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Ayala Triangle in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manila

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 01, 2023

Summary: People often describe Manila, Philippines as a bustling, vibrant city with a unique mix of modern and traditional culture. Expats love the city's diverse food scene, its friendly people, and its vibrant nightlife. The weather in Manila is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,500 per month, depending on lifestyle. A one bedroom apartment typically costs around $500 to $1,000 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500 per month. The population of Manila is estimated to be around 12.8 million people.

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What do I need to know about living in Manila?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Manila, they said:

"Be patient. Learn the language, or some anyway. Don't rush to judgement, better often to reserve your opinion. Muck in with the real locals to learn the real Manila," said one expat who made the move to Manila.

"Before retiring in Manila, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the safety of the area they plan to live in and the availability of transportation. Finally, expats should research the visa requirements for long-term stays in the Philippines," explained one expat living in Manila, Philippines.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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What do I need to know before moving to Manila?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
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Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

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Ayala Triangle in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Contribute to Philippines Network Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

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