Moving to Cebu, Philippines

"I lived in Cebu, Quoit Pardo for a few years off and on. Great people but just too much traffic, I have moved up north to Danao. Everything you need here, or a cheap air conditioned bus ride to Cebu City if you need any of the Government Departments. A good immigration office and plenty of banking facilities available, if you get a private car. Make sure you have somewhere to park, because that can be a problem. For accommodation DO NOT BUY, just rent. There are plenty of condos, houses or rooms at a good price," said one expat in Cebu.

"Before moving to Cebu, expats should be aware of the tropical climate and the rainy season. It is important to research the cost of living in Cebu, as well as the availability of housing and transportation. Expats should also be aware of the local culture and customs, and be prepared to learn the local language, Cebuano. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in Cebu. Finally, expats should be aware of the safety and security situation in Cebu, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety," remarked one expat who made the move to Cebu.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Cebu is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings for apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties in Cebu. Additionally, you can search for rental listings in local newspapers and classifieds. You can also ask friends and family who live in Cebu for recommendations. Finally, you can visit the area in person and look for rental signs posted in the neighborhood," said one expat who made the move to Cebu.

"I don't know any other expand personally so I can't say what's "typical", but I can tell you about my home and others no found whole looking for it. I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhouse in Mactan (near deny city). It came fully furnished for $460 per month. This was a good deal, better than most, but not incredible. Most homes here have showers rather than bathtubs. They do not have big tank water heaters like in the US. The only hot water is in the shower, and so there's a small water heater in the bathroom. Kitchen and bathroom sinks are cold water only. Homes are typically smaller than in the US. A one bedroom apartment is usually 500 square feet or so. 1000 square feet is considered a big place and you'll pay extra for it. Refrigerator is just like US, though typically smaller. Common to have a microwave. If it doesn't come with the place, you can buy one easily enough. Stove s are usually gas. But they don't pipe gas in like in the US. You have a big tank under the counter and when it runs out you call a gas company to refill it. Oh, you don't drink the tap water. It isn't filtered and processed here like in the US. Tap water is for washing. Drink bottled water. Most middle class and upper homes have a water dispenser with a big jug. Like offices used to have in the US. Ours has a hot water dispenser, it heats a cup or two of water at a time, which is really handy for tea or instant coffee. Internet is readily available. I'm paying $35 per month for 200 mbps. That's roughly typical in the cities," remarked one expat in Cebu, Philippines.

"Expat homes and apartments in Cebu are typically modern and comfortable. They often feature air conditioning, high-speed internet, and other amenities. Many expats choose to live in gated communities, which offer additional security and access to amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and playgrounds. Expat homes and apartments in Cebu are typically located in the city center or in the suburbs, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment," said one expat in Cebu.

"The cost of housing in Cebu varies depending on the location and type of property. Generally, the cost of renting an apartment or house in Cebu is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the Philippines. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from around 8,000 to 15,000 Philippine Pesos per month, while outside the city center prices can be as low as 5,000 Philippine Pesos per month," said one expat in Cebu.

"I haven't done a study to find the average. But for anecdotal evidence: My wife and I looked for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment. (3 bedrooms so we'd have one for us, one for the housekeeper, and a guest room. 2 baths so if someone is taking a shower and you have to go, you're not left hopping on one foot until they get out.) Prices we found for such a place were around 20k to 50k pesos per month. Obviously depending on how nice it is, location, etc. We settle on a place for P23k with AC in every room, fully furnished, in a gated community with 24 hour guards. I think that was a good deal, but not a jump up and down and shout great deal. If you're a single person looking for 1 bedroom, or if you'll take a place that isn't furnished, you can pay less. If you want something big and fancy with a pool and a private garden, expect to pay more. Places farther from city center are cheaper -- my wife wanted someplace close to malls etc, so we're in the middle of Mactan. I've heard of expats getting 1 BR apartments for under P10k -- I think that's doable. Housing prices in the Philippines seem to vary widely. Two very similar places could have very different prices. I see much more range in price here than I saw in the US. So it can make a huge difference if you take time to shop around. Two things to consider: 1. Filipino apartments are often very small. If you're looking at on-line listings, pay attention to the size of the apartment. One bedroom apartments are often like 25 sq meters. 100 sq meters is a big place by local standards. 2. Landlords often ask for 2 months rent for a security deposit and 2 months rent in advance. So you have to put down 4 months rent to move in. I come from the US where it's common for apartments to have "move in specials" where the first month is free and there's 1 month security deposit, so this was a real surprise to me. Make sure you have the cash to move in. Also, this is often negotiable. I suspect the high move in cost is more of an initial negotiating position than they really expect to get that, but I don't have enough experience to know. I came here from Michigan, which has a fairly low housing cost. A 2 BR apartment in my area was around $1000 - $1500 per month. If you're coming from New York City or Los Angeles, $3000 a month would probably sound like there must be something wrong with it that they're giving it away so cheap! Rents here are WAY lower than in the US," remarked one expat who made the move to Cebu.

"Buying a home in Cebu can be a great investment, as the city is a popular tourist destination and the real estate market is growing. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Cebu, as well as the availability of rental properties. Renting a home in Cebu can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to buying a home, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Cebu should be based on individual needs and preferences," commented one expat who made the move to Cebu.

"I am renting with an eye on building something on leased land. It is made difficult, mostly by cheap available rents," remarked one expat in Cebu City, Philippines.

"I have totally different advice on what to bring than I've seen from others. Will you need light weight clothing? Yes. Do you need to buy such clothes in America and bring them here with you? No. You can buy any clothes you need here. Ditto most of TBE things people advise you to bring. If you need it here, you can buy it here. I suggest: 1. Bring anything of sentimental value to you. If you have some cherished item that can't be replaced, bring it. But mostly 2. Bring things that are cheaper in the west than here, like electronics. Bring your laptop if you have one. That sort of thing," remarked one expat in Cebu, Philippines.

"When moving to Cebu, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing that is appropriate for the hot and humid weather. Pack a few items of clothing that are suitable for more formal occasions, such as a dinner or a job interview. Bring a few items of swimwear for the many beaches in the area. Make sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes, as well as a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun. Don't forget to bring any necessary medications, as well as a first aid kit. Finally, make sure to bring a few items that will help you feel at home, such as photos, books, and other personal items," said one expat in Cebu.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Cebu. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid wearing revealing clothing. It is also important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid making jokes or comments that could be seen as offensive. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public unless it is necessary," replied a member in Cebu.

"Cebu is an attractive destination for expats due to its low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. The city is known for its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural scenery. Additionally, Cebu offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from shopping and nightlife to outdoor adventures and historical sites. With its tropical climate, diverse population, and excellent infrastructure, Cebu is an ideal place for expats to settle down and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle," wrote one expat living in Cebu.

"Cebu offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and hospital services. Primary care services include family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Specialty care services include cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Hospital services include emergency care, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. Additionally, Cebu has a number of private and public hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide quality healthcare services. These facilities are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals who are dedicated to providing quality care to their patients," wrote one expat living in Cebu.

"Cebu offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals. The public hospitals provide basic medical care and are generally more affordable than private hospitals. Private hospitals offer more advanced medical services and treatments, such as specialized surgeries and treatments for chronic illnesses. Additionally, there are a number of clinics and medical centers in Cebu that provide general medical care and treatments. Many of these clinics and medical centers also offer specialized services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy," said one expat living in Cebu, Philippines.

"Competent doctors. Took an appointment a week in advance for an MRI that was needed immediately," offered one expat living in Cebu.