×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
An Expat Talks About What It is Like to Move to Manila, Philippines, Report 1037 | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

An Expat Talks about Moving to Manila, Philippines

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Manila

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

I wish I had brought:

1) My gun
2) Our Indonesian maid
3) Kidnap insurance

I wish I had left home:

1) Writing material. Post-office system is too slow (3 weeks minimum)
2) Computer, ISP is terrible, and the air pollution is eating away the internals
3) My wife. Half joke, but she (Japanese) cannot understand the lack of ethics in this country and is the reason we move out. I like it here very much due to the fun loving people.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Don't move in now unless you have a good contract stating details about deteriorating security.

Move into Alabang since there is a brand new hospital. Prepare to pay for everything while in hospital. American style. No pay, no treatment.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

Apartment. This is safer than houses around Ortigas but less habitable.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Near the school of my son due to traffic. If International school, stay in alabang of Forbes If Brent-south campus stay in Alabang If Brent Ortigas, choose another school.

Use one agent, and let her search. DOnt worry about watersupply. Worry about neighbors and semifurnished. This excludes aircon.

SJB Global

Learn MoreConnect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

SJB Global

Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Rent of 60.000 PS. Houses are 90.000 and up in Valle Verde and other area's

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides