How to orient yourself with the islands of the Philippines?

• The Philippines consists of 7.107 islands, of which only a part is inhabited. The total amount of islands is ever changing, depending on the tides.
• Whilst orientating on living and working in the Philippines you should be careful with using generalisations. It is important to mention that in the Philippine Choice Indexes you will find are simplifications of the diverse reality that is the Philippines.

How many foreigners are living in the Philippines?

• Around 180.000 foreigners are living in the Philippines, students and tourists are excluded.
• The largest percentage of foreigners is from the United States.
• The Philippines is also a popular destination for people from China, Japan, India and Canada.

What important factors help you in choosing for a long stay or emigration to the Philippines?

Why choose the Philippines?

• In most parts of the Philippines the people are able to speak English. An English speaking local population makes life easier.
• The Filipino hospitality provides foreigners with a warm welcome and stay.
• Convenient visa arrangements, where people above 50 are eligible for the Special Residents Retirees Visa (SRRV) of the Philippine Retirement Authorities (PRA) Program.
• Diversity of the country; with many pristine nature locations.
• Affordable living.
• Nearby other easy to reach vacation destinations (For example: Japan, Korea, Hong Kong). It is very affordable to do a city trip on the weekends in one of these countries.

"The best thing about the Philippines is the people. I have never encountered a more optimistic group in all of my life. They help one another when they are in trouble. Families are close. For the most part, the people are not driven by what brands they wear or type of car they drive".

Philippines expat

Factors to not consider living in the Philippines

• You need a lot of time and patience to get around and to arrange things.
• Communication is tentatively indirect and with a smile, which can be difficult at times when challenges arise.
• The temperatures can get really high, in the dry season it can rise up to over 40 degrees Celsius.
• There is a rainy season with typhoons, during these times it rains a lot and flooding can occur.
• When residing in Metro Manila, you will have to deal with a lot of traffic (jams).

How do you form an image of the Philippines as a destination for living and working?

Tips for reading

• Culture Shock! Philippines (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette) written by Alfredo Roces. The book gives a good explanation of the culture shock and what to expect when living in the Philippines.
• Handbook Philippines written by Niklas Reese and Rainer Werning. This book gives a good oversight of the history and influences on the contemporary Filipino culture.

Tips for watching

• To get a broader idea of the Filipino life, we recommend watching the BBC documentary: Toughest place to be... (a jeepney driver). An inspiring story about the everyday life of a jeepney driver in Metro Manila.

Orientation on working in the Philippines

How can you orient yourself to work and/or start a business in the Philippines?

• Salary wise it is advisable to work as an expat in the Philippines, instead of working for under a local contract for a (local) company. The minimum wage in the Philippines in Metro Manila is around 600 php per day, around 13.000 php per month. Office jobs (white collar jobs) pay around 30.000 php per month and managerial functions can pay double or even more.
• You are required to have a Non-Immigrant Visa for pre-arranged Employment when working in the Philippines. In that case the employer should get the work permit and help you with your Visa Application. 

What are sectors to consider when searching for a job in the Philippines?

• Nowadays, there are many job opportunities in the Philippines for foreigners, for example in call center industry or the import/export sector.
• New businesses that are established in those sectors are looking to hire international expats.
• With this, the demand for bilingual employees is on the rise.
• The Netherlands is an important trading partner for the Philippines: The Netherlands is a very important (a lot of recent years "the first") export destination for the Philippines in Europe. If you have sufficient knowledge of European & Dutch markets, your job search position will improve!
• Officially, more than 100 Dutch companies are being represented in the Philippines; probably a lot more via informal ways. Yearly, more and more Dutch companies make plans to start investing in the Philippines.

How is professional recognition and diploma legalisation arranged in the Philippines?

• Attained professional certifications and diplomas are not automatically valid in the Philippines.
• Certain professions for example in the fields of nursing and medicine require specific certification by local authorities.
• Employers may require original or notarized copies of diplomas. Always bring these with you when you travel to the Philippines for work.
• The application for a work visa and other legal documents is made easier when you bring your official documents and diplomas. A copy or scan will not suffice in most cases.

What are good sources for finding job vacancies in the Philippines?

