Living in Philippines

"1. It is important to understand the local culture prior to retirement in the Philippines, as etiquette and lifestyle will differ from other countries. 2. Expats should research the cost of living in the Philippines before settling in, as certain locations will have higher living costs than others. 3. Due to the very humid climate in the Philippines, expats should invest in air-conditioning and fans in order to remain comfortable during hot days. 4. English is widely spoken across the Philippines, though expats may benefit from learning some Tagalog in order to converse with locals more easily. 5. Access to healthcare in the Philippines is generally good, with reliable infrastructure across major cities. 6. Expats may need to apply for a visa prior to retirement in the Philippines, so it is important to check all relevant visa requirements," wrote one member in Philippines.

"Be patient. Learn to accept "indirectness" as a form of communication. Just because someone doesn't tell you something, it doesn't mean they aren't telling you something. Listen with all your senses," remarked one expat who made the move to Manila.

"Electricity still the major issue - install a solar panel. Communication and internet is improving - StarLink is already available. Road Network is improving - new roads open and cemented," explained one expat living in El Nido, Philippines.

"I have lived on Palawan for over 20 years and that information is not up to date. We have fine hospitals unless you are looking replacements then go to Cebu. Shopping in 3 large centers plus the usual. I have never had any trouble except minor stuff. The police were good. Great place; for me at least," said one expat in Palawan Island.

"Visit high-end malls such as Abrezza or SM Lanang that are frequented by foreigners and wealthier Filipinos," said one expat who made the move to Davao.

"On the weekends most people go out shopping in the huge malls to socialize and then go out to eat in one of the many restaurants and fast food places. Along with the Filipino restaurants, there are franchises from every corner of the world, so there is something for everyone. Everyone goes out Friday night after work, so there are traffic jams all over Manila," commented one expat who made the move to Manila.

"I live outside of Butuan in the province area on Mindanao, it's very nice and quiet. My asawa and I are taking short trips around Asia. We just got back from Indonesia a few months ago and will be going to South Korea. Our electric bill runs around 4,000 php to 4,500 php (80-90 USD) a month, internet - 1,700 php (about 34.00 USD) a month. Would love to hear from others on how they are doing. I'm 73 and ready to take on the world Lol," remarked one expat living in Philippines.

"There are scams in bars, and some places I would not walk at night. I avoid the Muslim areas. I am not easily intimidated. Foreigners cannot own guns. But my wife can. Our house has very effective perimeter security," explained one expat living in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City, Philippines.

"Petty crime, but I am alert to avoid it. Cebu is safer than most American cities," said one expat in Cebu City.

"The Philippines has been reported to experience a significant amount of crime. Crime includes activities such as robbery, murder, drug trafficking, corruption, and kidnapping. The authorities are making efforts to address the crime problem through law enforcement and public awareness campaigns," said one expat who made the move to Philippines.

"Religous, primarily Catholic. Church and religion are an integral part of life. They don't separate religion from work life," commented one expat who made the move to Manila.

"The Philippines is a country with a diverse population and culture. There is a substantial mixture of ethnic groups, religions, and languages in the country. People in the Philippines are usually very accepting of cultural, religious, and national differences. The Philippines also has a vibrant LGBT community that is accepted and embraced by the rest of society. In general, the people of the Philippines are tolerant and welcoming of different backgrounds and beliefs," remarked one expat living in Philippines.

"If you want an international education for your child, this is a good choice. The school is European and it offers your child the opportunity to learn other languages as well. My child gets German as a second language and will also learn French by Grade 4," said one expat in Paranaque City with children at German European School Manila.

"Since it is a small school, easier to make friends and parents are welcoming, as well as the teachers. It's like a family, no bullying. Academically, there are homeworks so kids can learn more. Also, since it is a Chinese international school, kids will be taught Chinese culture and Mandarin language. My experience is Grade 1 -5 and so far I am satisfied. What the school lacks in facilities, they compensate with caring teachers/staff and good curriculum. For elementary, I do recommend it," remarked one parent with kids at Chinese International School Manila in Taguig.

"That's a difficult question. It all depends on the retiree's needs and his ability to live within his means. I believe that one can make it work at almost any income level if they are willing to make the appropriate sacrifices," said one expat who made the move to Angeles City.

"The cost of living in the Philippines can vary depending on the city and lifestyle of each individual, but in general prices are considered to be generally low. Groceries and everyday items can be found at very reasonable prices compared to other countries in the region. Many foreigners find that they can easily afford basic necessities, such as housing, transportation, and food, while still having money left over to explore the many attractions and recreational activities that the Philippines has to offer," explained one expat living in Philippines.

