Thinking of moving to the Philipines?

Thinking of moving to the Philippines?

Here’s what no one tells you ahead of time. Visas and permits require lots of documents like police clearances, medical exams, and biometrics. Youu’ll love the people, but hate the paperwork. The process will be slightly different each time depending on who is in the office that day.

Condo listings look perfect online…until you see the ownership rules.

Many expats overlook the rules of condo ownership in the Philippines—including the 40% foreign-ownership cap, developer restrictions, and the difference between owning the unit versus only having rights to shared areas. Alwasy review the legal requiremetns before commiting to any property.

Opening a bank account sounds simple…until you’re asked for requirements that you never knew existed. Every bank is slightly different. The forms and exact requirements change often. In 2025, most Phillippine banks still require an ACR I-Card (Alient Certificate of Registration) for foreigners. Policies differ by branch; so, even with all your documents, approval isn’t guaranteed.

Visa Rules update often. Many expats overlook key documents. Not knowing the required documents can turn a three week process into a months long or even years long delay.

Some additional things to keep in mind.

1. Visas Are Not a Suggestion

You need to know:

• Visa on arrival (for many nationalities) is short-term.

• Long-stay options include SRRV, 13A (marriage), work visas, special investor visas.

• Overstaying comes with fines, and the Bureau of Immigration does not do “I forgot.”

2. Internet Quality Is… Let’s Call It “Patchy”

If you need stable internet for work:

• Choose an area with fiber.

• Get two ISPs if you value your sanity.

• Backups like Starlink help, but also cost “foreign sucker” money.

3. Infrastructure = Varies Wildly

You’ll find:

• Malls nicer than anything in the U.S.

• Side streets that look like they lost a fight with a typhoon in 1998.

• Traffic that makes you consider the sweet release of death.

• Where you choose to live matters. A lot.

4. Healthcare is Two Worlds

Private hospitals → Good, modern, affordable.

Public hospitals → Bring your own everything, including toilet paper and hope.

Get international or local private insurance.

5. Cash Is King, But Digital is Growing

GCash and Maya (Philippine digital wallets) are huge. But:

• Many places still only accept cash.

• ATMs sometimes run out of money. Where I live in the provinces, this happens a couple of times a week.

• Counterfeit bills happen — know what to look for.

6. Cost of Living Is Amazing… Until You Want Imported Stuff

• Local food = cheap.

• Electricity = not cheap.

• Western groceries = “Why is this cheese $14?”

A foreigner who insists on living like they’re still in California will spend like it too.

7. Nature Is Gorgeous. Nature Also Wants to Kill You.

• Typhoons

• Earthquakes

• Brownouts

• Dengue (mosquitoes with attitude)

Just don’t act surprised when weather destroys your weekend plans.

8. Cultural Differences Matter

Filipinos are friendly, but they also:

• Avoid confrontation.

• Value respect and humility.

• Have a different concept of time (“I’m on the way” may mean “I have not left my house”).

If you can’t adapt, you’ll hate it.

9. Social Structures Are Family-Centric

Relationships (romantic or otherwise) often include:

• Family involvement

• Expectations of help

• Social obligations

If you’re dating, you’re not just dating them — you’re dating the family tree.

10. Foreigners Have Limited Property Rights

• You cannot own land directly.
• Condo? Yes.
• House sitting on land you don’t own? Yes.
• Land? Nope.

Work with a competent attorney unless you love losing money.

11. Corruption Exists — Learn How to Navigate Without Participating

• You’ll encounter paperwork, slow offices, and arbitrary rules.
• Stay polite, patient, and professional.
• Losing your temper makes everything worse.

12. Expat Communities Are Great… and Also Dumpster Fires

Some groups are full of legends, professionals, and helpful folks.

Others are cesspools of:

• Drunks

• Keyboard-warrior retirees

• Guys who fled their home country for “reasons”

Choose your circle wisely.

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.