• When looking for jobs in the Philippines it is advised to use your personal or other networks (ask around), as it is the easiest and most reliable way to find a job.

What are important factors to consider when applying in the Philippines?

• Applying for a job is considered a very formal occasion in the Philippines.
• Looks are important, so always make sure you look professional when going in for an interview.
• Having a good network is very important as well. Using connections is usually the best way to get an invitation or interview when applying to jobs.
• If you are looking for a new job, inform as many of your friends, acquaintances, and colleagues of whom you'd think could help with your search for a job in the Philippines.
• Make sure the employer will take care of- or at least help with your work visa application. Be wary of companies that insist it is your responsibility to take care of the work visa; it is practically impossible to attain a work visa all by yourself.
• As commuting can be problematic -especially in metro Manila and Cebu- make sure to take the office's location into consideration when applying for jobs.

What are specific CV requirements when applying for jobs in the Philippines?

• When submitting your CV make sure that all information can be verified. Employers in the Philippines have the tendency to rigorously verify diplomas and references.
• When submitting a resume the outlook should be professional, make sure your ID-picture is professional as well (a tie is required).
• Follow international standards in regards to writing your CV, these apply to the Philippine setting as well.

Orientation on starting a business or doing business in the Philippines 

What are sectors to consider when starting a business in the Philippines?

• Economic prospects are looking good for the Philippines; forecasts show that the Philippine economy eventually will become bigger than their neighbours; Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
• Macro-economic fundamentals are becoming stronger and stronger and the Philippines' business environment is being improved constantly to increase the country's competitiveness.
• Still; the inequitable distribution of wealth and the low level of social development of large parts of the population are continuous matters of concern.
• Opportunities abound for investors targeting the following sectors: business process outsourcing, electronics, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, and shipbuilding.

What are important factors to consider for start-ups in the Philippines?

• A lot of factors need to be considered when setting up your own company in the Philippines: What papers and licenses are required, how to find reliable business partners, etc.
• If you want to do business in the Philippines the first things you need to do is incorporate and register your company.
• This follows a bureaucratic system that can easily take over a month to complete.
• Ask for an expert that is experienced with starting up a business in the Philippines, this will reduce a lot of hassle.
• Social media plays an important role in the Philippines -especially Facebook- it is a good place to market your business.
• Be wary of excessive fees for accountants, registrations, and other things. Consult others with experience when you are unsure about the appropriateness of fees.
• When starting up a business it is important to find out what bank is best for you. An international bank might be a good idea.
• If you need to import goods into the Philippines, check port and airport regulations. The regulations and fees for import in the Philippines differ from other countries.

What company types are most commonly used by foreign companies in the Philippines?

• Most foreigners have a single-proprietorship or corpated business where 60% of the company is owned by a Filipino passport holder.
• IT is a popular sector to invest or start up a company. Multinationals rely on the Philippines when it comes to outsourcing customer service. This sector is on the rise due to low wages and high proficiency in English.
• Retail and catering are also popular sectors in which foreigners are activily doing business in the Philippines.

How do you find reliable business partners in the Philippines?

• Research who you know in the specific sector you want to become active in.
• Using your network is another good way to meet people.
• There are several conferences on international business in the Philippines; here you can find business partners that are looking to cooperate with international businesses.

What compliances are needed in regards to accounting in the Philippines?

• Accounting requires is a lot of paper work so it is advised to hire an accountant and/or bookkeeper, especially for bigger companies.
• A local accountant can be a great help as they are aware of how things are done in the Philippines. Foreigners tend to have a harder time as compared to locals. A Filipino helping hand is a great addition to your company.
• If you decide to incorporate your company you will have to put at least 60% in the name of a Philippine citizen. Make sure that you either fully trust this person or make up a contract that states that they are not allowed to make any decisions in regards to the company. Make sure that you protect yourself from malice and miscommunication, a shareholder agreement can help with this.

How does the sales tax system work in the Philippines?

• Foreign corporations are only taxable on income derived from sources within the Philippines.
• Of course, if applicable: Check your individual agreements with e.g. Dutch tax law.
• A 12% value added tax (VAT) of the gross selling price is imposed to all importation, sale, barter, exchange or lease of goods or properties and sale of services.

