Relocating to the Philippines

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

Hi all - Just a quick introduction. My name is Parvaze, I was born and grew up in Scotland and been living in Southern California, USA for the past 30 years.

I'm looking to move to the Philippines by the end of 2022 so currently gathering information about potential locations etc. Cebu is looking like the most promising place so far.

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Bukidnonkane Active member

43POSTS

5 years ago

Bohol is really nice in my opinion. It is very close to cebu, and yet it is secluded. Get. House in the mountain there it is literally the perfect temperatures. Of course that is my opinion

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

Thank you for the info!

coach53 ViP

1564POSTS

5 years ago

I don't understand why Cebu CITY is popular to LIVE in by polution, trafficc jams and now biger covid problems than other parts except Manila.
But there are nice places a bit away from Cebu city, having Cebu city close when wanting to go there. Foreigners live in for instance Carcar, Toledo and Moalboal.

Myself I liked Bohol better than Cebu island - until earthquake made pot holes there

Then I changed my mind to Palawan, which is voted to among top 5 islands in the world several times, but by you like Cebu city I suppouse you miss a big city there.

EdTheAmerican Member

11POSTS

5 years ago

You are right Cebu is a great location the virus. They have had some of the hardest lock downs with the virus. Another nice place would be Camigun Island. There are lots of expats great things to see and do. But being an island costs are higher than other places.
I live in CDO Northern Mindanao. . Great medical and lots of expats. Safe location since it is surrounded by 5 forts. Of course there are many expats all over but many want to be left alone.
The manilia area is very expensive. And Northern Luzon has many weather problems. Oh Cebu is in a area that is prone to some bad weather but then so are many areas in central area.
Just be careful for expats are treated well there is also prejudice if you do not share the wallet. So set the boundaries early.
I have been here over 10 years and was lucky after 2 meeting the right woman. the other 20 >>well status money are important here.
Good luck

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

Good info. Much appreciated!

BassMan_720 Contributor

107POSTS

5 years ago

I enjoy living on Bohol. I'm in a very quiet location in Sweetland in the North of the Island. COVID has had a minimal impact here, with only a handful of cases. However, day to day living here is very Philippine. There are very few amenities here such as western restaurants. There are plenty of street food outlets and, of course, videoke. The location might not fit the tastes of some that are more used to home comforts.

To make the most of the COVID situation, I'm spending a while renting a place near Panglao, which is normally a tourist hotspot. Here there is a much higher density of expats and, as you would expect, English is more widely spoken. It would be much less of a culture shock to move here initially. However, things might not be so quiet when the tourists return.

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

I work on line so hi speed internet and reliable electricity are important. Not sure sure how much of an issue those might be in various areas

coach53 ViP

1564POSTS

5 years ago

Parvaze wrote:
I work on line so hi speed internet and reliable electricity are important. Not sure sure how much of an issue those might be in various areas

Paawan has to low electricity production. Plans to improve, but not solved.

Them living there can tell much better, but I believe worth checking Davao, Baguio and Dumaguete. Many foreigners living there and I know some work with internet in Davao and Dumaguete but I don't know how high speed they have. Them I know of working with internet there don' need so high speed, just access enough and speed enough to make uploads and downloads and functioning communication.

BassMan_720 wrote:
I enjoy living on Bohol. I'm in a very quiet location in Sweetland in the North of the Island. COVID has had a minimal impact here, with only a handful of cases. However, day to day living here is very Philippine. There are very few amenities here such as western restaurants. There are plenty of street food outlets and, of course, videoke. The location might not fit the tastes of some that are more used to home comforts.

To make the most of the COVID situation, I'm spending a while renting a place near Panglao, which is normally a tourist hotspot. Here there is a much higher density of expats and, as you would expect, English is more widely spoken. It would be much less of a culture shock to move here initially. However, things might not be so quiet when the tourists return.

