Manila, Philippines Report of what it's like to live there - 05/23/25
Personal Experiences from Manila, Philippines
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Prior posts in Latin America and West Africa.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA. It depends on if you’re going to the West Coast or the East Coast. There are direct flights on United or Philippine Airlines to California, around 12 hours. Other flights go through Seoul, Japan, or Asian airlines like Cathay Pacific or Eva Air via Taiwan or Hong Kong. There are also flights that go east via Qatar, Istanbul, Emirates, etc. Overall, takes 15-30 hours to get from Post to the US, depending on where you’re going and which route. There are daily flights on most routes/airlines, so beyond the time commitment and price, it is relatively easy to travel out.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
For the U.S. Embassy, the housing is mostly apartments, but there are some standalone houses in some neighborhoods. The standalone houses seem nice, though the security at the neighborhoods can be a bit overzealous for entry in my opinion.
There are also a few units in the Ascott, which is a furnished long-term hotel residence. These are smaller units and I've heard they lack storage space and good kitchen amenities, as they are intended to be short-term residences rather than multi-year homes. To me, the amenities (free shuttle service, included breakfasts, happy hour discounts) would not be worth the lost space, no storage, and awkward layouts of living in a hotel basically. BGC is the furthest from the Embassy. If you work early, the drive is only 30 minutes in the morning and about 45mins in the afternoon. If you work later, traffic can be closer to 1-1.5 hours in the afternoon. There’s an Embassy shuttle for a fee, and many people hire drivers. Makati and Rockwell have a lot of variety in the housing options, and there are pros and cons to each of the housing units there. It is closer to the Embassy, but can be 20-45 mins still, depending on traffic, time of day, and weather conditions. There are lots of walkable amenities depending in which apartment or village one lives.
Seafront is the Embassy annex with townhouses that are a bit dated but have US appliances (garbage disposals, dishwashers, etc.) and is mostly 110v. This is 10-15 mins drive from the main chancery. Some USG offices are on Seafront, as well as the preschool. The neighborhood lacks walkable amenities, but the compound itself is contained, safe, has grassy areas for pets and kids, and a very nice pool and gym. It seems to be a good place for those who have younger kids, kids who don’t go to International School of Manila, and/or those who spend a lot of time at home and don’t need restaurants or walkable areas close by.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Food prices tend to match US prices, which surprises those who are expecting cheap SE Asia. There are a ton of imported products from the US, Australia, Europe. I have been able to find everything I needed here. Sometimes it takes a few stores to find a certain product and/or it is sporadically available. The dairy and cheese selection is basic, and the beef is largely imported. The wine selection is not great, though there are specialty stores and importers. There is limited beer other than the imported basics (Corona, Heineken) and the local lagers. Local produce (mangoes, onions, papayas) is cheap. Imported seasonal products (berries, etc.) can be quite expensive and then are a bit bruised from their long trip. There are some organic fruit options, and a lot of imported products from western countries have the organic label. There are specialty Asian stores, if you know where to look. The Embassy has DPO, so I know those with food concerns buy a ton of stuff from the US and ship it in.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Cat litter, big bags of pet food, specialty snacks. Most everything is available, but those with special brand preferences or allergies can ship.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are tons of restaurants of varying quality. Lots of American brands (Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, McDonalds) and generic westernized food (burgers, pizza). Lots of Filipino restaurants, some are little more than stalls, and some are quite fancy tasting menus. Grab delivers food, similar to UberEats. There is more limited Latin and African food, and most Asian food tends to be for Filipino tastes: less spicy, less truly authentic, perhaps similar to how “Chinese takeout” in the US is not quite authentic Chinese food but built for American tastes. In Manila, many restaurants are US-priced, but in smaller cities and towns, the prices are much cheaper.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not that I’m aware. We had termites in our apartment building, which was weird at the 35th floor, but the building was proactive about notifying us. I’m sure there are minor ant problems, and in the houses in the villages, I bet there are some other bugs with resultant geckos that eat the bugs.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Via DPO at the US Embassy. I’m not sure if any public local facilities exist, and if I were to send mail on the local market, I would use a private courier like LBC or DHL. For shorter distances, you can hire a motorcycle courier to drop things off.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Tons available. Many Filipinos go abroad to work as domestic workers, and there is a big market for this. People employ cleaners, cooks, nannies, “all-arounds” who do a little of all as one job, drivers, dog walkers, gardeners. I think any type of help you want to hire would be available. The rates are cheap, and for 1 day cleaning, it's 800-2000 pesos, around 15-30 dollars. There are live-in and live-out options. Part-time can be a bit harder to find, if the help is not already working with other families part-time and/or willing to share.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes on safety. See comment above about weather. There is a lack of green space and public parks in metro Manila, but if you do not mind being on sidewalks or streets, then it is doable. Road and/or mountain biking exists. Some people commute via bike to the Embassy, and there are options to get out of town to bike around the mountains on the weekends.