What are important factors to consider in regards to the contract of employment in the Philippines?

As a business owner you have the option to offer people an agreement or a contract. An agreement is not an official work contract. This lets you pay the expenses of the person you made the agreement with for up to a certain amount of pesos per day. Common examples for this type of agreement are volunteers, interns or parttime helpers. You can pay a certain amount per day for their expenses (meals, transport, etc.), but you have to remember to keep the receipts as proof. 

When offering an official work contract you have to consider a lot more requirements.

• Your company/organisation has to register with the following institutions:
  • Social Security System (SSS)
    • SSS provides employees with social benefits. Financial contribution is required by the employer as well as the employee.
  • PhilHealth
    • Employers are required to register their staff for PhilHealth so they can provide their employees with Social Health Insurance.
  • Pag-IBIG
    • Employers are required to register their staff for Pag-IBIG so they can provide their employees with financial help for home ownership (mortgage).

General information in regards to employing people:

• The Philippines has a lot of official non-working holidays. Check your calendar regularly to be up-to-date with these holidays. Always make clear to the staff on what days they are required to work and what days they aren't.
• When the company has less than 20 employees extra pay for holidays and overtime is not required.
• Minimum wage is around 500 pesos per day in the North Capital Region (NCR). Other regions have their own rules in regards to minimum wage.
• When coming up with a contract or agreement you can find specific templates for the Philippines on the internet.
• General considerations of employment contracts apply to the Philippines as well.
• For international employees extra factors need to be considered:
  • Visa Arrangements.
  • Arrangement of accommodation.
  • If accommodation is provided what are regulations for spouses.
  • Escape clause in regards to leaving the country.

What are important factors to consider when taking over a company in the Philippines?

• See above, all requirements should be taken care of.
• Check outstanding issues or requirements that the company has not been able to follow, so there won't be any issues in the future.

Orientation regarding education in the Philippines

How does the education system work in the Philippines?

The Philippines is following a Kindergarten to Grade 12 program, which covers 13 years of basic education with the following key stages:

• Kindergarten to Grade 3.
• Grades 4 to 6.
• Grades 7 to 10 (Junior High School).
• Grades 11 and 12 (Senior High School).
• Tertiary education: after graduating from high school, students are encouraged to go to college or university as most entry level jobs require a college degree. The Philippines has over 1,000 universities and colleges.
• International schools: In the major cities you can find schools that identify themselves as 'International'. This means classes are taught in English, although primary and high schools are still required to follow the local curriculum. International colleges and universities offer diplomas and curricula from universities in the west (most common are UK and USA). These schools generally offer high quality education. The international schools are very expensive; tuition fees are equal to or sometimes higher than European and American fees.   
• Dutch, chinese, german or spanish lessons can be arranged with private tutors. 

What should you pay attention to when choosing a school in the Philippines?

• There is a large diversity of opportunities when arranging education in the Philippines, whether it be for your children or yourself.
• International schools can be found all over the Philippines, managed by different people with different backgrounds. Check certification and school evaluations as quality between schools can differ significantly.
• Private schools are available and vary in price; the most expensive schools can ask yearly tuition fees of over 300,000 php. Most colleges that are considered to be of good quality are in a price range of 80,000-200,000 php per year.
• When choosing a school or college it is very important to look at the school’s reputation. As there are over 1,000 colleges in the Philippines it is important to pick the right school for you. Applying for a job after graduating can be a taxing endeavor but with a degree from University of the Philippines, La Salle, Ateneo, or University of Santa Tomas the process will be much smoother. Some companies only hire student from the well-known schools.

The Philippines is made up of 7107 (!) islands of which only around 2000 are inhabited. In the Philippines you will find endless white, sandy beaches, great diving and snorkelling waters, stunning rice terraces and plenty great walking tracks and volcanoes to climb. The island nation has a rich cultural heritage, however, it suffers from great economic inequality which is something to be aware of as a visitor. If you plan to visit the Philippines, have a look at the tips and activities below.

