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Practical Guide

Living in the Philippines: The Daily Life Guide

From cost of living to local culture, healthcare and transport, discover all our practical tips to integrate and live comfortably in the Philippines every day.

24/7
Services available
-70%
Cost vs Europe
100M+
Welcoming residents
7641
Islands to explore

Daily Services

Discover all essential services for comfortable living in the Philippines.

Shopping & Food

SM Malls

Throughout the Philippines

Air-conditioned shopping centers with everything under one roof

💡 Practical tips:
  • Open 10am-10pm daily
  • Credit cards accepted
  • Varied food courts

Palengke (Markets)

Every barangay

Local markets for fruits, vegetables and fresh produce

💡 Practical tips:
  • Bargaining possible
  • Best prices in the morning
  • Bring small bills

Sari-Sari Stores

Every street corner

Small neighborhood grocery stores open late

💡 Practical tips:
  • Basic products available
  • Credit possible if known
  • Open until 11pm

Puregold/Robinson

Major cities

Modern supermarkets with imported products

💡 Practical tips:
  • Western products available
  • Weekend promotions
  • Delivery possible

Health & Wellness

Private Hospitals

Manila, Cebu, Davao

International quality care at affordable prices

💡 Practical tips:
  • Insurance recommended
  • English-speaking doctors
  • Modern equipment

Neighborhood Clinics

Everywhere

Basic care and quick consultations

💡 Practical tips:
  • No appointment needed
  • Very affordable prices
  • Possible wait time

Pharmacies (Botika)

Very numerous

Over-the-counter medications and advice

💡 Practical tips:
  • Mercury Drug everywhere
  • Generics available
  • Free pharmacist advice

Dentists

All cities

Quality dental care at reduced prices

💡 Practical tips:
  • International training
  • 70% cheaper prices
  • Dental tourism popular

Transport & Mobility

Jeepneys

Fixed routes in all cities

Iconic and economical public transport

💡 Practical tips:
  • Fixed fare per zone
  • Say "Para" to get off
  • Exact change appreciated

Tricycles

Residential areas

Local transport for short distances

💡 Practical tips:
  • Negotiate price before
  • Perfect for last mile
  • Available 24/7

Grab

Major cities only

Transport app like Uber

💡 Practical tips:
  • Transparent pricing
  • Card payment
  • Safe and reliable

Habal-Habal

Rural and mountain areas

Motorcycle taxi for hard-to-reach areas

💡 Practical tips:
  • Negotiate price
  • Helmet provided
  • Adventure guaranteed

Digital Services

Globe/Smart Telecom

National coverage

Main mobile operators

💡 Practical tips:
  • Prepaid more flexible
  • Reload at sari-sari stores
  • Frequent data promos

GCash/PayMaya

Mobile app

Popular e-wallets

💡 Practical tips:
  • Contactless payments
  • Free transfers
  • Bill payments

Internet Cafes

Everywhere, even villages

Internet access and computer services

💡 Practical tips:
  • Print/scan available
  • Online gaming popular
  • Hourly rates

PLDT/Converge Fiber

Urban areas primarily

Home high-speed internet

💡 Practical tips:
  • Installation 1-2 weeks
  • Standard 24-month contract
  • 4G backup recommended

🇵🇭 Cultural Codes to Know

Understanding Philippine culture for better integration.

Filipino Time

Punctuality is more flexible than in the West

  • Allow 30min buffer for appointments
  • Social events often start late
  • Patience is an appreciated virtue
  • Relationships take priority over strict schedules
🤝

Pakikisama

The art of maintaining social harmony

  • Avoid direct confrontations
  • Use polite phrases even when declining
  • Read between the lines of responses
  • Respect everyone's "face"
👥

Bayanihan Spirit

Traditional community mutual help

  • Participate in neighborhood activities
  • Offer help at events
  • Accept offered help gracefully
  • Contribute to community collections
🙏

Respect for Elders

Elderly people are highly respected

  • Use "Po" and "Opo" with elders
  • Give up your seat in transport
  • Ask for blessing ("Mano")
  • Listen to their advice attentively

📋 Step-by-Step Practical Guides

Essential procedures for settling in comfortably.

Opening a Bank Account

1
Choose a bank (BPI, BDO, Metrobank)
2
Bring passport and ACR I-Card
3
Minimum deposit: 10,000-25,000 PHP
4
Wait 1-2 weeks for card
Tip: Start with a simple savings account

Getting Health Insurance

1
Compare Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare
2
Check geographic coverage
3
Read exclusions carefully
4
Keep PhilHealth as backup
Tip: Local insurance is often more practical

Finding Housing

1
Define budget and preferred area
2
Visit multiple options
3
Check water, electricity, internet
4
Negotiate security deposit
Tip: Contracts are typically annual

Learning Basic Tagalog

1
Start with greetings
2
Learn numbers and directions
3
Practice at markets and transport
4
Use apps like Duolingo
Tip: Even a few words make a big difference

🚨 Emergency Contacts

Essential numbers to know and keep handy.

Police

117

Security emergencies

Fire Department

116

Fires and rescues

Ambulance

911

Medical emergencies

Coast Guard

143

Maritime emergencies

NDRRMC

911-1406

Natural disasters

Tourist Hotline

(02) 524-1728

Tourist assistance

Important reminders:

  • • Save these numbers in your phone
  • • 911 now works in the Philippines
  • • Always carry ID on you
  • • Inform your embassy of your presence

Ready for the Philippine Adventure?

Explore our other guides to prepare your expatriation with peace of mind.