La Union, Philippines Report of what it's like to live there - 10/26/09
Personal Experiences from La Union, Philippines
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
In March of 1999, I moved to Mazatlan Mx to learn to argue with Mexican women. Traveling mostly the west coast, with many trips between Mazatlan and Sayulita, near PV.
2. How long have you lived here?
I moved here 5 1/2 years ago after traveling for over a year in the PI looking for the right spot.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Low crime, friendly people, some nice beaches, and Baguio City is an hour and a half away at 6,000. ft.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Fly into Manila. Get a taxi that is metered and go to the Partas Bus station that is close to the airport in Pasay City.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My beach house is around $150 a month, and I am 10 minutes from downtown.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
One-quarter of the USA prices, and half the price in Mexico.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
LBC is like FEDEX.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC to Mc D's -- and the fresh fish is abundant, as is all seafood. Low cost.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
It's a tropical area, so bring repellant.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Local post office.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
My live-in maid is paid $40.00 a month and that's for washing clothes, cleaning, and cooking for my live-in girlfriend and myself.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, there are many, but they are not air-conditioned and they don't wipe off the equipment often, as far as I can tell.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Many ATM machines, but they are only at the banks, and they go offline or run out of money often.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
The services are usually in Tagalog.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cable is $7.00 a month and Satellite is $12.00.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is their 2nd language.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very few wheelchair-accessable areas.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local transportation is very cheap.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Buy your auto here, as import duties are high.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
DSL IS $20 a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
It is very cheap to buy a cell phone here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No, but there is about 10 pages of paperwork.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Real cheap pet care. A visit and shots will run around $10.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
NO, unless you teach English via the net or to the many Korean students that live and go to school here.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
It's tank tops and shorts mostly, but the businessmen dress accordingly.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
San Fernando has a nice breeze off the South China Sea and you don't get the Black soot in your nose like in other large cities.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Any third-world or developing nation will have its security concerns. For four years in Mexico I had no problems, and I lived amongst them and not in foreigner compounds.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
It's a brain drain here, but there still are some great doctors, and dental care is better than in Mexico. A Japanese porcelain crown might be $60. That would be $800 in the USA. My blood pressure pills are six cents each here compared to $2 each in the USA.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Typhoon/rainy season is from May-Oct. Nov to mid March is cool 75-85. The western side is much safer for typhoons as they form in the Pacific and move west toward the eastern side of the islands.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are some great private schools for students of all ages here.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
My friends that are married to Filipina women claim their children are picked on by the boys for being mixed race. And that is the private schools.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
I would guess about 300 of us live here in a 20-mile stretch of coast with a population of 200,000.
2. Morale among expats:
The people are for the most part friendly, but animosities are noticeable.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Some nightclubs. The women will approach you daily asking you many questions and for your cell number.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, but mostly single men.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, in fact they have a Miss Gay San Fernando every Feb here, and it is a great experience.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Muslem-Buddist-Church of Christ, 7TH Day Adventists, and Catholics all co-exist here in La Union, and all have their places of worship.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beaches, snorkeling, fishing, waterfalls, hiking, and on and on.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Wood products, rattan, wicker -- and too many indigenous items to list.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, it is easy to save money here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I wish I would have stayed in Mexico. I will return to Mexico soon to see if I want to move back to Nayarit or Sinaloa.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
valuable items.
3. But don't forget your:
sunblock and stun gun.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Lonely Planet.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Lonely Planet.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
No movie can describe living here.
7. Do you have any other comments?
Even if you are living on US$800 a month, you can live very well. The Filipino people think you are rich. A bank manager does not make that much. But aggressive beggars are everywhere.