Highlights in the Philippines

• Visit the Ifugao rice terraces (or Banaue Rice Terraces) in the north of the country. These terraces were hand cut in the hills and mountains by the Ifugao people and it's estimated that their origins trace back 2000 years ago.
• Check out the Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island. The approximately thousand, 50 metre high domes form a remarkable sight and are the source of many legends. One myth speaks of a fight between two giants who threw rocks and sand at each other, thus forming the spectacular hills.
• Go diving or snorkelling. Apart from exploring the many impressive bays and reefs, for example those in Mindoro Island, you can go snorkelling with whale sharks in south east Luzon or discover the Japanese shipwrecks sunk during World War II around Coron Island.
• Take a boat tour on the underground river at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on Palawan Island.
• Visit Pagsanjan, a little village in the province of Laguna known for its many waterfalls.
• Manilla, capital of the Philippines, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and seeped in history, culture and a lively party scene. Visit Chinatown in old Manila for some of the greatest Chinese food outside of China or go to the Greenbelt area in Makati's Central Business District for shopping.
• Borocay, a small tropical island an hours’ flight from Manilla with plenty of entertainment, from diving and snorkelling to dancing ‘till the early hours.
• Apo Island in Negros Oriental. This island is a protected marine reserve with beautiful coral reefs and marine fauna. Snorkelling and diving is allowed.
• As the Philippines are edged by the Pacific Ring of Fire, it has an impressive collection of volcanoes within its boundaries. They offer good walks for hikers of every level, with Mount Taal being known as one of the easiest and the persistently smoking Mount Mayon as one of the hardest to climb.

Public holidays, traditional celebrations & festivals in the Philippines

• Almost all Filipinos are religious. Most of the people are catholic with a strong Muslim population in the south.
• The Black Nazarene Procession is dedicated to the 16^th century ebony shrine depicting Jesus Christ and takes place three times a year: 9 January, Good Friday and 31 December with the procession in January being the largest. Barefoot followers try to touch the shrine for good fortune.
• Ati Atihan is a week-long Festival celebrating Santo Niño (baby Jesus) culminating on the third Sunday of January. It’s a festival with a long history and rooted in age old traditions. Celebrations include a parade, tribal dance, traditional music and indigenous costumes.
• Not for the faint-hearted, Good Friday is celebrated in San Fernando on Luzon with a procession of around twenty people carrying a cross on their back whilst being lashed with bamboo sticks. The bloody affair climaxes with a mass crucifixion. The twenty participant are hung on their cross for around ten minutes to test their faith.
• The Masskara Festival in the third weekend of October has its origins in 1980 during a time of economic hardship and after a large ship sank leading to many casualties. The festival was introduced as ‘the festival of smiles’ with participants wearing colourful masks adorned with smiles to pull the people out of the doom and gloom of the crisis.

Activities in the Philippines

• As it’s an island nations, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a lot of the most popular activities in the Philippines are water based. Scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking and deep-sea fishing are just some of the many nautical pastimes.
• There are also plenty of great mountain biking tracks, challenging mountains to climb and interesting volcanoes to explore.
• Poverty and slum life are unfortunately a large part of the ‘real’ Manila. You can visit the slums to take in ‘the other side’ of the bustling party capital. Discover the old parts of town and take a moment to take in the reality of the slums, for example the 25000 people living and working on Smokey Mountain, the city’s largest dump where its inhabitants pick up garbage for a living.
• Learn Filipino, the national language of the Philippines. Courses often include Filipino culture and history

The places and activities mentioned above are just a glimpse of what the Philippines has to offer. Have you been there, or do you have other tips? Feel free to reply in a comment!

What are important factors regarding medical emergencies?

Check updates regularly in regards to important phone numbers. Is a number stated here not relevant anymore? Please let us know!

• Central Emergency Hotline: 911.
• Public Complaint Hotline: 8888.
• Inform your insurance company before going to the hospital, if possible.
• Make sure you are aware of the location of good hospitals in your living area.
• Make sure you are aware of the regulations of your health insurance.

What are important factors to consider in regards to theft?

• Criminal activity is in decline in the Philippines but it is always good to be careful.
• Especially in the big cities foreigners tend to attract pickpockets.
• If you do get robbed make sure you file a police report with your name on it, at the police office that covers the area in which the robbery happened.
• Make sure you are aware of the regulations of your insurance in regards to theft.