I'll add info about other outdoor activities here: I think where there’s a will, there’s a way. The main challenge is that most is a minimum 3-4 hours’ drive away, if not way further. Also it is hot and humid, always, which makes outdoor activities a sweaty, sticky adventure. All hikes, and most outdoor activities really, require a local guide for a small fee. For water sports, anything beach related is available. The closest surfing is in La Union which is 5-7hrs drive away from Manila. Some of the eastern islands offer surfing in certain seasons. Scuba and snorkeling are the most popular water sports. I have seen windsurfing, and I suspect there is a decent amount of open water swimming for those who know where to look.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots. The Embassy has nice facilities. I think all the apartment buildings have gyms and pools. The neighborhoods would be nice to run, walk, or bike around since the traffic is restricted. Lots of gyms, yoga studios, boxing gyms, rowing gyms, basketball courts, badminton courts, tennis courts, CrossFit. Prices seem comparable to the US or perhaps a few dollars cheaper, depending on how much of a specialty the gym/sport is. It is harder for some people to go running outside given the hot weather, the lack of sidewalks in certain areas, and crowded public areas, but there are run groups. The marathons in Manila tend to start at 2 a.m. to accommodate the heat. Some of the neighborhoods are doing car-free Sundays which allows for runners, walkers, and bikers to use the roads. Road and/or mountain biking exists.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted around Manila almost everywhere. Splitting checks per person is less common, and often is more confusing for the staff than it is worth to separate among a group on your own. We have success with restaurants to say “put $x on credit card A and put the rest on credit card B” rather than splitting as you would do in the US.
As you get into smaller businesses or towns, especially further from tourist sites, credit cards are less and less common, and will sometimes have a fee associated with use. ATMs are very common and safe to use. Even if small beach towns, the ATMs are in designated little glassed areas to give privacy. Normal common sense applies: perhaps be wary at very late hours in very isolated places. The Embassy has an ATM and a cashier.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Tons. I have no direct experience but I imagine anything is available. The country is mostly Catholic, at least culturally, but there are lots of smaller churches and denominations around. There is a large mosque next to the Embassy and many people from the southern islands are Muslim. I know there’s a decent-sized LDS mission(s), and I would imagine in a city of 20+ million that there’s at least one synagogue, but I do not actually know for sure.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not required. English is one of the official languages and it is taught in school. Those with lower educational backgrounds and/or lower socioeconomic status have weaker English, especially outside of city centers. Some people in customer service jobs have surprisingly little English beyond the basic scripts needed for their job.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I think mobility issues could be tougher but could be accommodated. For example, there are sidewalks in BGC, and most seem to have ramps and few obstacles like tree roots in them. I think this is true of many parts of Makati too. Popular tourist destinations could likely accommodate some mobility issues, as many Filipino tourists are elderly and/or have mobility issues of their own, so if there are sidewalks, there will be ramps. For visual or hearing issues, it seems there are fewer accommodations, e.g., I’ve rarely seen braille on tourist signs, and not everything is closed caption.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Grab, a ride hailing app like Uber, is the most common app, though there are a few smaller competitors trying to break into the market. Most cars have A/C, but seatbelts are functional in only half of the vehicles. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, though the vehicles are in various states of disrepair. There are motorcycle taxis with their own hailing apps. During bad weather and/or rush hour, it can take 15-30 mins to hail a Grab due to demand issues.
