Moving to the Philippines

Moving to the Philippines allows you to enjoy everything from island life to ancient treasures and modern urban comforts. With more than 7,000 islands featuring turquoise waters and lush greenery, the picturesque archipelago is a one-of-a-kind destination for expats. The main island groupings are Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the central Philippines, and Mindanao in the south.

Living in the Philippines

Living in the Philippines offers an exciting mix of modern city life and laid-back island living. The transition might initially be overwhelming, particularly if you are moving to Metro Manila or Quezon City, where traffic congestion is a daily struggle.

Transport infrastructure is evolving, with major projects underway to ease congestion. The Metro Manila Subway Project is in progress, with sections in Quezon City closed until 2028 to accommodate new stations. The government is also expanding the country’s cycling infrastructure, especially in key areas like Quezon City and Manila.

Despite these efforts, congestion remains a challenge. Davao City has overtaken Manila as the country’s most traffic-congested city.

Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality, making it easier for expats to settle in. Strong family ties are a defining feature of Filipino culture, and social connections play a significant role in everyday life. Indirect communication is common, meaning disagreements are often expressed subtly rather than openly. Punctuality expectations can vary – while business settings value timeliness, social gatherings may run on Filipino time, where delays are more accepted.

English is widely spoken, so communication with locals is generally easy. Many businesses and schools operate in English, and most road signs include English translations. However, integrating into local life can be smoother if you pick up some Filipino phrases.

You should also be mindful of safety concerns. While most areas are safe, foreign governments advise against travel to parts of Mindanao due to insurgent activity.

Transport and Driving in the Philippines 
Local Culture in the Philippines 
Safety in the Philippines

Cost of living in the Philippines

The cost of living in the Philippines varies significantly depending on where you choose to settle. Living in Metro Manila, Cebu, or Davao comes with higher costs, while rural areas offer a more affordable lifestyle. Expats, retirees, and digital nomads often find that their expenses can be 40 to 60 percent lower outside major cities.

Accommodation options range from high-end condominiums in business districts to modest apartments in quieter regions. Rent in Manila can be high, but smaller cities and rural towns offer lower prices. They also come with more space and a slower pace of life. Utilities can be a hidden cost, particularly air conditioning, which is essential for staying comfortable in the tropical heat.

Eating out is affordable, especially local cuisine. Restaurants serving Filipino dishes are inexpensive compared to Western-style dining. Fresh produce is widely available in markets, making home cooking an affordable option.

Healthcare is excellent in private medical facilities in major cities, although rural areas may lack specialised care. Many expats opt for international health insurance to cover hospital stays and specialist treatments. If you live in a smaller town, expect to travel for major medical procedures.

Unexpected expenses can catch expats off guard. Visa and immigration fees add up over time, and imported goods – especially electronics, vehicles, and Western-branded products – carry high taxes. Car ownership is costly, not just due to purchase prices but also fuel costs and road tolls.

Cost of Living in the Philippines 
Accommodation in the Philippines 
Healthcare in the Philippines

Expat families and children in the Philippines

Raising a family in the Philippines can be an exciting adventure. The country offers a range of schooling options and family-friendly activities to help you settle in.

Many expat parents choose international schools, which offer globally recognised curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British IGCSE and A-Levels, or the American K–12 system. Admission is competitive, and waitlists are common, so apply 6 to 12 months in advance.

If you’re planning a longer stay, enrolling your children in local schools may be a viable option. While instruction in public schools is mainly in Filipino, many private institutions offer bilingual education. Get involved in school communities, attend PTA meetings, and organise playdates to help your kids settle in.

The Philippines’ relatively low cost of living allows families to enjoy frequent weekend getaways. Beach destinations like Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol offer world-class resorts and kid-friendly activities. Adventure seekers can trek Taal Volcano or take a boat ride to Pagsanjan Falls. For a cultural experience, visit Villa Escudero’s waterfall restaurant or explore the art at Museo Orlina in Tagaytay.

Schools and Education in the Philippines 
Working in the Philippines

Climate in the Philippines

The climate in the Philippines is tropical and maritime, meaning you can expect warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The country enjoys a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November, with some regional variations.

Luzon, including Manila and Baguio, has distinct wet and dry seasons. Baguio is cooler because of its high elevation, making it a favourite retreat from the heat. The Visayas region, including Cebu and Bohol, is generally warm and humid, with less severe typhoons than Luzon. Mindanao, including Davao and Siargao, is least impacted by typhoons but experiences strong monsoon rains.

If you’re moving to the Philippines, be prepared for extreme heat, particularly from March to May. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and plan indoor activities during peak heat hours.

Typhoons are a significant weather risk, with an average of 20 storms making landfall annually. The most intense storms occur between August and October, affecting Luzon and the Visayas the most. If you’re living in low-lying areas or coastal cities like Cebu or Manila, be prepared for occasional flooding.

Earthquakes and volcanic activity are also considerations, as the Philippines sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Major disasters are rare, but it’s wise to familiarise yourself with safety protocols.

Weather and Climate Charts in 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.