I should have specified better concerning Bohol - I like the NORTH half where it's short of tourists when not covid top.

Before covid . A foreigner - Filipina couple I know bought a house at Panglao a bit away from the hoter tourist parts, where it WAS ok calm - until a neighbour opened a videoke bar where drunk "sang" loud during the nights, so the couple had to sell their house for half of what they had bought it for...

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#10

Thanks for the response. Sounds like I'll have to be in/near cities as I really do need as high speed internet that is available

Jean Marin Member

16POSTS

5 years ago

#11

Hi. I would suggest in our place which is tourist loves to go. We are near to a place which is in Baguio City. A cold place which u can relax if u dont like the summer time in Philippines. In between there is a near beach or a very quiet place living in a fresh air in my province in La Union. There is a famous place in our city called Surfing Capital and a lot of tourist coming there... If u want to leave in the City, it will be a perfect for you because still a virgin area not much crowded people.. I wish u a luck and happy life in Philippines.

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#12

Thanks for the info Jean. Much appreciated

pnwcyclist Philippines Expert

1489POSTS

5 years ago

#13

Great suggestions by all. I do like the Visayas and there are many nice places to live, even away from Cebu City, such as Bohol/Panglao, Dumaguete, Bacolod, IloIlo..

All of those places have or are smaller cities that have the essentials such as good internet and real cheese, as well as medical facilities.

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#14

Thanks all. The most important things for me are reliable hi speed internet, access to decent healthcare and at least some diversity in the food/restaurants. The rest isn't as important so the info posted here is very helpful. Thanks again all

Jean Marin Member

16POSTS

5 years ago

#15

Yes Me. The one that i am talking is in our city. From La Union. Very near mall and a very nice private hospital and they are very professional. All things what u want will u get it.

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#16

Thanks!

Miguk Member

17POSTS

5 years ago

#17

Uggggg Karaoke!

Whoever invented that should be drawn and quartered! It has started at 0700 until way past sundown all day for the last 5 day! For people who are generally quite kind, filipinos become inconsiderate assholics behind a wheel or a microphone!
On the 6th day, I finally put every speaker I had pointed at the offender's house and cranked the Scorpions on repeat for the entire day...will report results laterl

Miguk Member

17POSTS

5 years ago

#18

i live in Zambales. Really beautiful beaches here. You may look at starting out renting a place in Subic Bay or Clark. Both were former U.S military bases which still boast excellent infrastructure (including fiber connections) and very limited power outages due to having their own power generators. I would have lived in Subic if my wife had not insisted on staying in her home town.

Jackson4 Serial expat

714POSTS

5 years ago

#19

Miguk wrote:
Uggggg Karaoke! Whoever invented that should be drawn and quartered

The karaoke manufacturers should put a speaker volume limiter just like the commercial vehicles that can only go up to 55 mph.
The government should make that into law.
Just like any country, you cannot really control the population's behavior.

manwonder ViP

1904POSTS

5 years ago

#20

Sure you can...Just repeating Scorpions : "Rock You Like A Hurricane" @ full blast (55mph)...should have some +ve results.

Rammers Contributor

131POSTS

5 years ago

#21

Yes.
Bohol is a nice place to live.
But not Panglau.

pnwcyclist Philippines Expert

1489POSTS

5 years ago

#22

Panglao is lovely, just avoid Alona Beach area where it is crowded and noisy. I have lived there and still have friends there, one built a beautiful resort on the opposite side of the island from Alona. But it is more expensive than Bohol.

