Living in the Philippines

Living in a foreign country almost always requires some adjustment; sometimes this adjustment needs to include a shift in attitude to accommodate both the pros and cons of living in that country. Living in the Philippines is no exception; it is a beautiful country with some of the friendliest people in the world, but it is a whole new culture that requires some amount of tolerance and understanding, especially if you are from more developed countries like Europe, Australia and the U.S.

One of the biggest advantages of living in the Philippines is the low cost of living. Here, your pound, dollar, Euro and most other currencies can buy you a comfortable lifestyle. Most people can easily survive on about $1000 per month with a moderately lavish lifestyle. Maids and house helpers are available by the dozen and a way of life in the Philippines. If you are lucky and find a good maid, they are trustworthy, loyal and will dedicate themselves to providing you with every comfort. Most foreigners, with a few exceptions, are not allowed to own property in the Philippines, but can own a house or condo; the exception to the rule is if you are a foreigner married to a Filipina or Filipino.

The Philippines has great climate; it is mostly warm year round though unexpected rain can ruin your day sometimes. If you are the type of person who loves to soak up the sun, then this might be the place for you. y It is also a very beautiful country with plenty to see, if you can afford to travel.

The Filipino lifestyle is laid back, with little attention paid to time. Filipinos love to drink and eat, and alcohol is available everywhere. The people are very friendly and most of them, especially in the larger cities, speak English quite well, so communication is not too much of a problem.

Despite all these benefits, the Philippines is a third world country so keep that in mind if you decide to live here. Many smaller cities and more rural areas lack the infrastructure that most people are used to. Public utilities like electricity and water, transportation, internet and phone service may not operate as efficiently as you might be accustomed to. Driving can be quite chaotic with small narrow lanes accommodating two-way traffic. Public transport does not follow any regular timetable, which can be frustrating. Most foreigners also complain that the healthcare system is not up to the standard they are used to back in their own countries. The Philippine government is trying to take steps to rectify this.

Coming to the Philippines can be a huge culture shock for some people. Expect to find men urinating on the roads, naked children running around and lots of beggars begging for food and money. Many of these beggars are small children with no place to live. There is quite a lot of pollution, especially in the larger cities where the air is filled with the stench of exhaust fumes, urine, rotting food or dying animals. There is often singing and drinking in the streets to celebrate fiestas and holidays.

Living in the Philippines can be a very enjoyable experience if you do your research before you arrive and come here with an open mind. Get to know the country; there are plenty of resources on the Internet that are just a click away. Make sure you are familiar with both the benefits and the challenges you might face when living here, so that you can make sure it is the right country for you.