What do I need to know before moving to Philippines?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Philippines, they said...
"Don't move in now unless you have a good contract stating details about deteriorating security. Move into Alabang since there is a brand new hospital. Prepare to pay for everything while in hospital. American style. No pay, no treatment," said a member in Manila, Philippines.
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"Expatriates should be aware that the official language in the Philippines is Filipino, although English is widely spoken in Manila and other cities. Expats should also be aware that the culture of the Philippines is largely influenced by Spanish and American traditions, so expats could benefit from learning more about the culture before their move. Additionally, expats should plan to keep medical documents and any medications with them upon their move, as medical care may be more limited than what is available in their home country. Furthermore, it is important for expats to obtain a valid visa before travelling to the Philippines, especially if they plan to reside and work there. Finally, expats should be aware that the cost of living in the Philippines can be relatively low, depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle," remarked another expat who made the move to Philippines.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Philippines?
- How do I meet people in Philippines?
- What is life like in Philippines?
- Is there a lot of crime in Philippines?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Philippines accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Philippines like?
- Is the cost of living in Philippines high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Philippines?
- What are healthcare services like in Philippines?
- Is the cost of living in Philippines high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Philippines?
- What is the weather like in Philippines?
- Are there good restaurants in Philippines?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Philippines?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Philippines?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Philippines?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Philippines?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Philippines?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Philippines?
If you live in Philippines, newcomers to Philippines would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.
