Moving to the Philippines

Moving to the Philippines means trading in the familiar for island scenes, bustling cities, and a deep cultural history. With more than 7,000 islands featuring turquoise waters and lush landscapes, this Southeast Asian gem attracts expats seeking adventure, business opportunities, and a lower cost of living. The three main island groups are Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the centre, and Mindanao in the south.

Living in the Philippines swings between urban convenience and island-style relaxation. If you’re relocating to Metro Manila or Cebu, brace yourself for dense traffic and a fast-paced urban environment.

Living in the Philippines as an expat

Adjusting to life as an expat in the Philippines comes with its pros and cons. The country’s warmth goes beyond the weather – Filipinos are renowned for their hospitality. English is widely and well spoken in the Philippines, but understanding local customs and picking up some basic Filipino will help you integrate more smoothly. Filipino culture values indirect communication. Feedback is often given subtly, and maintaining harmony is a priority.

Be mindful of practical concerns. Bureaucracy can be slow, power outages are not uncommon, and while major cities have high-quality healthcare, rural areas may lack medical facilities. Security varies across regions, and foreign governments advise against travel to certain parts of Mindanao due to instability.

Finding a Job in the Philippines

Working in the Philippines

Expats in the Philippines frequently find work in outsourcing, tech, education, and healthcare. Expats typically land jobs with multinational firms or non-profits, or start their own businesses. Digital nomads are also on the rise, drawn to destinations like Siargao and Dumaguete.

You’ll need the right visa to work legally. The 9(G) Work Visa is essential for expats employed by a Philippine company, while entrepreneurs may qualify for the Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG). Remote workers operating for foreign companies occupy a legal grey area, as there are no explicit regulations governing digital nomads.

Metro Manila’s gridlock demands patience – commutes can stretch beyond two hours, especially during rush hour. Some expats opt to live closer to their workplace or use co-working spaces in commercial districts.

Visas and Residence Permits for the Philippines

Filipino Culture

Filipino workplaces value hierarchy, respect, and trust. Strong relationships regularly lead to better business opportunities. Decision-making may take longer than in Western business settings, as consensus is highly valued.

Social etiquette is equally important. Public confrontation is discouraged, and maintaining a friendly, non-confrontational manner is key to successful interactions. Hospitality extends into business – meetings typically involve informal conversation and shared meals.

Local Culture in the Philippines 
Business Culture in the Philippines

Finding accommodation in the Philippines

Whether you prefer a high-rise condo in the heart of the city or a quiet home by the beach, the Philippines offers diverse housing options. Metro Manila’s top expat spots – Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and Ortigas – offer high-rise condos with pools, gyms, and 24/7 security. That said, these come with a premium price tag. More affordable options exist in cities like Cebu, Davao, and Baguio, where you can find comfortable housing at lower rates.

If you're looking to escape the rush of city life, rural and beachside areas such as Siargao, Dumaguete, and Palawan offer a more laid-back lifestyle. Rental costs in these areas are significantly lower, but amenities and infrastructure may not be as developed.

Utility costs can be unpredictable, with electricity expenses running high due to air conditioning. Fully furnished apartments often come at a higher price but save the hassle of buying appliances and furniture.

Renting Accommodation in the Philippines

Cost of living in the Philippines

Your cost of living in the Philippines depends heavily on location and lifestyle. Metro Manila is the priciest, particularly in business hubs like Makati and BGC, where rent and dining costs are comparable to those of Western cities. In contrast, cities like Cebu and Davao offer a more affordable yet comfortable standard of living.

Dining out is generally inexpensive – street food and local eateries serve hearty meals at a fraction of the cost of Western-style restaurants. Groceries are a mixed bag. You’ll find fresh produce and local goods affordable, but imported items such as wine, cheese, and speciality snacks come at a higher premium than you may be used to.

Transport costs vary by city. In Manila, ride-hailing apps like Grab are popular but can be costly during peak hours. Although they may not be the most convenient, jeepneys and buses remain the cheapest way to get around. 

Unexpected costs can include high electricity bills, visa fees, and private healthcare. Many expats opt for international health insurance to cover medical expenses.

Cost of Living in the Philippines

Living in the Philippines with children

Raising a family in the Philippines can be a rewarding adventure. The country is home to international schools, family-friendly attractions, and a laid-back lifestyle that many expats appreciate. Manila and Cebu have a strong network of international schools following the British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, making them popular with expat families.

When it comes to leisure, the Philippines is packed with kid-friendly activities. Theme parks like Enchanted Kingdom and Sky Ranch are great for a day out, while nature lovers can explore places like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol or go whale shark watching in Oslob. Family beach trips to Boracay, Palawan, and Batangas are also a favourite weekend pastime.

Private hospitals in major cities offer quality care, but rural areas have fewer specialists. Many expats rely on international health insurance for peace of mind.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in the Philippines

Finding a school in the Philippines

Choosing the right school is a top priority for expat families. Many opt for international schools that follow globally recognised curricula such as the IB, British IGCSE, or American K–12 system. Admission is competitive, and schools often have waiting lists, so apply early.

For families moving to the Philippines for the long term, private local schools can be a viable alternative. Many offer bilingual Filipino and English instruction. Although the quality of education varies, these schools provide smaller class sizes and more affordable tuition than international schools. 

Public schools in the Philippines are free for Filipino citizens but may not be suitable for expat children, as Filipino is the primary language of instruction.

School and Education for Expats in the Philippines

Getting around in the Philippines

Transport in the Philippines is evolving, but getting around can still be a challenge, especially in Metro Manila. Ride-hailing apps like Grab, JoyRide, and Angkas (for motorbike taxis) have become the preferred choice for expats who value convenience over traditional transport. These services are widely available in major cities, but may be limited in rural areas.

Jeepneys, tricycles, and buses make up most of the public transport, but they’re often packed and unpredictable. The government has begun modernising jeepneys by introducing electric and air-conditioned models to improve commuter experiences.

If you’re commuting in Manila, the MRT and LRT train systems provide a faster alternative to road transport, although they remain overcrowded during peak hours.

If you don’t want to own a car, alternatives like motorbike taxis, e-bikes, and car hire services with drivers (like MyKuya) can be convenient solutions.

Public Transport, Driver’s Licences and Driving in the Philippines

Climate and weather in the Philippines

The Philippines has a tropical climate, bringing high humidity and warm temperatures throughout the year. The dry season runs from December to May, and the wet season spans June to November. Monsoon rains and occasional flooding frequently accompany the wet season. Typhoons are a significant concern, with peak storm activity between August and October, particularly affecting Luzon and the Visayas.

Learn to manage the humidity. To cope with the heat, you’ll need lightweight clothing, frequent hydration, and air conditioning. Once the summer heat has beaten you down, consider a refreshing retreat to the cooler highland regions, such as Baguio and Tagaytay.

With its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines experiences occasional earthquakes and volcanic activity. While major disasters are rare, it is advisable to be prepared with an emergency plan. Local governments conduct disaster drills, and PAGASA (the national weather agency) provides early warnings for typhoons and seismic activity.

Climate Charts for the Philippines

Fast facts

Population: Approximately 120 million

Major religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant Christianity, Islam

Capital city: Manila

Political system: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Main languages: Filipino and English, along with additional regional languages.

Time: GMT+8

Electricity: The electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachments and two-pin round plugs are used, as well as type B plugs, which have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Currency: Peso

International dialling code: +63

Emergency numbers: 911

Internet domain: .ph

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right.