Moving Guide

Straightforward by developing country standards. English everywhere eliminates the language barrier. The expat community is large and immediately welcoming. Main challenges: visa planning (if staying longer than 30 days, extension planning starts immediately), healthcare insurance (arrange before departure), and deciding which city - Manila, Cebu, and Dumaguete have very different vibes and costs. Don't underestimate typhoon season if arriving June–October.

For most expats, buy locally - importing a car to the Philippines involves significant duties (5–30% plus excise tax and VAT, total often 40–80% of vehicle value). Philippine-spec Japanese cars (Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi) are widely available, parts are cheap, and mechanics are excellent. In Metro Manila, many expats skip car ownership entirely in favor of Grab - traffic makes car ownership frustrating rather than convenient.

New immigrants and returning residents benefit from a Tax and Duty Free balikbayan privilege: household goods and personal effects up to ₱150,000 ($2,700) are duty-free if shipped within 6 months of arrival. Electronics for personal use up to certain values are allowed. SRRV holders can import household goods duty-free as a one-time privilege. Always consult a licensed customs broker for large shipments.

Foreign licenses can be converted at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Present your foreign license, passport, and ACR-I card. No driving exam required if your home country has a reciprocal agreement (most Western countries do). Fee: ₱585 ($10). License required if you drive for more than 90 days. Local license is also needed to register a vehicle in your name.

SIM cards from Globe and Smart are available at the airport and in all major malls. Registration is mandatory (bring your passport). Prepaid data: ₱299 ($5) for 5GB. Monthly postpaid: ₱999-₱1,999 for unlimited data. Globe and Smart have the widest coverage nationally. GCash (Globe's e-wallet) and Maya (PayMaya) are the leading digital wallets - widely accepted and useful for transferring money without a bank account.