Manila, Philippines Report of what it's like to live there - 07/19/24
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?
I've also lived in South America, Africa, and Central Asia.
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?
U.S.A. There are many flight options into Manila.
3. What years did you live here?
2021-2024.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
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?
Housing is almost all high-rise apartments located in Makati or BGC. If you aren't familiar with Manila, the NCR - National Capital Region - is made up of numerous cities, somewhat like New York consists of different boroughs. BGC (Bonifacio Global City) is a large modern development in Taguig City.
The International School of Manila (ISM) and the British School are located in BGC. Makati is also a modern area, just a bit older than BGC. Both are desirable areas to live with many restaurants, malls, shops, etc. Typical apartments are two or three bedrooms, anything larger is rare. High-rise apartments can reach 50+ stories here. There is little to no storage space, so be careful with how much you bring.
All buildings have some kind of limits on size and number of dogs. Do your homework before trying to bring a medium to large dog or multiple dogs here. It may complicate your housing. All buildings have underground resident parking. All have some mix of amenities like pools, gyms, and event rooms.
There is also housing on the Seafront Compound, which despite its name is not on the Seafront. It was at one time, but there has been a lot of land reclamation over the years. The Seafront Housing is either townhouses or apartments in a 3-story walk-up building. The compound is a jumble of mixed use and pretty run down. However, there is a pre-school that operates there as well as recreation facilities like a pool, gym, and tennis courts. The surrounding neighborhood is pretty rough.
Lastly, there are a handful of stand-alone houses within gated "villages" here. They tend to be large but also old and maintenance intensive. The villages are around the Makati and BGC area.
Commute times vary greatly based on time of day, weather, and who knows what else. Good commute times to the U.S. Embassy are 35-45 minutes (a little less to Seafront). Expect to regularly have commutes over an hour. Movement between areas of the city after work are also difficult. Travel between BGC and Makati on a Friday or Saturday night can easily take an hour, despite the relatively short distance between them.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Nearly everything is available here. Costs seem slightly higher than the U.S. Produce quality is disappointing. There are many delivery options if you prefer not to fight traffic and parking to go grocery shopping. There are several grocery chains, plus a few Costco style stores, as well as some small "wet markets" and many small specialty shops. Anything you can't find in the store you can find online through Lazada - an Amazon-like retailer.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Don't bother shipping anything here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are far too many to list. Manila is a major city with something like 20 million people. You can find just about any cuisine if you look around for it. For food deliver, Grab is the most popular service.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Cockroaches are prevalent here. You will have them.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help runs roughly $400/mo, give or take. Housekeepers, nannies, and drivers are very common. Drivers really help with managing the stress of the traffic here. The traffic will greatly affect your life here, no way around that.
2. 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?
It's safe to walk and run. On weekends there are a few streets that are shutdown for biking. Otherwise, you can bike if you are brave enough. The traffic here is wild though, not for the faint of heart.
There is virtually no outdoor green space of any kind on this city.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Plenty of gyms available.
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?
No problem with credit cards. ATMs are fine. Other methods like Apple-pay haven't quite caught on here yet. You will need GCASH a local money transfer app.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You don't need any, but it would help. Everyone speaks English to some degree. Professionals are fully fluent, but don't count on easy English communication with a taxi driver.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Modern areas like BGC and Makati have some amount of accessible infrastructure, but the rest of the country is highly inaccessible. Even without physical disabilities, most of the city sidewalks are nearly impassable.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis and Grab (local Uber service) are fine and affordable.
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?
Bring whatever you want, just make sure it has comfortable seats because you are going to spend a lot of time in the car. Make extra sure the AC works. Electric cars are just starting to pick up here. There a small but growing number of Chinese BYD models on the road. I haven't seen any charging infrastructure, I think its all charge at home.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
High speed internet is reliable and readily available through different providers. Cost is pretty reasonable too. It does take a while to get setup, you will be frustrated with that step.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local providers are good. Goggle-Fi works here too.
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?
Be aware of the limitations many buildings place on size and number of dogs. It varies but often the limits make even a medium sized dog tricky.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just take normal precautions that you would in any large metropolitan area. Nothing special to be aware of.
2. 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?
Air quality is moderate. It's always hot and humid here. I love the outdoors in general but find I loathe going outside here.
3. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Manila wears on people. Between the inescapable crowds, never-ending traffic, and frantic pace of work, it can really take a toll on people.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid, day and night. It's rainy June to November. There's an every so slight cool-off around December-February, but April tends to be the hottest month and is unbearable.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The International School of Manila (ISM) is one of the best schools there is. For quite a few folks, the school is the reason the stay here.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ISM has a strong program. Contact them directly.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
ISM offers a plethora of afterschool sports and activities for all ages.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. Morale is pretty good overall.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Totally depends on the individuals. For better or worse, Manila is a huge, dense city with a lot of offer, if you can manage the traffic and weather.
3. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Gender bias and stereotypes are alive and well here.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
There are tons of beautiful places to visit here. So many trips are available. If you are a diver, there is endless opportunity.
5. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
You can get inexpensive pearls here.
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The school and the wide variety of restaurants.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How much the traffic would truly impact our lives.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Probably not. It's not a place that captures the heart.
3. But don't forget your:
patience.
