroad for many years, share your favorite tips for expats living in Philippines. If you want to discuss or expand upon someone elses tip, feel free! We'll use your posts to compile the articles.
Thanks, in advance, for your help!
Betsy Burlingame
ExpatExchange.com
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locopmd
11/26/2008 07:40 EST
1. have an umbrella handy on your person or in your ride, cuz you never know when you'll get caught in a downpour.
2. become an adventurous foodie, because the Philippines is all about food and eating.
3. get used to Filipino time
4. get used to waiting in line or queuing up
5. get familiar with geography, locations, and directions because locals generally aren't
6. forget about driving unless you absolutely have to. If you need personal transpo, hire a driver, a vehicle, or both.
7. be an interesting conversationalist
8. be very, very patient
9. travel the Islands. Get out of the city and see the mountains, beaches, and countryside
10. RELAX. Filipinos are friendly, generous, and outgoing once you get to know them and they know you.
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umbras
12/4/2008 00:06 EST
Yep, just like they said, be patient, even when you know it can't possibly take that long, it will. Forget all common sense and logic, there is none in this country but it seems to work itself out eventually.
Always, always, have 3 or more notarized copies of any paper work for anybody for anything..
Forget tipping, they don't understand why you would give them a tip and they will be ashamed.
Bring all your XXL or larger clothes with you to the Philippines. They do not sell the same size. It's all a smaller asian size.
Cotton is good but Dri-Fit or other sweat wisking material is much better...you will sweat..unless your from Florida.
Count your money before you turn and walk away...even from a relative.
If you have two of anything, someone will ask for one of them...because no one can imagine why you need two. Unless your a woman and your talking shoes.
Expect to eat at 10 and 3, no matter how much you had for breakfast or lunch.
Did I say be patient ? Just a reminder. BE PATIENT. Forget about confrontation. There is no such creature as a Customer Service Rep. Everyone is related and its usually to the boss, and he doesn't care. So put your tail back between your legs and just wait or walk away.
Learn to live without anything of quality. Unless you brought it with you. Things are cheap or inexpensive because you will be fixing or replacing them every couple months...from the smallest fingernail clipper, to the best darn stereo.
Wood, leather, rubber, anything affected by humidity will surely die a horrible death.
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adminee
From: United States
12/4/2008 14:59 EST
Thanks for the tips! Anyone else have any advice to add? If you got a call from an old friend or colleague who was moving to the Philippines, what advice would you give them?
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jingshall
12/7/2008 06:54 EST
Don't forget the mosquito repellant or net.
Remember to wash your hands often.
Wear slippers or shoes that slip on and off easily.
Carry baby wipes or small towel with you always.
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queenangel
5/3/2012 04:40 EST
If one seeks for a convenient and comfortable setting I would strongly suggest one choose to live in modern residential communities such as Condo in Philippines as they offer modern features and facilities that would truly define modern day living.
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CAteacher
5/3/2012 14:22 EST
Thanks for the lead. We are planning a move, though not commiteed to a date yet. I'll check out Condo in the Philippines, but the web site doesn't seem fully developed yet.
Ken in CA
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queenangel
5/7/2012 06:36 EST
You can view this website and explore the page where modern residential communities in wide array are being presented.
Check this out. http://www.dmcihomes.com/
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Borsia
From: United States
5/7/2012 13:44 EST
Always, always, always carry toilet paper!! This is true of virtually every 3rd world country but especially true in an Aisan countries.
As others mentioned always carry a small towel.
1. you WILL sweat
2. you will never see paper towels in bathrooms.
I will point out one somewhat sad point. Never get involved if you see something like an accident where someone is injured. Before long someone will say that if you stopped you must have been the one who hit them, After that everyone will try to follow the money, and you will be the only money around. Again this is true in almost every 3rd world country.
Never commit any sort of crime. Something like smoking pot may be considered nothing in your home country but it can get you a long prison sentence in most Asian countries, including the PH. At the very least it can cost you a small fortune, just not worth the pain.
People in these countries have no knowledge of things like science or medicine. They are very superstitious so if anything like a natural desastor happens you are on your own.
Beware of pick pockets don't wear jewelry and guard your wallet.
Relax and enjoy many things you might not at home. A 1 hour massage at a nice place in the PH will cost about $6-10, where can you get that in your home country.
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momlypeg
5/8/2012 23:22 EST
I would like to add. A nice set of ear plugs came in handy for me because seems very few vehicles have mufflers. Also, if one rides the bus, suggest you not sit near the front as most drivers drive with one hand on the horn and it is used continually and LOUD inside the bus even. I know of no other country as loud or noisey as the Philippines.
Also, carry smal hand sanitizer or bar soap, None usually supplied in toilet areas.
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queenangel
5/10/2012 23:06 EST
Well points mentioned are true, hence I do believe that there are some place most especially in the metropolis that meets sanitary standards. Places where business and commercial hubs conglomerate and where Real estate Philippines stand out!
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CAteacher
5/17/2012 13:00 EST
Puerto P rincesa is my wife's childhood home and is a lovely city - beautiful, inexpensive, and seems safe for expats too. However, Last year I had coronary bypass surgery and probably need to be nearer a major hospital. So living closer to Manila seems sensible.
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