What are important factors to consider in regards to natural disasters?

• Check the official website of the Philippine government with reliable information in regards to natural disasters.

Typhoons

• Typhoons are common in the Philippines.
• The highest activity of typhoons is seen from July through September, with August being the most active month.
• Schools are regularly cancelled during these months when the storm signal increases.
• Most common areas impacted are Northern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.
• During typhoons big cities tend to flood, sometimes making it impossible to travel to work.

Best things to do: preparation and/or in case of a typhoon

BEFORE

• Inspect your house for possible repairs (esp. roof).
• Clean drainage to avoid clogging.
• Store supplies; food, water, flashlight, batteries, and medical supplies. Canned goods are ideal for food.
• When living in a hazard prone or risk area, you should evacuate as early as possible.
• Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/tv/internet).
• When living in a flood prone area, move electric appliances to safe, high-up areas.

DURING

• Stay inside and stay calm. Avoid travel.
• Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/TV/internet).
• Don't operate electric appliances during flood.
• Avoid wading through flooded areas to avoid water-transmitted diseases.
• Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
• Avoid the way leading to or along the river.

AFTER

• Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/tv/internet).
• If your house was damaged, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.
• Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water.
• Boil water before drinking it to avoid diseases.
• Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding that can cause dengue.

Earthquakes

• For the past years, earthquakes with magnitudes as high as 8 have brought destruction to different areas in the Philippines.
• The country is located along the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire – a 40,000 kilometer circle of interconnected fault lines around the Pacific Ocean, where seismic activities such as earthquakes occur on a daily basis.
• Nearly all the islands are prone to and have been visited by earthquakes.
• To educate the public and to prepare for the “Big One,” the government authorities regularly organize metro-wide earthquake drills

Best things to do: preparation and/or in case of an earthquake

BEFORE:

• Know the earthquake hazards in the area.
• Be conscious of the structural integrity of the house.
• Set up furniture and appliances in a way that they will not topple when there is a strong ground shaking.
• Prepare emergency bag/kit for each member of the family.
• Participate in earthquake drills.

DURING:

• Stay calm, do not panic.
• Stay indoors if you are already within a structurally sound building or home.
  • if possible, quickly open a door for exit.
  • duck under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it, or protect your head with your arms.
  • stay away from glass windows, shelves, cabinets, and other heavy objects.
  • beware of falling objects. Be alert and keep your eyes open.
• If you are outside, move to an open area.
  • stay away from trees, power lines, posts, and concrete structures.
  • move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides.
  • if near the shore and feeling an earthquake, especially a strong one, quickly move to higher grounds in anticipation of possible tsunamis.
• If you are in a moving vehicle: stop and get out: do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses and flyovers which may have been damaged.

AFTER

• After the earthquake: take the fastest and safest way out of the building; one should not use elevators, enter damaged buildings, or use telephones unless necessary.

What are important safety tips to consider when living and traveling in the Philippines?

• Don't walk around flashing expensive gadgets and jewellery as it might attract unwanted attention.
• Try to avoid using gadgets when commuting.
• Bring a simple ID-Card for identification purposes, that way you can avoid travelling around with important official documents like a passport.
• If possible try to separate several payment methods (different ATM-cards, credit cards) so that when something happens you don't lose all your ways of payment at once.

GETTING THINGS DONE

How do you get things done in the Philippines?

• Getting things done in the Philippines usually means using your network and personal contacts: things that seem impossible for one person turn out to be relatively easy for the other. And something that seems impossible on paper is usually possible in some other way. Most of the rules are interpreted as a suggestion, which you can follow or not.
• For most things it is advisable to use a local Filipino friend or acquaintance that you trust.
• Whatever you need to arrange: always pay the utmost respect to the person that you need help from and try to avoid causing the other to loose 'face'.
• When a difference in opinion arises, try to let go of your own principles; find a way that saves people from losing face and is acceptable for everyone: that way their official strict way of doing business can change into a more flexible attitude.

How do you get business things done in the Philippines?

• Tips mentioned above also apply when you are taking care of your business.
• Relationships grow over time, patience is very important.