Bukidnonkane Active member

43POSTS

5 years ago

#23

I live in mindanao, but i would highly suggest bohol. If you live on the east side of the island it is quiet, and very clean. Decent restaurants. Another bonus. Is that you close to cebu for immigration and big stores. When i say close its a 40 minute ferry. Tagbilaran is a decent size city. When i go to bohol i stay in Anda. Also guindalman has literally the best philippines barbeque. If i moved there i would get a mountain property. Its nice and cool. But not really cold. And the views from the mountains are very awesome. Also fresh fish there, and there is fresh milk as well. My profile picture was taken in bohol in the chocolate hills.

blacksheepjuno Contributor

115POSTS

5 years ago

#24

If you are looking for high speed internet, your going to need to connect up with fiber from pldt or globe. It’s not easy to come by, so make sure you check before you move into anyplace. A lot of places have only selected areas covered. I lived in makati in a high rise for a year (2014/15), never problems with power or internet speed. However, traffic is always an issue in metro Manila. I’ve since moved to Cavite, first in Indang, which is peaceful but very agricultural, not a lot to see or do. Now, however, I’ve relocated to Dasmarinas. Excellent area, good variety of food, mostly light traffic, and several gated communities with fiber internet. Prices are decent for housing. Not too far from metro Manila, if you need to go there. Good shopping variety, near to Imus, Silang, GMA and Gentri

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#25

Thanks for the information, very helpful!

DukeStamina Active member

27POSTS

5 years ago

#26

I'm not sure how much time you have spent in the Philippines. Anybody can give advice, but only you will know what feels right for you. Cebu is a great start but it doesn't have to be your final destination. With the airport there, you can easily visit numerous locations and see what feels like home. That would be my advice, anyway. You do not need a final destination right away.

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#27

That's good advice!

manwonder ViP

1904POSTS

5 years ago

#28

Surigao City (Mindanao)
OMO : As you get older your own 'SPACE' will become a basic essential :

*What I really treasure where I live :
a) Living near the sea with a land space of approx 500m2 / Simple clean 2-3 bedroom house that is fully perimetred fenced / An Outdoor stock room cum work room / An Outdoor kubo / Vehicle / An Outdoor 5m3 Rain water collection trough.
I am lucky I have a few like minded expat neighbours whom drop by with their partners every once in a while for dinner/drinking/karaoke (max 55mph 😆)/dancing with laser light display.
Domestic Airport /Pte Medical Hospital / Dentist / Ophthalmologist all within a short 15min drive from where I live.

*What I would like but am not willing to spend too much money/effort on & so I make do with what I have (portable pocket wifi)
Don't see the urgent need to connect up with fibre from pldt/globe which is available here...maybe one day/just not yet.
We do have lots of nice dinning places/malls nearby (only a 10min drive away) & Btw I have learnt to cook too.

* What I want to avoid
The need for any kind of highrise living / being stuck in traffic jams / overspending money on anything at least not yet.

Again OMO

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#29

I'll be working online from around 9pm - 3am local philippines time so unfortunately reliable hi-speed internet is a must for me. I can flex on virtually everything but that :-)

lasvegan Serial expat

616POSTS

5 years ago

#30

If you good reliable internet and can go a bit further south you will find it in Tagaytay! My guess that because of the huge expat community there as well as a weekend getaway spot for those who can afford it. Also much cooler as you're basically on the rim of Taal volcano! I lived there for a couple years and had no internet or phone problems. Definitely one of the best cities in the Philippines to settled down and enjoy everything Filipino! Casino just down the highway for all the entertainment you could want! Sky Ranch also there for outdoor activities! If I wasn't moving to Boracay just above Station 2 when the powers that be let us back in country I would be in Tagaytay!

FortuneFavorsTheBold Banned

736POSTS

5 years ago

#31

lasvegan ~ Thinking of building in Tagatay. Boracay sounds better. You chose the Philippines over Costa Rica? I'm thinking about Belize.

lasvegan Serial expat

616POSTS

5 years ago

#32

Hi
Boracay is by far the best place in the Philippines! Yes I would chose Philippines over Costa Rica! I've lived in both! Costa Rica is getting expensive and not catering as much to expats anymore. It's still a good place! When I first started spending long terms overseas Belize was my choice! Bummer! Hard to learn how to live there. Immigration not as helpful or friendly these days. Both Tagaytay and Boracay are good. No beaches near to Tagaytay! Boracay has miles of uninterrupted beaches. Has everything at every level for shopping, hotels and great housing options. Check out boracayapartments.com and you will see Ray has all the info you need and is extremely helpful. will even talk on the phone with you.