There are Jeepneys and buses, but they seem hot and crowded, and without Tagalog and/or being a local, it could be hard to figure out the systems. There is a single metro line, but it does not serve any tourist sites. Out in the provinces or on other islands, public transport is quite limited, even taxis, and often requires either a van arrangement through a hotel or airport, or maybe tricycles for short distances between the hotel and restaurant.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Any is sufficient. No need for anything particularly high clearance, especially within Manila. There seems to be wide availability of parts, and all sorts of cars and brands are on the road, even including Teslas and the Chinese EV company BYD. Toyotas seem to be the most common for taxis. It is left hand drive, and I do not think there are any import restrictions for model or year.
Some people have personal motorcycles. A car is not required. Between the Embassy shuttle for commuting to work, having Grab available, and walkable neighborhoods, plenty of people serve the whole tour without a car. There are cars and vans for rent, though I think most come with their own driver, which is what we’ve done for excursions beyond Manila when we had no car yet.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I am pleased with internet (SkyFiber). We have fiber in our building. We can pay the Wi-Fi bill online. We pay about $50/month for 150mbps of fiber speed, which means we can stream multiple devices at once without problem. Our phone service is weak in our apartment due to the height, but the Wi-Fi helps supplement. We need Wi-Fi extenders between the rooms to make it through the thick concrete walls. Other companies include PLDT and Globe, and there may be others. Set-up goes via the building/landlord and I think it took just a few days to get the tech out.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I use Smart and the other major company is Globe. I have a pre-paid SIM and load it up as necessary. I think it would be difficult to live here without a local phone number as it is needed for Grab (like Uber) and Gcash, but probably still doable. Data is very cheap (around $10USD/32 gigs), and the service is strong throughout most of the Philippines, often 5G even in rather remote, mountainous areas. Lots of people use Google Fi or other US-based plans and I haven’t heard any complaints.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Adequate. We’ve been happy with the vet care, though haven’t had any dire emergencies to really put it to the test. Our vet is responsive and open on Sundays. There are a ton of vet offices throughout metro Manila. It is nice that vets and their staff speak English.
Lots of Filipinos have pets, and you can find the pets in Makati and BGC in strollers, at malls, at restaurants, getting walked around, etc. There are fewer public parks and green spaces to really let a high energy dog run, but there are attempts at options. Lots of people hire dog walkers. There are a few boarding facilities in Manila for long weekends, though often people pay their housekeeper or other staff to tend to pets when they’re away. There are pet stores in all the malls, but I think very specific food or supplies may need to be ordered. Bigger dogs are less common, and my 45lb dog gives people pause sometimes.
Sometimes there are weird rules regarding pets (e.g., only certain apartment elevators can be used, some outdoor areas off limits to dogs), but otherwise dogs are very pampered. There are stray cats everywhere, even in nicer neighborhoods. There are more stray dogs in poorer areas of the city and out in small towns. The import and export process for pets isn’t particularly onerous compared to other posts, but United is the contract carrier and doesn’t allow pets, forcing most to go via Delta/Korean through Seoul. Others use Turkish or Qatar for pet transport, and there are a handful of pet shipping companies I’ve heard about. No need for titer test per Philippine rules, but CDC and USDA may have their own requirements. No quarantine required.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Current USG hiring freeze aside, there are opportunities at the Embassy, both full and part-time. There is stiff competition for the higher graded and EPAP positions. Teleworking to a US-based job may be difficult given the time difference, though there are ample coworking spaces and Starbucks is open late since many Filipinos telework to jobs abroad. Local salaries are quite low compared to US-standards, and I don’t think companies are hurting for workers who are willing to take low salaries on the local markets, so it may be very difficult to find something. Teachers may have it better, though I am sure it is competitive since the top schools are very well regarded.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
I would imagine there are plenty of options and causes in which to get involved.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
White collar workers tend to be in business or business casual. The Filipino male local dress is an embroidered collared shirt. Some are more formal than others, and at first glance it might seem quite casual since they are rarely tucked in, but the embroidery patterns can be quite intricate and expensive. Otherwise, dress is very similar to the West and is not overly conservative – shoulders, shorts, tight clothes, etc. are all very common.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There aren’t any movement restrictions in metro Manila for USG employees. Parts of the island of Mindanao are off limits for personal travel, and offical travel requires multiple layers of approval. As far as personal safety, this is a big city so common sense is required: be wary of your belongings in public places. Some reports of muggings by motorcycle drivebys and other petty crime. Lots of Filipinos and expats are quite wealthy and so many of the areas frequented by the Embassy community may have bodyguards and other security staff around.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
