Manila, Philippines Report of what it's like to live there - 06/26/24
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?
This was our first expat experience.
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?
We lived in Washington, DC. Manila is easy to get to from the USA, there are direct flights from San Francisco and New York. However, the flight is extremely long (at least 15 hours from the mainland).
3. What years did you live here?
2024
4. How long have you lived here?
Approximately 1/2 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?
Housing is great. Most expats live in newer apartments in the Makati or Bonafacio Global City (BGC) area. Our apartment has a two pools, game room, garage, and 24/7 security.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are readily available but the quality is not as good as in the USA. The prices in the expat areas (Makati, BGC) and major shopping malls are comparable to what you would find in a midwestern city in the US. Cheaper groceries and supplies can be found elsewhere, but it's difficult to navigate the local markets.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Fresh vegetables, meat, berries, and fish. It's really hard to find fresh, affordable vegetables.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Filipino food isn't as tasty as Thai, Vietnamese, or Malaysian. However, there are a ton of restaurants in BGC and Makati. Plenty of American chains, Japanese ramen bars, high-end eateries, and Chinese/Japanese restaurants. Plus, there are a few bakeries that cater to expats, and there are coffee places and Starbucks on every corner in Makati and BGC. You won't go hungry here!
Grab is very popular for restaurant delivery. Take out and delivery is abundant, but be prepared to wait, especially if it is raining.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that I have observed.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I never used the local postal facilities, and only used mail services at the embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is much cheaper than in the US and amazing. We have a fantastic nanny that cares for our baby, cooks, and cleans. Typically nannies are paid $400 a month USD and up. Drivers and other staff are also available.
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, we feel safe to walk outside in Makati and BGC areas. There aren't really areas where bike riding is possible, the traffic is really bad. Also, running is really tough because of the heat and pollution. There are almost no public parks for exercising, playing soccer, frisbee, etc.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
We have a gym in our building, and use a personal trainer. Personal training sessions are much more affordable than in the USA
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?
Yes, credit cards are accepted and safe to use in the malls, other areas. I recommend using them but also bringing cash. It's more cash based than in the USA.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
It's a heavily Christian, English speaking country. Plenty of options for Catholics especially, e.g., most of the shopping malls have Sunday mass.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Tagolog makes life much easier, but it's not necessary. Locak language classes are available.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A little. There are not the same options as in the US, and many buildings seem to be non-ADA compliant. That being said, it's much more facilitated than other countries.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There are Jeepneys, but the embassy security office has advised against using them. Mass transit is overcrowded in general. Rideshares through Grab (which operates like Uber or Lyft) is convenient and cheaper than in the USA.
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?
Purchase a used car at post. Preferably an older SUV due to frequent flooding. Also get something comfortable with cold AC, as you will be sitting in traffic!
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, high speed internet is available.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get a mobile phone or sim. However, it is difficult to call a landline with a mobile number.
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?
Most spouses telecommute, some work at the embassy.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plenty of volunteer opportunites in Metro Manila and at the embassy.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formal dress is rarely required, except for high level meetings. Slacks and shirts for men, dresses for women works fine.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
City is relatively safe, compared to cities in Africa and Latin America. There are a ton of security officers: in malls, shops, apartment complexes, etc.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Pollution, poor water quality, communicable diseases, heat stroke are probably the biggest concerns. Pollution and health concerns are not as bad as India and some Chinese cities.
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?
Air quality is less than the US or Tokyo, but better than Lahore/Dehli/Guangzhou
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot, with a rainy season
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
They have a large number of international schools, but be very careful when selecting the right fit for your children. In my opinion, bullying is a severe and persistent problem at International School of Manila (ISM). It seems assaults, name calling, and threats are common at ISM, and we withdrew our child due to pervasive bullying. Non-Asian children of color appear to be frequent targets. Cliques are also prevalent at ISM, especially among the children of wealthy Filipino families.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Most international schools make some accommodations 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?
Yes, preschools are available and affordable. Most expat families send their children to preschool and also have a nanny.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Local sports are available, but it is much more difficult to get your children involved with youth sports. Sports leagues are poorly organized, and navigating trips to soccer, swimming, and basketball practice is extremely difficult due to the traffic.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The expat community is large, and morale is pretty good.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families because of cheap childcare. I am unsure about single life, but there are a lot of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs nearby.
3. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, it's easy to make friends with locals.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There appears to be an active LGBT community.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have not noticed any.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Palawan, Boracay are must-sees!
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Get out of Manila and explore the other islands.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, it's a shopping post with lots of malls and stores. Handicrafts are limited though.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's easy to get to other places in Asia, and the other Filipino islands have beautiful beaches and resorts. Childcare is cheap, and the city has plenty of shopping and nighlife.
