Your Expat Community in the Philippines

Living in the Philippines: Your Questions, Answered

If you're a new or soon-to-be expat in the Philippines, you might have some questions about what life is like in this island nation. We've compiled answers to seven common inquiries to help you get started. To ask more specific questions or share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, where you'll find a supportive community of expats who love to help each other out.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
While Filipino and English are both official languages in the Philippines, it's helpful to learn some Filipino (Tagalog) for daily interactions and to build connections with locals. English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among educated Filipinos, so you can get by without knowing the local language, but learning it can enrich your experience.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Makati City:

• Single-room flat: 15,000–30,000 PHP (292–585 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 45,000–100,000 PHP (877–1,950 USD) per month

Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig:

• Single-room flat: 25,000–40,000 PHP (487–780 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 70,000–150,000 PHP (1,365–2,925 USD) per month

Cebu City:

• Single-room flat: 10,000–20,000 PHP (195–390 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 30,000–60,000 PHP (585–1,170 USD) per month

3. How safe is the Philippines for expats?
The Philippines is generally safe for expats, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. Keep your belongings secure and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

4. What is the healthcare situation like in the Philippines?
Healthcare in the Philippines varies in quality. Private hospitals and clinics, particularly in urban areas, generally provide better care than public facilities. Many expats opt for international health insurance that covers treatment at private hospitals and medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

5. How can I open a bank account in the Philippines?
To open a bank account in the Philippines, you'll typically need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease agreement), and an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) or other proof of legal residence. Some banks may have additional requirements, so it's a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use.

6. What is the cost of living in the Philippines?
The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively low compared to Western countries, but it can vary depending on your lifestyle and location. In general, housing, transportation, and food are more affordable, but imported goods and services can be more expensive. As an expat, you can expect to live comfortably on a modest budget.

7. Can I drive with my foreign driver's license in the Philippines?
Foreigners can drive in the Philippines using their foreign driver's license for up to 90 days. After that, you will need to obtain a Philippine driver's license. To do so, you'll need to provide your foreign license, passport, visa, and ACR I-Card, and pass a written and practical driving test

Embark on Your Life as an Expat in the Philippines

The Philippines is made up of a massive 7,000 islands and is located in the western Pacific. Defined by its huge cities, beautiful beaches, rice fields, volcanoes, and friendly locals, the Philippines has everything from beach paradise spots at Luzon and Mindanao to the sprawling, vast city of its capital Manila. Expats find the Philippines to be among the top five countries in the world in regard to personal happiness, according to our Expat Insider survey results. Expats also find it relatively easy to settle into the country and make friends and the country does well for families, too, with affordable and easily available childcare and education options for expat kids. The cost of living in the Philippines is also very low, which is extremely attractive to relocating expats. The destination is also very popular with retirees, and a large percentage of expats also relocated to the Philippines to be with their partner. However, infrastructure can be a problem in the country, with both underfunding and underinvestment issues.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Germany or Malaysia, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Network for Like-Minded Expatriates in the Philippines

By joining the expat community in the Philippines, you can be safe in the knowledge that all of your members have gone through a careful approval process prior to becoming a part of our growing community. Feel confident about meeting up with other expats in the Philippines by joining the various groups and attending the events held by the InterNations expat community. By browsing through the groups and events that are taking place, you are sure to find something of interest. There’s the Manila Culture Group, for instance, or you can try connecting with work colleagues and other like-minded expats through the Professional Networking Group in Manila. Don't stop enjoying yourself; keep up your interests and social life with InterNations and become part of a real community.