What the Philippines is REALLY like for Foreigners (HONEST TRUTH)

Should you really move to the Philippines to live as a foreigner?

I have been living in the Philippine s(Manila) as a foreigner for 6 months, so I wanted to do a quick voiceover video on some of the pros and cons of living in the Philippines as an expat.

My opinion is based solely on my own experiences, and everyone's journey is unique, so no offence is intended as I share my pros and cons of living in the Philippines as a foreigner. As always in this style of video I try to weigh both the good and the bad in a fair way.

I hope you enjoy this video!

▶️ Please SUBSCRIBE if you would like to follow my content - or if you just like the Scottish accent - it really means a lot! 🙂 Maraming Salamat!

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:45 My Journey So Far
00:45 - 01:47 Filipino PEOPLE
01:47 - 02:57 The COST of Living in the Philippines
02:57 - 04:37 Is the Philippines SAFE?
04:37 - 05:35 FOOD in the Philippines
05:35 - 05:59 Closing Thoughts

[bigtwin]

If you want to know how it is to live here, ask me. I moved from Scotland to the Philippines 37 years ago, and I have been all over the country and had many good and bad experiences, but I would not change a thing. I have been married to a Philippina for 34 years and have 3 grown-up kids and a 14-year-old.

[johntaylor]

There's a lot one could say about this video and maybe I'll come back to it later and say more but for now I'll just speak about safety. I've now lived in the Philippines for 7 years and I'll declare the Philippines I've experienced is a very safe place to live. Like any other place in the world there will be the occasional crime against a tourist but I've not experienced anything more than the a taxi driver over charging me (airport gypsy cabs). I've visited Manila many times and lived there for 6 months living in both the modern and cosmopolitan BGC (really beautiful district) to the seedier (but still fun and interesting) Malate district where I rented an airbnb for a month. I walked all around the Malate area both night and day and never encountered anything other than friendly and helpful Filipinos. Other places I've lived - Cebu, Batangas and now Boracay are as safe as any place. There is little to worry about crime here in the Philippines as long as you stay sober and don't create your own trouble.

[maryrose]

Your assessment is considerably true. As a Filipino American, can’t compare living conditions in U.S. but it’s the people and the culture that makes every Filipino goes back and forth. It’s still a place where you can comfortably ( given that you can reside in a more safer and nicer community) live. Thank you for being honest in your assessment

[DaYugoslavian]

As a Croatian 🇭🇷, I live on an island also. I’m looking forward to live in Iloilo when I retire. My wife is half Filipina and Inchek. I don’t even have to drive because the taxis are real cheap. The mall is a few blocks down. Everything I need is there. The humidity and the rain doesn’t bother me. The food is just delicious. Plus seeing the shotgun armed security at the mall and banks makes me feel safe.

[jetd]

The biggest take ive noticed since moving here from the US is there are more food options, easier food delivery and way better bake shops. I love it here because of that and coming back home is feels so good. Your take is very on point, your very observant. TY for sharing. Going to have my pandesal now from "Pan de Manila " 😅😅😂

[jaymarkkabo]

I'm a Filipino and please don't go to the Philippines expecting the best. The Philippines, like any other country, although most are good people, has bad apples. My advice is to lower your expectations and if you had a bad time, you won't be disappointed that much, and if everything goes well, I promise you'll think you have just arrived in paradise. Happy travels!

P.S. Just a tip. Security guards are everywhere, in almost every commercial establishment. They may be intimidating because they carry long guns, but they'll be more than happy to assist you with anything. Their job is security and public relations.

[danielwick]

I lived for 10 years in the Philippines, since then back to Germany and I dearly miss my time there 😢 About safety, from my own experience, its not less safer there then it is here in Germany. I walked thru my fare share of some Squatters there and I always made it safe out, matter of fact they always smiled when I started a Conversation or asked for directions because I was totally lost 😂

[Unkown-heyq]

Fun fact: Philippines has so many islands that if you were to travel 1 island everyday it would take you 20 years and 1 month to travel on all of them

[Ai-vqrj]

im glad that you discovered the Carinderia system. Locals do eat in Carinderias frequently to because its cheaper rhan restaurants. If really want to save money on foods, you can buy fresh foods at wet markets and cook it at your place. i personally buy And eat lots of vegetables from public markets. Another advantage of Philippines is the language. You can read all instructions and street signs in english to make your life easier.