"For Air conditioning, internet, phone, cable TV, water, tax, transportation, pharmacy, food and hardware, and all extras cost me $1200 Canadian dollars a month," mentioned one in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City.

"One can live on a tight budget when shopping at local markets, buying local produce. Affordable accommodation can be easily found and a 2 bedroom house can be rented at US 200 dollars a month," wrote one expat living in Angeles City.

"There's a great golf club and driving range in the CutCut area and it's patronized by expats and locals alike. All top hotels have swimming pools that offer daily rates to casual visitors and many have a kids play area. All suburbs have a football/ sports pitches, but are not always well maintained. Unfortunately, there are few sports clubs," wrote one expat living in Angeles City.

"In the Philippines, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. Beaches are a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Parks provide a great place for picnics, jogging, and other outdoor activities. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and badminton. Other recreational facilities include amusement parks, zoos, and museums," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.

"It's almost always hot, but it does cool down in the evenings. Typhoons blow in on occasion, but there are always public warnings to keep the public informed of the dangers," said an expat in Angeles City.

"The weather in the Philippines is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The country experiences a wet season from May to October, with heavy rains and occasional typhoons. The dry season runs from November to April, with cooler temperatures and less rain," remarked one expat in Philippines.

"There are lots of restaurants selling local and international food. Bars and discos offer a wide range of entertainment until the early morning," said one expat.

"People living in the Philippines typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and department stores. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, there are many street vendors and small shops that offer a variety of goods," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.

" Shopping for almost anything is plentiful, in excellent malls. Malls here can compete globally with both the Mall of America and the Dubai Mall. One HUGE caution. Pricing here is just as expensive as those malls. You can certainly shop cheaper in the smaller stores and in the provinces off the mainland, such as Ozamis and La Nao Del Norte where I am visiting, but the options are much less, though fresh veggies are in abundance. Next caution, many provinces do not accept credit cards, even for hotel stays. No such problem in Manila (for the most part). Lastly, the green peas here are not tasty, no lima beans in sight, and recently due to a corruption scam at highest levels no onions were available for a month," said one expat.

"There are large supermarkets dotted all around the city and there are numerous markets with fresh produce. Shopping malls, with all the latest gear, as well as nice affordable gear are found in most areas," commented one expat living in Angeles City, Philippines.

"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," mentioned one expat inManila.

"Visiting the Philippines generally requires a visa for travel. Depending on the type of visa and the duration of the stay, requirements may vary. To apply for a visa, travelers visiting other countries in the region, such as Singapore or Malaysia, may apply for a 'Visa On Arrival' through the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. Those who need to stay a longer period may apply for a Tourist Visa at a Philippine Consular Office near their residence. The application usually requires a valid passport, two photos, a filled-out Visa application form, and any applicable fees. For those wishing to reside in the Philippines, obtaining a visa requires more extensive requirements. To be eligible for a residency visa, the applicant must be sponsored by a resident of the Philippines, a branch or subdivision of a Philippine company, or an embassy. The applicant must also apply for a Resident Immigrant Visa at a Philippine Embassy with the necessary documents such as a valid passport, medical exam, letter of request from the sponsor, birth and marriage certificates, and police clearance. The visa application also requires a paid processing fee," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.

"Most passports are given a three month visa on arrival and one can arrange longer stays through the many visa agents found in most hotels," remarked one expat living in Angeles City.

"Cebu city health care is very affordable. Good, top doctors compared to the U.S. When you are hospitalized and you ring for a nurse for help, you immediately get help - not one nurse but sometimes 3. We have a good experience in Cebu," said one expat.

"I have not had to use my insurance here because the cost of care has been so inexpensive. I had to get an MRI which cost me less than 200 USD," commented one expat living in Angeles City, Philippines.

"There are a lot of health insurance choices on offer and it is highly recommended to go on one of them. To be without cash and medical insurance may become a death warrant for the "Unprepared"," remarked one expat living in Angeles City.

"We do not have health insurance, except for PhilHealth through my husband's work. It pays for hospital stays, but there are a lot of out-of-pocket costs. However, these are not high - we are fortunate in that we have not needed any kind of major medical treatments. Something like advanced-stage cancer would have to be handled in Manila and would cost us in the realm of USD 5000 - 10,000, I'd estimate. Primary health care, like bandaging of wounds, bronchitis, and the like is free to all comers," said one expat living in Bontoc.

"Healthcare and health insurance in the Philippines can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, basic health insurance plans are more affordable than comprehensive plans, but they may not cover all medical expenses. Out-of-pocket costs for medical services can also be high, especially for those without health insurance. Additionally, the cost of prescription drugs can be expensive, and many people in the Philippines are unable to afford them," mentioned one expat inPhilippines.