Digital Nomad Life in Manila
Summary: Digital nomads like living in Manila, Philippines because it is a vibrant and diverse city with a low cost of living. The city is also home to a large expat community, making it easy to meet other digital nomads and build a network. The approximate population of Manila, Philippines is 12.8 million. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Manila is around $1,000 USD. To rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Manila, it will cost around $500 USD per month. The best neighborhood to live in Manila is Makati, as it is the financial and business hub of the city and offers a wide range of amenities. The weather in Manila, Philippines is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I meet people in Manila?
When we asked people living in Manila about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Manila often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and running. Expats also join social clubs, such as the American Women's Club of Manila, the Manila International Club, and the Manila British Club. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending events hosted by the local embassies, joining language classes, or attending meet-ups organized by expat groups. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining a church or religious group, or volunteering with a local charity," explained one expat living in Manila, Philippines.
"Taking language courses at one of the Universities or Colleges is a good way to meet both locals and other expats whilst learning language and culture. I can personally recommend De La Salle/CELL or Christian Language Study Centre. If you can get membership of a Sports or Country Club, grab it. I've been a member of Valle Verde Country Club and found it to be a fantastic place to get away from the bustle and noise of Manila, not to mention play sports," said one person in Manila.
What is life like in Manila?
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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