Hidden Costs Of Moving To The Philippines.
expat 06-12-2025
Are you moving to the Philippines? Here are hidden costs that can catch you off guard.
Make your move easier and stress-free.
Here’s a few more things to think about…
1. Visa extensions and immigration fees
Ongoing visa renewals, ACR I-Card fees, express lane charges, and potential long-stay visa application costs.
2. Airfare for mandatory “visa runs” (if applicable)
Some expats who don’t secure long-term visas early may need to exit and re-enter the country.
3. Health insurance and medical out-of-pocket expenses
Private health insurance, specialists, advanced diagnostics, and imported medications can be expensive.
4. Import taxes and customs clearance fees
Shipping personal belongings, electronics, or appliances often triggers duties and handling charges.
5. Higher electricity costs
Electricity in the Philippines is among the highest in Asia, especially if using air conditioning daily.
6. Backup power solutions
Generators, battery systems, inverters, fuel, and maintenance due to frequent brownouts in some regions.
7. Water delivery and filtration
Most households purchase bottled water or invest in water filtration and purification systems.
8. Internet redundancy
Many expats pay for two ISPs or data plans to ensure stable connectivity.
9. Housing-related costs
Security deposits, advance rent, association dues, gated community fees, appliance upgrades, and repairs.
10. Transportation adjustments
Car purchase, registration, insurance, ride-hailing costs, and unexpected vehicle maintenance.
11. Domestic help (optional but common)
Housekeepers, drivers, gardeners, and their associated benefits or 13th-month pay.
12. Schooling costs for children
International or private school tuition fees, books, uniforms, and transportation.
13. Imported food and goods
Higher prices for Western groceries, specialty items, and imported products.
14. Banking and international transfer fees
Transfer charges, currency conversion losses, and occasional compliance delays.
15. Climate-related expenses
Dehumidifiers, mold prevention, repairs from typhoon damage, and waterproofing.
16. Medical travel
Some expats travel to Manila, Cebu, or even abroad for specialized medical care.
17. Unexpected bureaucratic costs
Document notarization, NBI clearances, local permits, barangay certificates, and processing services.
18. Social obligations and cultural expectations
Gifts, family events, holiday traditions, and community contributions.
Thinking of Moving to the Philippines? Get Reliable Guidance.
Online communities are helpful for general questions. For anything important, you still need accurate, professional, and updated information. E636 Expat Services helps foreigners with:
- Residency and long term visas
- Bank account opening
- Health insurance guidance
- Real estate assistance
- Business setup
- Retirement planning
- A smooth and secure transition into life in the Philippines
If you want to move with confidence instead of relying on random comments online, we can guide you every step of the way.
Book a consultation with E636 and start your journey the right way.
Photo by Alejandro Luengo on Unsplash