I know community members have struggled with air quality issues, and others with consequences from mold(s) in housing. Medical care seems good, though a few people do go to Singapore or Thailand or the US for very serious issues. The private hospitals are very good, English-speaking, though all take payment up front and/or in cash. There is no malaria in metro Manila, but this is a tropical country with a long wet season, so dengue and similar are present.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate and relative. It is better than Bangkok and many large cities in India, and not as good as other cities in the US. There are many volcanoes, and sometimes the air quality is worse if one of those has erupted and the ash has spread. The rainy season clears out the air quality a bit. I am sure very sensitive people suffer, but air purifiers are available in USG housing, and plenty of people wear masks in public areas, especially around areas with heavy traffic exhaust.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
See above, and also the question about food availability. It may be more difficult to be vegan in the Philippines since the diet is very pork and chicken heavy, and otherwise made with fish sauce, etc. Vegetarians have it easier, especially if they are pescatarian. There are cow milk alternatives around, and generally people try to accommodate. Gluten intolerance is probably harder, since I would worry about cross-contamination. Servers frequently ask if the table has any food allergies, but I have doubts on the message always making it back to the cook, and/or knowing that “vegetarian” = “no meat at all” rather than “no visible meat chunks.”
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
None that I know about. People get worn down from the traffic and the hustle and bustle of big city living, but I find this can be cured with a trip outside of Manila. It is always warm and humid, so if anybody has the reverse seasonal affective disorder that is affected by lack of winter, it might be tougher.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid most of the year. There is a dry season and a wet season, but the temperature stays around 85-100 degrees every day. During the rainy season, it rains most days for a few hours, often in the afternoon. The Philippines experiences typhoons every year, though Manila itself is not always the target of the storms.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I cannot speak to it directly, but I know the International School of Manila (ISM) is supposed to be excellent, especially for special needs accommodations. There is also the British School of Manila and Nord Anglia, and perhaps other private schools. Many richer Filipino families send their children to private Catholic or religious schools too, so there are options.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
The rumors are positive regarding special needs services, especially at ISM, but I have no direct experience.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is a pre-school with the USG, which gets mixed reviews. Otherwise, I imagine most young children are cared for by nannies rather than school, but I do not have any direct experience.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Probably, though I think it takes some research if it is not affiliated with the school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. There are 700,000 Americans in the Philippines, and tons of other expats from other countries for which I do not have the stats. Beyond the US Embassy, I think the morale is okay to high given so many people chose to live or retire here. Within the diplomatic community, I think morale is probably okay if not high, depending on one’s ability to manage expectations and the minor daily frustrations like traffic and bureaucracy.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Anything. Lots of bars and restaurants, plenty of fitness activities and clubs. There are crafting classes and beer festivals and book fairs. There are sporting events to spectate (or probably participate) and some concerts, often big name Western celebrities too. There’s pub trivia in some places and food tours. I think the only limit is one’s imagination, and then the distance/travel time between one’s residence and the activity location.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For city life, I think it is good for any. Singles interested in dating locals will have many options, though I have heard it is harder to date other expats. Some families have difficulty with the confines of big city living, without yards or greenspaces, and find it harder to leave Manila due to cost/convenience/time. For the US Embassy specifically, it is absolutely full of families and not as many single people.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
There can be a large income gap between Westerners and locals which might make it harder to befriend locals. Some Filipinos are wealthy and there is a burgeoning middle class. Generally, Filipinos are pro-American, despite America having been one of the colonizers. There is some obvious classism, often based on skin tone, so I fear that dark-skinned people of any ethnicity may be affected. However, Filipinos are very friendly and have welcomed my attempts at befriending the ones I have met via my social activities.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Generally, yes. Many Filipinos are out, at least socially, and there are dedicated gay and lesbian spaces to socialize. However, gay marriage is not legal and many locals face discrimination in work over sexual orientation and/or gender expression and/or gender identity.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
See above re class and/or skin tone. There is a sizeable Muslim population, especially in the southern part of the country, and sometimes there are clashes politically and socially.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
There are beaches within driving distance, 2-3 hours, though the sand is rocky and most resorts have just a shoreline rather than a beach. This area is better for snorkeling, scuba, or just enjoying being out of metro Manila. There are very nice white sand beaches on Palawan Island and in Boracay, though both require short flights. Lots of scuba opportunities.
