Guides for Living
in the Philippines
Everything foreigners need to know about banking, healthcare, housing, and daily life — written by expats, for expats.
Start with the stage you’re at
You do not need to solve everything at once. Sort the decisions that affect your booking first, then work through arrival and everyday life.
1. Before you book
Check entry requirements, choose a city, and budget for the move as well as monthly living. Get an insurance quote before relying on a healthcare allowance.
2. Your first few days
Start with temporary accommodation. Organize connectivity and access to money before choosing a long-term apartment.
3. Settle into a routine
Inspect the property, test your commute, and arrange the services your household needs. Families should contact schools before committing to a neighborhood.
Prefer a task list? Browse all moving checklists, including country-specific departure lists, or build your personal move plan.
Start Here
— The essentials every expat needs
Banking for Expats in the Philippines
How to open a bank account, use GCash and Maya, send money internationally, and manage your finances as a foreigner in the Philippines.
Read guide
Healthcare in the Philippines
How the Philippine healthcare system works for expats — PhilHealth, private hospitals, insurance options, and what to expect.
Read guide
Finding Housing in the Philippines
How to find and rent an apartment or condo as a foreigner — lease terms, deposits, landlord culture, and the best platforms.
Read guideMore Guides
— Daily life & logistics
Guide
Getting a Philippine Driver's License as a Foreigner
How to convert your foreign driver's license or get a new one in the Philippines — the 120-day rule, LTO requirements, fees, and what the process actually feels like.
Read guide
Education
Education and Schools in the Philippines
How to compare school places, curricula, full fees, calendars, and homeschooling options before an expat family moves.
Read guide
Guide
ECC Exit Clearance: When Foreigners Need It to Leave PH
The Emigration Clearance Certificate explained: who needs it, ECC-A vs ECC-B, timing, and how to avoid getting stopped at the airport.
Read guide
Guide
First 90 Days in the Philippines: A Moving Budget
Build a realistic Philippines moving budget for your first 90 days, including housing, deposits, monthly costs, visas, and setup.
Read guide
Guide
GCash for Foreigners: GTourist vs Full Verification
What actually works for foreigners on GCash: the 30-day GTourist route, the resident ID list, real wallet limits, and where each path breaks down.
Read guide
Guide
Health Insurance in the Philippines for Expats
How expats buy health cover in the Philippines: PhilHealth, local HMOs and international plans, what each layer does and doesn't cover.
Read guide
Internet & Connectivity
Internet in the Philippines
ISP comparison, speeds, reliability, backup options, and how to get connected as an expat.
Read guide
Guide
Keeping a US Phone Number Abroad for Bank Verification
How expats in the Philippines keep a US number for bank codes: carrier Wi-Fi calling, Google Voice, NumberBarn, costs, and 2FA backups.
Read guide
Guide
Retiring in the Philippines: A Readiness Checklist
What has to be true before you retire in the Philippines: visa structure, healthcare that works, income access, housing, and long-term budget lines.
Read guide
Guide
Safety in the Philippines: What Expats Actually Experience
What the crime data actually says, where risk changes by region, the scams foreigners run into most, and what to do if something happens.
Read guide
Guide
SafetyWing in the Philippines: A Nomad's Guide to Coverage
Is SafetyWing right for your Philippines stay? Comparing Nomad Insurance Essential and Complete versus local HMOs for digital nomads and remote workers.
Read guide
Guide
Sending Money to the Philippines: What Actually Arrives
Fees, exchange rates and receiving options compared: what a transfer to a Philippine bank, GCash wallet or cash pickup really delivers.
Read guide
Business
Starting a Business in the Philippines as a Foreigner
Foreign ownership rules, SEC registration, the 60-40 rule, and practical steps to launch a business.
Read guide
Guide
Taxes for Expats in the Philippines
Whether foreign nationals owe Philippine tax, BIR TIN registration, the 180-day rule, 2023 tax brackets, and how US/UK/AU/CA treaties apply.
Read guide
Transport
Getting Around the Philippines
Driving, Grab, jeepneys, ferries, and domestic flights — how to get around as an expat.
Read guidePlanning Your Move
Ready to compare cities?
Use our city comparison tool to see how different Philippine cities stack up on cost, safety, internet speed, and expat friendliness.