Living in SE Asia
Philippines: 10-Year Ground Truth
A practical, risk-aware guide based on a decade on the ground—what’s great, what’s hard, and what to verify before you commit.
Framework
How I Evaluate a Move
Insights
What 10 Years Taught Me
These are the areas where expectations and reality diverge most for new arrivals—and where small decisions create big downstream risk.
Cost of living: the hidden line items
Rent can be reasonable, but imported goods, power reliability, and convenience fees add up. Budget for backup plans (internet, transport, medical).
Healthcare: access vs consistency
You can find excellent providers, but quality varies by facility and location. Build a shortlist early and understand how you’ll handle emergencies.
Culture & communication: high-context reality
Relationships and tone matter. Learn how decisions get made, how “yes” can mean “maybe,” and how to follow up without burning goodwill.
Safety & resilience: plan for disruption
Weather events, infrastructure gaps, and bureaucracy happen. The goal is not fear—it’s a resilient setup that keeps you calm when conditions change.
Where People Get Burned
Most expat regrets come from skipping verification. Use a simple discipline: document first, decision second.
If you’re considering property, long leases, or residency programs, treat it like a compliance project. Confirm the paper trail, the incentives, and the exit path.
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Checks before committing