http://www.boracayapartment.com/

lasvegan Serial expat

616POSTS

5 years ago

#33

BTW
Internet is included in Ray's perks!

bigpearl ViP

4325POSTS

5 years ago

#34

Parvaze wrote:
I'll be working online from around 9pm - 3am local philippines time so unfortunately reliable hi-speed internet is a must for me. I can flex on virtually everything but that :-)

Hi Parvaze, I'm wondering what speeds you need up and down (Mbps) for your work.
We are 6 hours north of Manila, have Globe at home wireless for 2 years now with no problems, no buffering at all. 5pm yesterday speed test was 36 Mbps down and 5.9 up. 5 am this morning saw 35.2 down and 7.3 up.

Not sure if those speeds are any good for you though.

Cheers, Steve.

FortuneFavorsTheBold Banned

736POSTS

5 years ago

#35

lasvegan ~ Yes, Boracay or Tagatay if the Philippines. Maybe Belize or an island off the coast of Spain if not the Philippines. Forget the name.

Jackson4 Serial expat

714POSTS

5 years ago

#36

Head westward from Tagaytay, you will hit the beach in an hour: Nasugbu or Matabungkay, Batangas.

wrevans02 Member

24POSTS

5 years ago

#37

I live in Tagaytay City. The weather is tolerable year round. I am the only expat in my Barangay and very lucky to find a house to rent here. The houses are big, fenced yards with plenty of space, and very quiet. That isn't easy to find. Internet speed is around 25 MBS if you test to Manila. Not so fast if you speed test you link to LA or another city in US. Electric is stable but there are outages. Same with water. Depends on where you live. Cleaner than most cities I have visited. Traffic isn't bad. You can buy imported foods nearby at S&R store in Laguna if you have the budget. Rent is about $300 to $700 for a decent house. Medical care here is poor though and expensive. Better off going to see a doctor at Gentri in Trece. I flew around the country and this is the best place I found so far. I will never again go in the water here. It is polluted enough that I was extremely sick twice even being careful not to ingest the water and my 2 year old niece nearly died. I won't take my two little boys to the beach at all. Swimming pools are much safer.

Parvaze Contributor

110POSTS

5 years ago

#38

Thanks for the feedback, very helpful information

bigpearl ViP

4325POSTS

5 years ago

#39

Parvaze wrote:
Thanks for the feedback, very helpful information

What speeds do you need for internet?

Cheers, Steve.

MinimalistJourneyman Active member

67POSTS

5 years ago

#40

Like you my work requires a very good internet connection so that makes picking a location much more limited than for most. I live in Lapu-Lapu and while a bit congested it does offer resorts / beaches and is still close to all of Cebu City. The new third bridge “should” make the accessibility issue much better. If you decide on Cebu City itself then look in the IT Park area near Ayala Mall. There you have all the nicest amenities and High Speed Internet...this comes at a cost and Condos are going to run you around 30k.

If you need High Speed Internet elsewhere then make sure you go to neighborhoods that have fiber...DSL service is common in many but is really terrible. In my very nice Pajac neighborhood in Lapu-Lapu we have both PLDT, Globe, and Sky Fiber...there are areas in the next Baranguay that only have DSL. Rents for a house in my neighborhood have dropped and are now about 20-30k. Mind you these are larger houses with community amenities vs a small Condo in IT park.

High Speed Internet (Fiber) is still not widely available in smaller towns and cities...my friend who lives in Dumaguete still can only get DSL although he says some neighborhoods now have fiber. I can’t speak to Bohol on this issue....but I’m thinking it’s very limited.