Pros and Cons of Living in Philippines

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 02, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in the Philippines include its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. The country is also known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expats. Additionally, the Philippines is a culturally diverse country with a rich history and vibrant culture. On the other hand, the cons of living in the Philippines include the high levels of poverty, the prevalence of natural disasters, and the lack of infrastructure in some areas. Additionally, the country has a high crime rate, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries.

What do expats in Philippines appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in the Philippines appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the locals, the flexibility and informality of Filipino culture, the relaxed pace of day-to-day life, and the opportunity to experience a rich cultural and historical heritage. They also enjoy the varied food options, affordable cost of living, and stunning natural scenery. Furthermore, expats appreciate the country's strong sense of family, the strong work ethic, and the fact that English is one of the official languages," explained one expat.

"Loving family, individual kindness face to face, general happiness, work ethic," said another person in Batangas City.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What do expats find most challenging?

"Adapting to a new culture, language barriers, making new friends, loneliness, homesickness, maintaining relationships and communication with family and friends back home, feeling isolated, bureaucratic paperwork and processes, finding suitable employment, establishing a social and work network, feeling out of place, missing familiar foods, dealing with homesickness, finding reliable and affordable housing, mastering a new transportation system, understanding the financial system, understanding local taxes and government systems, adapting to different customs and norms, and assimilating into a completely unfamiliar environment," said another person in Philippines.

"Language differences, cultural dissonance re life and death, religion, sexual mores," remarked another expat in Batangas City.

Answer Question & View More Answers