Pros and Cons of Living in Philippines

"One thing that bothers me about sites for expats is that they seem to be a sounding board for frustrations, so I'm so glad that this question is here. By far, the best thing about the Philippines is the people. I have never encountered a more optimistic group in all my life. They help one another when they are in trouble. Families are close. For the most part, the people are not driven by what brands they wear or type of car they drive (though sadly there are signs that this is starting to slowly change in the metro areas). Filipinos will break out into song or dance the newest pop-dance while living in conditions that would have Americans lying on the floor crying. I have had so many strangers try to feed me, just because we were out and about somewhere and happened to pass a birthday party or family gathering. Everyone is welcome at all times," explained one expat living in Alabang.

"Expats in the Philippines appreciate the local hospitality and friendliness of the Filipino people. They also appreciate the lively festivals and unique cuisine. In addition, they find the natural beauty of the country captivating, with its stunning beaches, lush jungles, vibrant cities and vast mountain ranges. The country boasts a rich and diverse culture of its own, with beautiful art and music and lively traditions. Expats are also drawn by the tropical climate, amazing landscapes and fun outdoor activities," said one expat in Philippines.

"Expats in the Philippines find that the country has a complex social hierarchy which can be difficult to navigate. They also struggle to adjust to the relaxed pace of life, which can be in stark contrast to their home cultures. Acclimatising to the warm tropical climate, which consists of two distinct seasons, wet and dry, presents another challenge. Finally, expats often find it difficult to learn the native language, Filipino, which has been heavily influenced by Spanish and English," explained one expat.

"Communication is somewhat indirect. It's so important to watch body language, in particular changes in body language (rather than overt gestures) that indicate 'something's up'. Corruption, when encountered, is upsetting and frustrating. The inefficiency of anything official from receipt giving to getting the driver's licence (though there are notable exceptions). The plus side is that inefficiency is almost always accompanied by a smile," said one person in Manila.