- Before moving to the Philippines, understand legal requirements such as visa, health insurance, and bank accounts.
- Consider the affordable living with meals in mid-range restaurants costing around $5 and rent for a one bedroom around $220/month.
- Invest in a pre-selling condo near the Mall of Asia (MoA) for easy access to amenities.
- Research local culture, customs, and language to help ease relocation.
- Take advantage of Filipino hospitality by befriending locals.
Moving to the Philippines can be an exciting new opportunity for many people. The country boasts a rich cultural history, beautiful landscapes, and a friendly atmosphere, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most popular places to live. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other countries in the region.
One of the main benefits of moving to the Philippines is its low cost of living. According to Numbeo, a comparison website of global prices, meals in mid-range restaurants cost around $5, and groceries are about 54% cheaper than in New York City. Additionally, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center averages at just $220/month, with outside city centers costing as little as half that amount per month.
However, moving to the Philippines, or any country, requires a lot of preparation. Here are a few of the steps you should consider before making this life-changing decision:
Research Legal Requirements
When moving to a new country, understanding the legal requirements is essential. This is especially true in the Philippines, where laws and regulations are often different than in many other countries. It’s critical to research and be prepared before making big decisions. Here are some of the most important legal requirements when moving to the Philippines.
Obtaining Visas
The first step in legally moving to the Philippines is obtaining a visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist or immigrant visa if you plan to stay longer than thirty days. For those who plan on working or studying in the Philippines, you will also need to acquire specific visas for those purposes. Additionally, there are special visas for retirees and investors, so determine which type of visa applies best to your situation before applying.
Securing Health Insurance
It’s also necessary that all ex-pats living in the Philippines secure health insurance before their arrival. This applies even if they have coverage from their home country; they still must have local health insurance coverage that meets specific criteria set forth by the Philippine Immigration Bureau to comply with local laws and regulations. Without proper health insurance coverage, an ex-pat risks being deported and prohibited from returning for up to five years.
Setting up Bank Accounts
Specific banking regulations must be met when living in the Philippines. Ex-pats must open a bank account with either a local bank or one approved by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the central banking regulator of banks operating within the country’s borders. Additionally, all funds placed into this account must come from foreign sources such as pensions or investments made outside of the country: transferring money directly from another Filipino bank account is not allowed due to capital controls imposed on foreigners living in-country.
Registering with Local Authorities
Once these documents and processes are completed, it’s then essential for ex-pats residing within city limits of metropolitan areas such as Manila or Cebu City to register with their local authorities within seven days of their arrival – failure to do so can lead to fines or deportation proceedings against them depending upon how long they have been out of compliance with this law by the time they get caught by immigration officers during routine checks while out and about running errands locally within those cities limits only (not applicable elsewhere).
Preparing Living Arrangements
When preparing to move to the Philippines, it is essential to consider living arrangements ahead of time. The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively low compared to many other countries, but there are still costs associated with finding a place to live. Investing in a pre-selling condominium is one option for those seeking housing in the Philippines.
Pre-selling condominiums are ideal because they allow prospective residents to invest in their future homes before arriving in the country. This means they can lock in prices and avoid potential price increases due to market fluctuations or currency exchange rates. Additionally, pre-selling condominiums are often located close to amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers, and recreational areas, making them ideal for those who want easy access to all their needs upon arrival.
If you want to stay in a more central location, you can invest in a pre-selling condo near the Mall of Asia (MoA). The area is famous for its restaurants, shopping districts, and entertainment facilities. Just a short drive from Manila Airport, MoA makes an ideal location to settle in the Philippines. You can find a pre-selling condo near MoA online to help prepare for your move.
Understand Local Culture
Finally, understanding local culture is vital to successfully relocating to the Philippines. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with Filipino customs before moving. This includes learning about acceptable dress codes, dietary habits, and greetings. Additionally, it’s beneficial to learn some basic Tagalog or Cebuano – two of the main languages spoken in the Philippines – before coming, as English can be difficult to understand in more rural areas.
Befriending locals, fortunately, can be ideal for quickly understanding the culture and customs. The Philippines is famous for its hospitality, so don’t be afraid to initiate conversations with locals – you may even make some lifelong friends in the process.
Final Thoughts
By considering these steps before moving to the Philippines, ex-pats can ensure their transition into this beautiful country goes as smoothly as possible. With some preparation and research, living in the Philippines could be one of life’s most incredible adventures.
