The Philippines

Coastal Beaches

Train Access: Yes (philippine national railways (pnr), manila light rail transit system (lrt), manila metro rail transit system (mrt), relatively safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Victory Liner, JAC Liner, Ceres Liner, Partas, Genesis Transport, relatively safe)

The Philippines is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, composed of more than 7,600 islands. It is bounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. This tropical nation is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The Philippines has a diverse range of geographical features, from lush mountains and rainforests to volcanic landscapes and a vast array of marine life. Its history is a complex tapestry of indigenous, Malay, Spanish, American, and other foreign influences that have shaped its unique cultural identity. Filipino and English are the official languages, with Filipino based on Tagalog and English used in government and education. The country's economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and services sectors. It is also one of the emerging markets in the world. The Philippines is known for its warm and welcoming people, who are famous for their hospitality and the festive spirit of their numerous fiestas and celebrations. The capital city, Manila, is a bustling metropolis, while other regions offer a more laid-back lifestyle. The country's rich history is evident in its old churches, historic landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Philippines is also known for its contribution to music, dance, and the arts, with a thriving entertainment industry. Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters, political issues, and social disparities, the Philippines continues to be a country of resilience and optimism.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the Philippines is generally considered moderate, with expenses varying significantly between urban and rural areas. Basic goods and services are affordable, but imported items and luxury goods can be expensive.

Weather

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate that is usually hot and humid. There are three seasons: Tag-init or Tag-araw (the hot dry season or summer from March to May), Tag-ulan (the rainy season from June to November), and Tag-lamig (the cool dry season from December to February). Typhoons can occur from June to September.

Healthcare in Philippines

The healthcare system in the Philippines is a mixed public-private system. The public healthcare is managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which provides universal health coverage to Filipinos, although the quality and accessibility can vary greatly, especially between urban and rural areas. Private healthcare in the Philippines is generally of higher quality, with better facilities and shorter waiting times, but it is also more expensive. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by becoming members of PhilHealth, either through formal employment or voluntary enrollment. However, many expats and digital nomads opt for private health insurance to cover services in private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care. The cost of healthcare in the Philippines is relatively low compared to Western countries, but can still be a significant expense for serious conditions or long-term care.

Talk with other travelers in Philippines on our Philippines forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

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Best Places to Live in Philippines

Discover the top-ranked towns in Philippines. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

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Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Talk with other travelers in Philippines on our Philippines forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Visit the Philippines Community

Living in Philippines

Movies Set: Metro Manila, The Bourne Legacy, Amigo, Cavite

Popular Foods: Filipino cuisine is a rich blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. Some of the most popular dishes include adobo, which is meat marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, then browned in oil and simmered in the marinade. Sinigang, a sour soup flavored with tamarind, and lechon, a whole roasted pig, are also widely loved. For dessert, halo-halo, a mixed sweet treat with shaved ice, milk, and various ingredients like sweet beans, fruit, and ice cream, is a favorite.

Unusual Eats: Balut, a fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside, is a common street food that many visitors find challenging to eat. Another unusual dish is dinuguan, a savory stew made of pork blood, meat, and entrails.

Popular Sports: basketball, boxing, volleyball, football, badminton

Popular Teams: San Miguel Beermen (basketball), Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (basketball), Philippine Azkals (football), ALA Boxing

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered rude to refuse food when offered by a host, as sharing food is an important part of Filipino hospitality. Pointing with one's index finger is also considered rude; instead, Filipinos often use their lips or a nod of their head to point towards an object or direction. It's also important to address elders with respect, using titles such as "po" and "opo" to show politeness.

2025 Traveler Guide to Living in Philippines

Healthcare in Philippines

The healthcare system in the Philippines is a mixed public-private system. The public healthcare is managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which provides universal health coverage to Filipinos, although the quality and accessibility can vary greatly, especially between urban and rural areas. Private healthcare in the Philippines is generally of higher quality, with better facilities and shorter waiting times, but it is also more expensive. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by becoming members of PhilHealth, either through formal employment or voluntary enrollment. However, many expats and digital nomads opt for private health insurance to cover services in private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care. The cost of healthcare in the Philippines is relatively low compared to Western countries, but can still be a significant expense for serious conditions or long-term care.

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The Philippines

Living in Philippines

Healthcare in Philippines