[marionchua]

I lived in Manila for 9 years, but really only got pickpocketed during a vacation in Venice, Italy. There are obviously bad parts of the Philippines, it's just that after living in America for so long and coming back to the Philippines every so often, I feel like I worry less about getting shot in the Philippines than I do in America, especially when you have security guards checking you for weapons in pretty much most indoor spaces in the Philippines.

[mannyp]

I’m Filipino American, I will say this based on your experience, you articulate shared such quality with valuables insights and intelligent informations for people who are interested in visiting and learning more about the city of Manila, it’s one of the best narratives so far for many travel bloggers. ❤❤❤Thank you!

[samfadullon]

There’s something about the Philippines that I am attracted to . The people, their happy go lucky vibes, the food, there is something about their food that makes me crave every time I go home. I miss my motherland now that I am a us citizen so coming home is always something I look forward to.

[jerrygray]

I’m glad you’re having a positive experience in the cities. I personally don’t like big cities. I live in a growing province, specifically, Naval, Biliran Province, which is more central in the country. I love the relaxed and laid back feeling of smaller communities. I guess that is because I grew up in a small town in Texas in the US. I live with my husband and a few of his family members in his big house. He worked on cruise ships for many years and then as a manager for several McDonalds restaurants. It took him several years to build the house, but it is a modern house that it and the land are completely paid for. We met in California and then married in 2015. When I retired, we moved here and that was a year and a half ago. I love the Philippines. The climate reminds me of Texas, but we get much more rain here. The people are very friendly and non-judgmental. I’m also fortunate that my husband is well connected in the community with many of his former classmates being in positions of authority in the local government and school system, including the university. I have written 2 books since living here. Right now, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I hope your stay continues to be a positive experience for you.

[sergiocruz-iglr]

Consider Nuvali in Sta. Rosa Laguna when moving out of Manila for a suburban experience. It is near Tagaytay. There are buses going there at One Ayala bus terminal.

[andrewbarker]

Great vlog, I spent 2 weeks in Cebu, Bohol, and Alegria with my phillipine sweetheart and had the time of my life. Never felt unsafe and it wasn't as cheap as I expected it to be but the experiences were worth it. Look forward going back one day

[mikehefford]

I have lived in Quezon City since December 2016 and have found the Filipino people to be very friendly, respectful and polite. They always respond with either a "po" the mark of respect in Tagalog, or Sir or kuya. Unlike the UK where we receive a grunt or "mate", if we are lucky. I have not experienced any safety or security issues anywhere I have been. It has become more expensive to live since COVID and the Russia-Ulkraine problems, but that's the same in most of the world. The only negative I have experienced is their driving. In the city there is little application of road courtesy and far too many change lanes or make turns without indicating. And But a long 10 hour drive from NCR to the north can be very enjoyable.

[jacepro]

as a Filipino, I hope you are having a great time here! We are delighted that more foreigners like you are discovering the kindness and hospitality of the Filipino People. As per our customs, we usually treat our Foreigners as guests of the house and when we say 'guests', we make sure that our guests are comfortable and is enjoying our home. We are also accepting of different cultures no matter what country you are from so it's okay if you may sometimes mispronounced one of our words. Your recognition alone is already an honor to us. Finally, We hope that you will enjoy the Philippines as much as we do more in the coming years. Cheers! 🍻

[bembelknecht]

What is heartbreaking at times, especially as you mentioned the salesman; kids are being forced to act like that, especially around MOA/EDSA extension; Other than that it is generally safe but I'm Happy to move out of the Metro next year and enjoy "the real Philippines". Came from Germany, intend to stay here

[jamlorenzana]

Very nice straight forward honest opinion Craig. Glad you're loving it here.😊👍

[michaelm]

Great comments, I think your absolutely correct! I was just exactly where your video was shot less than a week ago! I stayed at the City Grand Graden Hotel, I walked to the mall often for coffee. Keep up the good work, I love the Philippines!