HEALTH & MEDICAL SYSTEM

How does the medical system work in the Philippines?

• General:
  • In 2013 the Philippines passed the Universal Healthcare Bill, which promises health insurance for all Philippine nationals, especially the poor.
  • Philhealth is a health insurance coverage system that is part of the Department of Health. Their goal is to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available and accessible healthcare services for all citizens of the Philippines.
  • In some circumstances expats can avail of the Philhealth. However, in most cases expats are required to purchase private health insurance.
  • The quality of institutions can differ significantly and it is therefore advised to check which institutions are known for having high quality services.
• General practitioners:
  • Quality of care is best in Manila.
  • Most medical practitioners in the Philippines come from respectable Universities in the Philippines and studied in U.S. medical schools.
• Dentists:
  • In the Philippines you can find good quality dentists for a cheap price. Make sure to check online which dental practices are known for their quality.
  • Quality dentists can be easily found in Manila, and equipment and techniques are up to par with international standards.
• Hospital or clinic:
  • When looking for a hospital and clinic try to find one that is JCI-accredited. This is an international accreditation that guarantees quality on an international level.
  • In the recent years there has been an increase in demand for health care and hospitals are having a hard time to keep up, leading to understaffed hospitals in some cases.
• Midwifery & maternity care:
  • In line with previous statements you should always check online to ascertain where to find the reputable clinics and specialists.
• Consultation agencies
  • Due to the variety of healthcare providers there are several consultation agencies that can provide you with more specific advice, you can easily find these online

Orient yourself before your departure

• It is expedient, when going abroad to the Philippines for a longer time, to orient yourself before you leave to the available hospitals in your living area.
• Which hospitals can be found nearby? What kind of experiences do other foreigners have with these hospitals?
• Which hospital or specialist do I trust?
• Which (international) standards are being practised? What is the level of English? Does the clinic have a special expat section?
• How big are the rooms? Do I have to share a room?
• Is treatment in your preferred hospital covered by your (international) health insurance? What are the restrictions?

Emergencies

• When an emergency occurs you ask -if possible- the alarm centre of your health insurance to which clinic or hospital you should go for further treatment.

What is the process for visiting a family doctor or specialist in the Philippines?

• In most cases when people are ill they visit the hospital, where a doctor on call can give you advice which is similar to when you visit a family doctor.
• If a specialist is needed inform yourself beforehand what hospitals are reliable and offer good quality in regards to the specialist you are looking for.

Are pharmaceuticals easily available in the Philippines?

• Pharmaceuticals are popular in the Philippines and it is a big business.
• On most corners you can find pharmacies that sell standard over the counter drugs.
• In most pharmacies you can find prescription drugs; usually a prescription from a local doctor is required.

What are important things to consider in regards to safety when visiting in the Philippines?

• Be wary of pickpockets. When carry a back bag place it in front of you when in crowded areas.
• Try to travel in groups during night time.
• When taking public taxis make sure you write down the license plate in case something happens.

How do you declare stolen goods in the Philippines?

• When goods are stolen you should file a police report at the police station that covers the area where the theft happened.
• The official police report is one of the requirements you have to provide to your insurance company when making a claim of stolen goods.

How does the Philippine Healthcare System operate? 

• General:
  • In 2013 the Philippines passed the Universal Healthcare Bill, which promises health insurance for all Philippine nationals, especially the poor.
  • Phil Health is a Health Insurance coverage system that is part of the Department of Health. Their goal is to provide Health Insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available and accessible healthcare services for all citizens of the Philippines.
  • In some circumstances expats can avail of the Philhealth. However, in most cases expats are required to purchase private Health Insurance.
  • The quality of institutions can differ significantly and it is therefore advised to check which institutions are known for having high quality services.
• General practitioners:
  • Quality of care is best in Manila.
  • Most medical practitioners in the Philippines come from respectable Universities in the Philippines and studied in U.S. medical schools.
• Dentists:
  • In the Philippines you can find good quality dentists for a reasonable price. Make sure to check online which dental practices are known for their quality.
  • Quality dentists can be easily found in Manila, and equipment and techniques are up to par with international standards.
• Hospital or clinic:
  • When looking for a hospital and clinic try to find one that is JCI-accredited. This is an international accreditation that guarantees quality on an international level.
  • JCI accredited hospitals in Manila are: The Medical City (in Pasig), St. Luke's (in Quezon City & Taguig), Makati Medical Center (in Makati), Asian Hospital and Medical Center (in Muntinlupa) .
  • In the recent years there has been an increase in demand for health care and hospitals are having a hard time to keep up, leading to understaffed hospitals in some cases.
• Midwifery & Maternity care:
  • Best healthcare is found in the JCI accredited hospitals. It is advices to seek counsel there in regards to midwifery and maternity care.
• Consultation agencies.
  • Due to the variety of healthcare providers there are several consultation agencies that can provide you with more specific advice, you can easily find these online.

