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Pros and Cons of Living in Davao, Philippines | Expat Exchange
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Davao City, Philippines

Pros and Cons of Living in Davao

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 03, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Davao, Philippines include its warm climate, low cost of living, and friendly locals. Additionally, Davao is a great place to experience the culture and history of the Philippines. On the other hand, the cons of living in Davao include the lack of public transportation, limited job opportunities, and the occasional typhoon.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Davao?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Davao responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Davao often appreciate the city's low cost of living, friendly locals, and abundance of outdoor activities. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, and easy access to the beach. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's lack of public transportation and limited job opportunities to be drawbacks. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be a challenge for some," explained one expat in Davao.

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What do expats in Davao appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Davao appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people. They also enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the slower pace of life. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to explore. The local cuisine is also a highlight, with a variety of dishes to try. The city is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Philippine Eagle Center and the Davao Museum. Finally, the city is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery," remarked one expat in Davao.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Davao often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken in the area. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the local cuisine to be quite different from what they are used to, as Filipino cuisine is heavily influenced by Spanish, Chinese, and Malay flavors. Finally, the hot and humid climate can be a challenge for those who are not used to it," explained one expat living in Davao.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Davao City, Philippines
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