For jungle and/or mountains, there’s lots available throughout the archipelago. You can see the Tarsiers in Bohol with the Chocolate Hills which is an ancient sea formation in the mountains. There are traditional rice terraces in the north, and some interesting local practices for tattooing and hanging coffins. I think there’s something for everyone no matter the budget. Some people think the costs and hassle of travel is not worth it compared to going to a similar experience in Phuket or Bali, but I have enjoyed traveling around the Philippines. The best beaches and oceans that I’ve seen are in Philippines hands down. Most are very clean, the water is usually super clear. Some are more sandy than others, but the water is still so beautiful.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Most of the hidden gems are well-known because there’s a large influencer presence and lots of social media information out there. I enjoy finding new restaurants in the city and they are always opening new ones and closing others. The tours offered by Old Manila Walks are hidden gems but good for visitors and learning a bit about Manila and the Philippines. I think Intramuros is interesting, and there are many opportunities to learn about World War II and America’s involvement in it. See above for response about activities further afield.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
The Philippines produces pearls, so lots of pearl jewelry and mother of pearl décor is available. There’s Lazada, which is a Chinese version of Amazon that often sells the same things for half the price and time spent going from China to Dulles for the Pouch back to Asia. Beyond personal preference for handicrafts and art, there isn’t much “typical” of the Philippines. There are malls everywhere, with tons of recognizable chain stores.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
I love that so many speak English and that there are ton of travel opportunities in the country and in the region. Some people find the costs and/or inconvenience to be higher than anticipated, but this is relative. Many other Asian cities are just a few hours away, there are lot of budget airlines, and even further afield to Australia, New Zealand, Maldives, India are just 8-12 hours away.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
For the US Embassy, I wish I knew how long the shipments take (HHE took 5 months, car took 7), and I wish I knew how segregated the community was based on different work buildings and different neighborhoods divided by intense traffic. It would not have changed my decision to come, but it would have been nice to know going in.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, if I could go back, I would still decide to bid on this post. One tour is enough and I would not come back because I think it could get boring after a while. Plenty of people come back and/or extend for many years, but I’m satisfied with the time I have had here and it is time to move on.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
your preconceived notions about Manila, because it seems nobody gets what they expect. Some have big expectations for cheap Asia and are disappointed, while others expect a small version of an American city and are also disappointed.
4. But don't forget your:
winter clothes. You probably will not need winter clothes in Manila, but if you travel during the winter to Japan or New Zealand, or even back to the US around Christmas, you may want them.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are so many. Anything related to World War II in the Pacific theater would be good, especially since many Americans don’t know much beyond Europe in World War II. Also How to Hide an Empire, since the Philippines was a former U.S. protectorate (colony), which many Americans forget. Most recently, for some local context during the Duterte years, there is Some People Need Killing by Patricia Evangelista.
6. Do you have any other comments?
For me, all of the negatives are minor frustrations. Sure, the traffic can wear one down and the oddities of the service industry and bureaucracy can be oppressive some days, but then I think about other places I have worked or could be sent next and I realize there are a lot of places I could be a lots worse.