Does the Philippines set requirements to your (international) healthcare insurance in order to settle there?

• It is not required (yet) by law to have health insurance as an expat.
• In some circumstances expats can apply for Philhealth, the local health care system. However, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance with broader coverage.

Under what regional cover do the Philippines fall and are there other extra important points to consider when living and working?

• Type of coverage within the Philippines depends on the Insurance Company you are availing your health insurance from.
• Some areas that are considered dangerous, depending on current events at the time, might be excluded from coverage by your insurance company. Always make sure you are up-to-date with the coverage areas of your specific health insurance.

What should you pay attention to in regards to Health Insurance for a long stay in the Philippines?

• Check the Insurance pointers for long stay abroad and emigration to see:
  • Why specifically take out insurance when emigrating?
  • Is it smart to take out health insurance locally?
  • The Dutch Health Insurance expires.
  • Becoming unfit for work and insurances for surviving relatives.
  • Country of destination and goal of emigration country.
  • Desired (extra) coverage.
  • What insurance is suitable when you are going to emigrate?
  • What differences exist between the different insurances in regards to content?
  • How do you use the Emigration service?
  • Which Dutch and international emigration,- expat and health insurances are there?

What can you do to prepare? This is what I did

•  Visit Expat Insurances for more information, points of interest & explanations.
• Free advice about international health costs for you and family members by JoHo Insurances.

What should you pay attention to when taking out a home/household insurance in the Philippines

• Depending on where you live and what kind of home you have, you should consider finding an insurance that fits with your personal needs.
• Some housing arrangements include security measurements, like guards and gates. When these extra safety measurements are not available, the household insurance becomes more of a priority.
• The Philippines has local insurance companies that provide home insurances.
• Special expat/international insurance companies exist that offer home insurances for people living abroad.

What are the rules about personal liability within the Philippines?

• Purchasing a personal liability insurance is always a good idea and in some circumstances a necessity (for example, when buying a car).
• The Philippines has local insurance companies that provide personal liability insurance. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) offers this kind of insurance.
• Special expat/international insurance companies exist that offer personal liability insurances for people living abroad.

Is there a Social Security System in the Philippines and is it applicable to foreigners?

The Philippines has a Social Security System with several different types of social benefit programs. People pay a monthly fee for the Social Security System (SSS) and foreigners that are permanent residents can apply. 

The government of the Philippines provides the following benefit programs:

• Sickness benefit
  • The sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury.
• Maternity benefit
  • The maternity benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who was unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage.
• Funeral benefit
  • It is a cash benefit given to whoever pays the burial expenses of the deceased member or pension.
• Disability benefit
  • The redesigned SSS Disability Benefit program adopts the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes and takes into account the medical management of illnesses and injuries and their corresponding impairment ratings.
• Retirement benefit
  • The retirement benefit is a cash benefit either in monthly pension or lump sum paid to a member who can no longer work due to old age.
• Death benefit
  • It is a cash benefit either in monthly pension or lump sum paid to the beneficiaries of a deceased member. The primary beneficiaries are the legitimate dependent spouse until the person remarries, and the member's dependent legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted, and illegitimate children who are not yet 21 years old. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the dependent parents shall be the secondary beneficiaries. In their absence, any other person designated by the member as beneficiary in the member's record.

How do you get Insurance for a rented or bought car in the Philippines?

