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    Truth about living in the Philippines as an Expat



    Some truths about living in the Philippines as an expat. The food in the Philippines. The Cost of living is probably higher than what you think. Living in the Philippines as an expat has pros and cons.

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    20 Comments

    1. John Cawvey on

      Just don’t drive in the PI. The people are very kind until they get on the road and then the motorcycle drivers are rude and uncaring and feel like they are the only ones on the road. They are a danger to everyone else. They will cut you off and almost run down pedestrians and never slow down. The only other thing I will say is the Filipino people love to throw trash on the ground and the country is full of trash which is a shame because the PI could be as beautiful as Hawaii. I don’t buy the excuse that they do this because they are poor, being poor doesn’t mean you have a right to trash the country or live in a dirty house let’s call it what it really is lazy !

    4. Dumb Mutts. on

      Whilst I agree with most of you advice there are some points I feel I need to comment on. I have lived in Philippines for 25 years, I'm English, and Davao is my home. I currently stay in Angeles City, as I work in construction, and I live in a brand new apartment, fully furnished with a swimming pool and pay 15K per month. Sure if you are only here for a short stay you pay the agoda rates for a hotel but if you are here for at least 6 months you can find rent at a very affordable price. Please remember that the happy smiling Filipino who wants to help you may also be looking at you as a cash cow. Whilst you are correct that most will help you, there are some who will try and rip you off. Just have your wits about you and you will be OK. Reach out to expats who have been here a long time, these are the people who can give you the best advice.

    5. R L on

      Two things on food. Filipino food, for the most part, is very sweet and salty, so keep an eye on your diabetes and kidneys. Second, I cook my own meals but can't find limes anywhere. Can't cook some Thai and Mexican food without limes. Please don't say calamansi are limes. They are not.

    7. Kevin K on

      When I am there, the fiance is in the province and find it hard to get certain foods. For instance, I had a recipe I was going to make, and the store had no canned soup what so ever. Needed cream of mushroom. I usually end up losing 4 to 5 pounds while there. Also, as you said there are a lot of really tasty foods and some things I can not get used to such as the sausage, its sweet, same as the spaghetti sauce. Pasta salad is very sweet since there is a lot of condensed milk in it. Hot dogs are just not good either. Almost never see any beef sold, so end up eating a lot of fish and chicken, and once and awhile pork.

    9. James Campbell on

      I agree with all Dr. Laway's points. Compared to Thailand and Malaysia you get a lot less for the price in the Philippines quality wise. I find there are 3 reasons people pick the PH over other countries: Great tourist visa with up to 3 years without having to do a visa run. English signs and culture and at least some English speaking person everywhere. And the last but not least the kindness and happiness of the Filipino people.

    10. Kenneth Edwards on

      I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about money needs. First, it's not free to live in the Philippines and, with the exception of downtown Cebu or Manila, it's a lot cheaper than the states. If you are paying as much or more you are overpaying. So do some research while your there to find out how much things typically cost. As a single guy you should be able to do quite well on 1K peso/month. Even a reasonable partner knows this is plenty for you and her. HOWEVER, if you wish to do a lot of travel, eating out, and staying in nice hotels, you'll have to add much more. Also, if you agree to support extended family (it's NOT required, if you are told different, then you are with the wrong woman, and may soon go home bankrupt!), again, add much more to your bill. These women, who seem soft, are tough as nails in extracting money, and a weak-minded westerner will be fleeced in one way or another.

    11. Edward on

      I've been to the Philippines or three times each time a month and I finally found apartment one bedroom with pool and I'm getting married over there I am very happy with the Philippines and their culture and I am all in living in the Philippines

    13. Manila on

      The food in the Philippines is salty and greasy most. But the grilled fish is good for me. A lot of people like fried fish in the Philippines. Not healthy.

    16. Rodelo Perez on

      It depends where u eat. Lots of great food and healthy in the Philippines . Those people who complained they haven’t to a great resto in the Philippines .I’m a American citizen the food is not great also that’s why people are most fat and obese coz of bad and unhealthy food . Ty

    17. NeoKrypton on

      Hahahahaha. So true, especially vegans cannot last long in the Philippines, because the culture is more of a meat(pork,beef,goat,fish) cuisine. Hehehehehehe. Yes we eat vegetables too. We have variety of vegetable dishes, but it normally has some mixtures of meat in it.
      Sorry tourists, prices are now high in the Philippines these days. Even us simple locals could not afford touring our own tourist destinations as well, because it is too costly for us as well. So sometimes we just enjoy watching foreign vloggers visiting and making their experience or adventure. In short, you need to have a handsome amount of money when you tour here.

    18. Jose Panicucci on

      Filipinos in general are friendly accomodating & service oriented people however Philippines is not the ideal country for foreigners to invest & settle Foreigners can't own lands in PH & can only own 40% of any PH business & corporations if the main Fil. owner allows it (the 60/40 Filipino first policy) Foreigners can obtain PH citizenship if born or raised in PH like the prominent Spanish Ayala family or if one parent is a Fil. which is not your case Doc Laway you're a 2nd class citizen in PH you don't have same rights of Filipinos & can be deported for overstaying You're a fool to settle in PH enjoy being a loser ripped off in PH Mr lawyer know it all about PH

    19. gary hughes on

      I am currently in midsayap cotabato with my fiance i am overwhelmed by the friendliness and the love poured out by her family and friends the philippines how old is very special place in my heart i love these people

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