Living and working in Philippines

[nike439]

I am looking at an opportunity in The Philippines. Just wanted to know what it is like living in Manila and working in the Philippines. Would appreciate advice on-
1. Cost of housing
2. Transportation
3. Medical facilities
4. General cost of living

Any other help is welcome

[synthia]

Welcome to the expat forum, nike349. I haven't been to the Philippines since 1991, but from what other people have told me, many things haven't changed.

I'm not going to offer an opinion because I liked the country but didn't like Manila at all. I've heard that if you stick to Merkati (spelling?) it can be OK.

[Death4Hire]

Originally Posted by synthia

Welcome to the expat forum, nike349. I haven't been to the Philippines since 1991, but from what other people have told me, many things haven't changed.

I'm not going to offer an opinion because I liked the country but didn't like Manila at all. I've heard that if you stick to Merkati (spelling?) it can be OK.

It's Makati.

Yep, I can still consider Makati (and Ortigas) as a good place for foreigners due to accessibility, business, leisure, etc.

Manila, is hard to describe nowadays. It has a weird mix from the shady (you don't want to know) to the extravagant.

[keziah_sandiego]

1. Cost of housing
Housing in the Philippines is relatively cheaper compared to that of other countries. Housing costs will depend on what you prefer. A house, a condo apartment/unit or to stay in a hotel? Renting a house is most likely applicable if you will be coming with your family, but if you are alone, rent a condo unit. Rental prices will also vary according to where you are. In upscale areas like Makati, Ortigas, Global City-The Fort and Eastwood, rent will range from US$800-2,000 depending on size. But the figures may be overstated since you can find lower rents within those areas. Just remember, the closer you get to the business districts, rents will be higher.

2. Transportation
You can see a taxi anywhere in Manila. you can also rent a car and driver to tour you around. But if you'll just be staying within Makati CBD, you can just walk to reach malls and other amenities.

3. Medical facilities
Hospitals are very much available.
Here are the suggested hospitals:
Makati - Makati Medical Hospital
Ortigas or Eastwood - The Medical City

4. General cost of living
Costs are relatively lower. It will depend on your lifestyle.

Visit the country, then afterwards, decide if you want to stay.

[keziah_sandiego]

These are nice places:
Makati CBD, Ortigas, Eastwood and Global City

Makati CBD-if you'll be working within it, stay there.
Ortigas City - almost like Makati CBD, but more of Language schools. So if you are in the LAnguage industry (teaching English), this is the right place for you.
Eastwood and Global City - if you love entertainment, these are the places for you.

[dannyidle]

Originally Posted by nike439

I am looking at an opportunity in The Philippines. Just wanted to know what it is like living in Manila and working in the Philippines. Would appreciate advice on-
1. Cost of housing
2. Transportation
3. Medical facilities
4. General cost of living

Any other help is welcome

I may also suggest you living in Cebu City which is just 45 mins flight from Manila. It's peaceful here in Cebu and you can go to the beaches and mountains at any time in Mactan island. Also you can buy nice condominium or townhouse in Cebu in a good price which is far less than in Makati. I'm a Chinese and right now working in Cebu. People here are nice to foreigners.

[synthia]

While personally, I much preferred Cebu City, I certainlly wouldn't want to fly in and out on a daily basis. Just getting to and from the airport would be a hassle!

[steve cross]

My family and I lived in the Phillipines for two years ( 1994-1996 ), my wife was born there. We lived in Baliwag, Bulacan province and about a two hour drive from Manila. Not sure what kind of work you are looking for, wages are very low unless you're working for a large foreign firm on assignment. Corruption there has to be among the worst in the world, the police are involved with a lot of crime and just about everyone with a government position takes a pay-off to turn a blind eye. My father-in-law warned me not to stray to far from our city alone, westerners are considered rich and easily become targetted if they are alone.

[EnGarde]

To add to what Steve Cross posted, check online this blogspot , search for "delfindjmontano" , to learn more about some of the "culture" in the Philippines. The title of that blogspot is "The NOT So Talented Mr. Montano". Read the latest post about policemen (I kid you not, the experience of the author of this blog, even with his latest blog on the police, is a normal occurence. If you want to bring matters to court for justice, good luck).

With regards to business opportunities, check if it is true that foreigners in the Philippines, can not own majority interest in a business. Check also if it is true that foreigners in the Philippines can not own real property.

[roy]

an annual cost of living study by human resources organization ECA International said that The Philippines, was placed at the bottom of the survey as the cheapest country to live in followed by Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia.
According to a survey of 32 countries and territories The Philippines has the lowest living costs for expatriates.
Housing in the Philippines is very cheap but expatriates may have to change their citizenship or be married to a Filipino citizen before being allowed to own land.
It is advisable that if one wishes to stay in the Philippines, Manila should be counted out due to the high population count making the city very expensive and congested to live in. Instead it would be ideal to consider the Southernmost part of the country where you could also find cheaper housing units for rent, cheap good foods and transportation.
Rental rates of smaller houses and apartments can cost around 100 euros. Pls consider:
1.Medical Services provided by good health providers are
2. You can own a house and lot for less than(depending on your style) $5,000.00. current exchange rate 44.00 pesos to a US dollar.
3. Excellent American, European, Chinese, Japanese and other Asian and local Foods are being offered very cheap. You pay between $1 and $10 for food (depends on your wise choice) per meal to satisfy.
4. Depending on the location, the temperature range from 10C to 34C all throughout the year.
5. Excellent resorts and vacation places. And many, many more.

Indeed you can stay here permanently with your personal househelps (less than $50), driver (less than $70) caregiver (less than $100) etc per month.
As an added inputs; Foreigners such as as Europeans, Americans, Aseans are aplenty enjoing their retirement.