So, you’re thinking of moving to the Philippines? Chances are you will be considering calling Manila home. Not a bad idea at all! The capital of the Philippines, offers a lot of valuable, if not profitable opportunities to foreigners. Not only is the city home to rich culture and heritage, it also a haven for various investments and businesses. You can easily make a big fortune in this city, not to mention the fact that it is among the most inexpensive places in the world. If you are planning to move to Manila, below are some of the things you need to know:
1. Rent. Most foreigners, particularly those who have offices in business districts, prefer to live in condominiums or flats since these residential area are usually located near the business area. Rent usually costs somewhere between $300 to $700 depending on the place, floor area, amenities and proximity to the work community.
2. Everyday living. A lot of foreigners enjoy staying Manila not only for its sights and sounds, but because of the various amenities the city has to offer. The people are hospitable and they speak English. A lot of international establishments such as coffee shops, lifestyle outlets and stores are found in the city, and they sell their goods and services at relatively cheaper rates. You can find almost anything that you can back home.
3. Food. There are a lot of groceries and convenience stores located in almost every corner of the city. Food is cheap in Manila, and you can enjoy a good meal for as little as $4 to $5. Fast food meals like McDonald’s is even cheaper. You may also want to do the groceries on your own and cook your meals at your place. Shopping for groceries has been made easier as grocery stores are now located inside malls, and offer wet, raw food at the same prices as that in the markets.
4. Transportation. If you live in a place which is a bit far from your office or work area, then the most convenient ways of transport are rail and taxis. Taxis charge by the meter, while trains are fast and are linked to commercial areas such as malls. Manila is plagued by heavy traffic just about every single day, especially during rush hours.
5. Safety. If there are two things you need to do to ensure your own safety in Manila, these are looking after your belongings and stick to the traffic rules. Keeping your belongings in a safe place reduces risks of theft and robbery while obeying the road rules will keep you from the hassle of traffic violations (a lot of fatal incidents involving foreigners take place on the road because of arguments).
6. Communication. When living in Manila, it’s best that you have a cell phone to keep in touch with your friends, colleagues and peers. Most people in the country use cell phones, together with the internet. A lot of companies now offer free Wi-fi in their establishments, as a way to accommodate modern living. Hence, having a laptop or notebook is also handy.
Moving to Manila can be a ton of fun. If you’re on the fence about it, you really have nothing to worry about. Just do it and enjoy all the perks of being an expat in one of the most exciting cities in teh world!
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