Add to Favorites (0 Favorites)
An expat talks about living in Manila, Philippines. He explains that mainly move to Manila for the low cost of living, friendly people and warm climate.
Foreigners mainly move to Manila because of the low living costs and the fact that many people in the Philippines speak English. Beside that people generally are friendly.
Living costs including the lease of a small furnished apartment depend on where the apartment is located. In a non luxurious area they normally do not exceed 1200 USD per month. Public transportation is cheap.
Expats can join various clubs where members are of their own country of origin through contacts with their embassies. Events are organized by the club and there is a small membership fee. Local clubs like chess or golf clubs maybe contacted through the internet. There is also a membership fee. Non-profit organizations exist. Usually you have to be introduced by a member.
There are several international schools - Brent School and International School are nearby if you are living in Makati They offer a k-12 curriculum in English
Shopping can be done in malls or markets. They are located in practically all cities in Metropolitan Manila.
Public transportation is available in my area through jeepneys or MRT/LRT (Metro Rail Transit or Light Rail Transit). They are not very reliable but generally safe.
There are two main seasons. The rainy and the dry season. The rainy season is characterized by frequent typhoons (July - December) The dry season is very hot and humid (January - June).
There are lots of restaurants selling local and international food. Bars and discos offer a wide range of entertainment until the early morning.
There is a public hospital nearby and also a private hospital. Emergency services in the private hospital are good - Not in the public hospital. Quality of care in the Public Hospital is not recommendable for Westerners. In the Private hospital it is reliable and good.
WeExpats provides international health insurance to expats and travelers in Philippines. They focus on the highest coverage for the lowest cost with global coverage. Click here today to learn more and get a free quote!Swimming can be done in the public pool of a sports stadium rather close to where I am living. Golfing in a nearby golf course by members of the golf club. Hiking in a public park nearby.
A residency permit can be obtained through a yearly quota system or if you are married to a local person- on the basis of the marriage. Foreign visitors upon their arrival in the Philippines are granted a free tourist visa for 30 days, which may be extended to 59 days through the immigration. Before the expiry of the 59 days visa the foreign visitor may extend his/her visa to 60 or 180 days more. The tourist visa maybe further extended up to 3 years.
Petty crime occurs often in the Philippines. Pickpockets are all over and there are a lot of thieves. There are also a lot of fraud cases.
Moving to Philippines soon? Crown Relocations owns and operates over 207 facilities in almost 54 countries. Their global network means they're unique in the relocations business and they're able to use Crown crews and vehicles wherever possible. Get a quote online by May 25, 2019 and you'll be entered to win 1 of 5 $250* Amazon gift cards.
Expatriate Health Insurance
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Philippines from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
5 Tips for Expats Living in the Philippines
Pros and Cons of Living in the Philippines
The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.
Moving to the Philippines: 7 Things to Know Before You Move to the Philippines
Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.
An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring in Angeles City, Philippines
An expat in the Philippines talks about choosing to retire in Angeles City for the lower cost of living. He appreciates the Filipino people, lower crime rate and lifestyle.
An Expat Talks about Moving to Davao , Philippines
An expat in the Philippines talks about what it's like moving to Davao City. He wishes he had brought his golf clubs and shoes and left his scuba gear at home (no fish, no corals). He offers great advice about the pros and cons of typical types of expat housing.
Copyright 1997-2019 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.