Living in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Expats and Long-Term Visitors
Thinking about building a life in the Philippines? This guide cuts through the noise and focuses on four essential topics every expat or long-term visitor should understand:
Cost of Living – What it really costs to live here, and how to budget realistically.
Visa Options – From SRRV to tourist extensions, understand your legal path to staying long-term.
Destinations – Where to live, why it matters, and how to choose the right location for your lifestyle.
Healthcare – What to know about PhilHealth, private insurance, and local care options.
Each section is based on firsthand experience and offers the practical insights you need to live well in the Philippines—whether you're retiring, relocating, or starting fresh.
Get In Focus
Beyond the Key Topics - We feature a growing set of in-depth articles that tackle the real questions expats face. From enrolling in PhilHealth and handling visa extensions, to managing your money, choosing where to live, and planning for day-to-day costs — each post offers clear, experience-based guidance that goes far beyond typical expat & retiree advice.
In Focus - ArticlesBe sure to stick with us — We are regularly adding valuable updates and articles to the site. Subscribe Here so you don’t miss out.
Cost of Living for Expats
Explore the real cost of living in the Philippines with firsthand data based on day-to-day life. From rent and groceries to transportation and utilities, everything is drawn from actual monthly spending — not estimates or outdated reports. This is practical, ground-level info to help you plan and budget with confidence.
See what expats really spend in the Philippines — with real figures on housing, food, and everyday costs.
Philippine Visas for Expats: SRRV, Tourist Visas, and Other Visa Types – Real-World Insights
Applying for a long-stay visa in the Philippines — whether it’s the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) or managing tourist visa extensions — involves more than just ticking boxes. Based on my firsthand experience, this section walks you through the full process: from official requirements and timelines to practical tips, common pitfalls, and what to expect at each step. It’s a grounded, real-world guide to making your visa journey smoother and less stressful.
Your Visa Options
Top Retirement Destinations in the Philippines
Looking for the perfect place to settle down? From laid-back coastal towns to cool highland escapes and lively city hubs, this guide explores where expats and retirees really thrive — including underrated gems like Dumaguete, Tagaytay, Cebu, and beyond.
Find The Best Destination
Healthcare and Insurance for Expats
Healthcare can make or break your experience. This guide explains what to expect in the Philippines — from hospitals and local clinics to PhilHealth and private insurance — so you can make informed choices and avoid costly surprises.
Philippines Healthcare How It Works
In Focus – Living in the Philippines
Detailed Articles – Written for expats and retirees who want more than surface-level advice. These focused guides cover what really matters — healthcare, banking, visas, driving, and more — all based on firsthand experience, not theory.
Money, Banking, and Financial Life in the Philippines
Find out how to move your money safely and cost-effectively to the Philippines — and which international transfer options work best.
How to opening a local bank account in the Philippines — and what to expect with requirements, access, and day-to-day use.
Set up and use GCash with ease — a smart solution for daily spending without a local bank account.
Visa Options and Residency Paths for Foreigners
Discover practical visa routes for expats, retirees, and long-stay visitors planning life in the Philippines.
Explore the SRRV, a long-term visa designed for retirees seeking permanent residency and flexible entry to the Philippines.
Understand visa lengths, extensions, and key rules for long-stay visitors to the Philippines.
Healthcare and Insurance for Expats in the Philippines
Understand how PhilHealth works for expats — who can join, what it covers, and how to enroll.
Compare private, public, and international insurance options to protect your health in the Philippines.
Practical Life, Essentials, and Everyday Living
A step-by-step guide to converting your license or applying fresh — plus what to expect at the LTO.
Sign-Up and Stay Connected with Our Monthly Newsletter!
Free Gift: Our Monthly Retiree & Expat Budget Spreadsheet. This simple Excel tool helps you plan income and expenses when retiring to the Philippines. Subscribers get instant access in the welcome email.
Every month, receive exclusive updates on life in the Philippines:
Dive In – A breakdown of the dives I’ve done this month—where I went, what I saw, and the conditions.
Plan Your Next Trip – Where I’ve been recently or where I’m heading next, with travel tips, experiences, and insights.
Stay Informed – The latest news on expat life and the travel scene to keep you in the loop.
Be Prepared – Weather updates and seasonal insights to help you plan ahead.
Don’t miss out—get firsthand updates and real insights delivered straight to your inbox!
*We respect your privacy. Your email is safe with us and will only be used to send our monthly newsletter. Every subscriber receives our free Excel Budget Planner as a welcome gift. We use Mailchimp for secure, reliable delivery. You can unsubscribe at any time.*