Wednesday, November 12, 2025

What is it like for an expat in the Philippines?

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Have spent the majority of my time in Philippines over the last 14 years

Life is good when you have great expat friends. Your will also make local friends.

You can live on any type of budget and find any standard of living you can imagine.

Filipino are happy, friendly easy going people. English speaking is a plus. Roman Catholic 80% of the 105M population. Road signs in English. Tagalog is the most used language, along with American English.

It is a very diverse country of 7k islands, so lots of choices. Weather varies by location

Depending where your live noise and environmental pollution can be problems. Security is a emotional drain. Despite poor infrastructure and poverty your can live life the way you want and be free.

Long term tourist visa stays are possible up to 3 years, without leaving the country. Free visa on arrivel for 30 days only. Over 12 months average visa cost PM about 37USD. 1USD =52.5 Pesos in Aug 2019. 1 USD gets you a simple meal in a local Restaurant.

Lots of budget airfares connect you to the rest of the world. There are frequent domestic air ticket sales around $20USD or 1,000 pesos

Gentlemen beware no matter what your age you will pursued by the ladies and you will have to learn to say no more than yes.

Weather is hot and tropical with rain all year round. Typhoons July to October.

Rainfall: DRY November to May

WET June to October

Temperature: COOL November to February

HOT March to October

Average Temp year round is 26.6C 80F (Manila Min low 20’s and Max low 30’s )

The Philippines is a great low cost destination giving your great value for your money, if you like it hot all year round.

Happy travels

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