Manila, Philippines Report of what it's like to live there - 04/09/24
Personal Experiences from Manila, Philippines
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
First post with diplomatic mission.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
New York, 24 hours to get here. Direct flight from Manila to San Francisco, then whenever from there.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most people are in apartments. BGC and Makati are the primary areas with few people in single family homes. Apartments are typically around 2200 sq feet with a maids quarters as well.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
US foods are expensive. Shopping locally is very cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bug spray, spices, and spray sunblock.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Plenty of options, Starbucks, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Fridays, yet to find a decent steakhouse though.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO, everything is through the embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It would be weird if you didn’t have a helper of some kind. Drivers and helpers run around $400-$500 a month. Most helpers live in.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, very safe.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Basketball. Gyms are in every housing building.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are fine. Cards are excepted in the city but harder to use outside. Most people use G Cash.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. Most speak English
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transportation has lots of crime and is prohibited by the embassy. Most use the Grab app. Rides are very cheap.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Your car will get beat up here. Don’t bring anything nice. The traffic and amount of motorbikes, combined with the Filipinos being clueless about the rules of the road makes driving the most dangerous thing you will do in the Philippines
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
PLDT is the company. Internet took a couple days. Runs about $40 a month for 100gb speed.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use Google Fi. Also have a local sim for G Cash.
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?
Don’t know, but many people have dogs. We always see the helpers walking them around.
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?
Lots of EFM jobs in the embassy. Local jobs don’t pay enough to make it worth the time.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual cause of the heat. Usually jeans on Fridays.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
We had things stolen from our apartment because we failed to lock the door. Phone snatching is common on the street.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
It’s fine. Major hospital is St. Luke’s Global City.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Fine except for the occasional volcanic ash warnings.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid. Rainy season is called that for a reason. Rains and floods everyday.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
ISM is the most popular school. It’s the most impressive I have seen anywhere. They have a preschool there but it is very expensive. The embassy has a preschool for $500 a month. 5 days a week. 07:00-13:00.
2. 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?
Preschools are usually over by lunch time. Everyone has helpers who tend to the kids and make play dates for them.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
ISM has tons of free afterschool activities.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
400k Americans live in the Philippines. Those with children will have a very easy time making friends outside the embassy because of all the school activities.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Kids activities, bars, clubs.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families 100%.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Locals not so much, but expats from all over the world.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Very LGBT-friendly
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Very easy to travel to the islands or to Vietnam, Thailand ect.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Get out of Manila!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of knock offs if you’re looking for that $20 Gucci
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Lots of restaurants
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Traffic and crowds. Be ready for the worst in the world. Filipinos move at Filipino speed. You will never get anything done quickly.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Not forever but nice for a tour.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
warm clothes, road rage.
4. But don't forget your:
calm.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
YouTube
6. Do you have any other comments?
Do your research before you come. You will get what you put in. If you don’t plan on traveling don’t waste your time.
