USA vs Philippines?

Question

My Husband and I might be moving to the Philippines for his job. Can anyone give me an idea of how living in the Philippines is different than living in the USA? Pros, Cons, etc?

Answer 1

Most of the Philippines is laidback, stable and relatively safe. The locals are an exceptionally helpful bunch and there are fantastic reefs and fish. On top of this, transport is cheap, the food is good----Filipino food may puzzle the first-time eater. Eating in Phils. can therefore be an outstanding experience at all budget levels. In recent years, a profusion of restaurants has emerged, many catering to continental Europian or exotic Asian tastes. There are some good Japanese restaurants, too, plus a smattering of Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and other cuisines, accommodation is plentiful and (for the monolinguistic) English is widely spoken and is used for commercial & legal transactions. Literacy rate is high.
The Philippines is hot and humid year-round. The weather pattern across the archipelago is complex, but can be roughly divided into the dry season (September to May) and the wet season (June to September). (--,)

Answer 2

Obviously, you'll see more colored people than caucasian. But that's not it, you'll find people who are amazing, friendly and who's work ethics are supernatural.

If in the US, you can't afford to have a household help, almost every home in the Philippines has at least one household help - either a maid, a driver, or both.

In the more advanced country, you cannot live a normal life unless you're getting money from the government. In the Philippines, it's the other way around. They are pampered by their relatives and most of the time, it is abused.

Weather! You'll love it there because it's like having your vacation in the carribean for your entire stay and the best of it all, your husband is getting an income. It's like a paid vacation.

In the metropolis, it's like living in New York where you can see people on the road 24/7.

Welcome to the Philippines. Mabuhay!

Answer 3

Inday's answer above is very thorough. I will now offer a more personal opinion.

I know some Americans who absolutely couldn't wait to leave the Philippines, and some others who swear never to return to the States.

Whether you will enjoy living in the Philippines or not is completely dependent on your personality.

Here's my checklist:

- If you get bored of the routine and enjoy trying new things out constantly, and are willing to make a drastic change in lifestyle,

- If the unfamiliar and chaotically interesting environment does not scare you or otherwise does not make you feel ill at ease,

- if you do not think that the Olive Garden and Pizza Hut serve authentic Italian food and actually enjoy eating sushi for the taste,

- if you don't have the urge to brag to other nationalities about how great your US of A is compared to theirs,

- if you believe learning a foreign language is the key to understanding a foreign culture, and you truly are curious about that culture,

...then you may be a good candidate for living in a third world country such as the Philippines.

Answer 4

I seriously don't know what you're talking about. 6 months in College? Especially when they're nurses and taking care of people. C'mon man common sense. My Sister is in college and will be graduating next June. She's an Artist and she was in college for 4 years learning how to draw lines and shapes. Now you're saying nurses only go to college for 6 months. That's stupid. Get your facts right.

Answer 5

In the Philippines --- PROS
1. you can easily afford to hire help to do household chores
2. cost of living - cheap!
3. people can understand you - English is the medium of instruction
4. if salary still in $$$, wow!
5. neighbors/community in general very hospitable, helpful and friendly - you'd feel very at home right-away.
6. we have the same conveniences as what are available here in the States
7. we have excellent school system (Private) - your kids will be well-educated.
8. fantastic vacation spots - as small as the country is, we have lots of exciting places to go and you don't have to travel far.
9. predominantly Catholic BUT respectful of all other religions - ecumenical in a sense

CONS -------
1. weather - wet & dry seasons only; it's either raining or it's hot (not to worry, A/C is available in most public places)
2. water - much to be desired (make sure you have filtration system at home or have the bottled water delivered).
3. traffic - I know you can drive but I strongly suggest you take the taxi, hire a driver, or take the public transpo. Truthfully, American driving is no match to Filipino driving - we make our own rules, more often than not!
4. pets - while we do not mistreat our dogs (mostly mongrels - i.e., "generic"), they are mainly used for guarding/security purposes. They are not generally pampered (so unlike the pets here in America). Just be aware of this so there's no culture shock.
5. concept of time - we don't have any! We are generally late (10-15 min) for everything, including work!
6. siesta time - while all stores/businesses remain open all day long, it is not unusual to find some employees snoozing at some obscure corner - if you need something, just wake them up. Those at home usually take a nap between 1-3 p.m. - don't call at these hours.
7. food - we have a lot! It's an acquired taste though. If you feel brave enough, try it...if not, it's okay - there's a lot to choose from
8. We also have this "bad" habit of postponing till tomorrow what we can do today...no rush, that seems to be our motto.
9. HOWEVER, if you need something to be done rightaway, we can certainly accommodate you; truthfully, it's our job to do it, but we will not say no to "extra money" - you'd be amazed at what we can do and how fast we can do it for the right amount. My personal term for this is "creative corruption."

And that's as honest as I can get ------------

WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES!

Answer 6

I think that Inday has given a good run down of the pro's and cons.
Well done.

Answer 7

Fast food is cheaper....My first trip there i was surprised that 3 dollars was able to feed 3 people at a fast food restaurant.

Its hot, and not all the stores you walk into have air-con.

Bugs all over and spiders as big as your head.

Everyone is friendly and everyone calls you sir/ma'am and they say it respectfully, not like in the united states where when someone says Sir or ma'am it almost sounds like an insult.

Swimming at the beach during christmas as opposed to sitting inside your house so you wont freeze.

(here is one you might not like)

Hot young 18 to 20 year old girls trying to steal your husband when he is not with you, and it doesnt matter if he is fat or old...they will want him and its very tough for american women to compete with filipinas.

For a man...philippines is paradise
For a woman...well...

Answer 8

you should check this website :

http://www.passport2manila.com/

this site was created by a woman who's husband was transferred to manila from USA.

Answer 9

i just had a visitor who is from the usa... he said this...cheap... very cheap compared to prices there in your place...the only thing he hates is to ride jeepneys...bumper to bumper he says...

Answer 10

there is only one thing i can say... IT IS SO VERY DIFFERENT!!!... from the culture.. a bit for food... traditions and many more...