• Compulsory third party liability (CTPL) insurance is mandatory for every car owner (not when hiring a car). This can be easily purchased at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
• CTPL costs a minimum of 560PHP annually and can cover up to PHP 100,000.
• Next to the CTPL insurance you might opt for extra insurance that covers theft or natural calamities. Extra insurance coverage costs around  PHP 12,000 to PHP 20,000 per year, depending on your car's type and value.
• Renting a car might prove to be difficult as most rental companies have set up a long list of regulations and requirements.

What should you pay attention to when driving around with a (rented) scooter or motorcycle in the Philippines?

• Renting a motor/scooter might prove to be difficult as most rental companies have set up a long list of regulations and requirements.
• Although popular in most South-East Asian countries, renting a scooter or motor is less popular in the Philippines and locating good rental companies can be difficult.
• Most insurance do not have coverage for personal liability in regards to vehicles and these have to be purchased separately. Make sure to verify this with your insurance company.
• Foreigners can drive in the Philippines for up to 90 days after their arrival provided that their license is in English.

How does Insurance for your (temporary) living space work in the Philippines?

• Depending on where you live and what kind of home you have, you should consider finding an Insurance that fits with your personal needs.
• Some housing arrangements include security measurements, like guards and gates. When these extra safety measurements are not in place, the household insurance becomes more of a priority.
• The Philippines has local insurance companies that provide household insurances.
• Special expat/international insurance companies exist that offer household insurances for people living abroad.

What are the first things you need to take care of after arriving in the Philippines?

• Yellow taxis are special airport taxis and have a higher rate. Insist on using the meter. From the Airport to any hotel in Makati should not cost more than 200 PHP.
• Make sure you have a place to stay the first few nights.
• Using Uber or GrabTaxi can prevent unnecessary hassle. GrabTaxi has a stand at the airport terminal to provide assistance.
• Take a taxi at the Departure area, instead of the Arrival area, there is a better chance you can find a taxi that uses proper rates. Especially during peak hours and when it is rainy it can be very busy.
• If you arrive during peak hours (4PM – 9PM) we recommend you to stay in Makati, check for example The Clipper House. In Metro Manila we measure by traffic and not by kilometres.

How do you arrange a local phone number, internet, and other basics in the Philippines?

• When arriving at the airport you can find several phone companies (Globe, Smart, Sun) that offer pre-paid simcards. A good way to start setting up your local phonenumber when you have just arrived. The rules to apply get stricter and stricter, take some time to arrange it.
• It is very easy to get load for your phone, either in stalls, autoload which varies from 20 PHP - 500 PHP which the load is most of the time only valid for one month. You can also buy prepaid load in 7- Eleven, Ministop and SM Department stores.
• You can use promo's on your prepaid simcard to acquire internet on your phone. The internet is usually very slow but can be a big help when you get lost or need to contact a friend online.
• For your house/apartment you can acquire a phone landline, internet, and television. Processes differ greatly depending on your housing situation.

'Family' doctor, dentist, pharmacy

• The practice in the Philippines is that people go to the hospital when sick, rather than visiting a family doctor.
• It is therefore important to identify what hospitals can be found in your area, try to look for a JCI accredited hospital.
• Pharmacies can be found in most malls and are general available on most street corners. Mercury and Watsons are standard pharmacies.

Establishing contact and maintaining a network 

• Due to the hospitable nature of Filipino's it is generally very easy to make local friends.
• If you are interested in the expat community you can find several facebook groups dedicated to bringing expats together. For women there are the Ma'am Manila networks on facebook. Or visit one of the Manila Womens Forum (MWF) gatherings.

What are important organisations/institutions for people staying in the Philippines for a longer period?

• The Bureau of Immigration has several offices all over the country, and they can help you with any questions in regards to your visa. There are several locations where you can go if you need to extend your visa. 
• There are also Business Counsels for people who like to do business in the Philippines.

What are common pitfalls in (daily) life while in the Philippines?

• People tend to want to do things their way as they believe it to be more effective, less time consuming, or more productive. Being flexible and adapting to the pace and way of doing things in the Philippines is important for a smooth transition.
• The time you have to spend traveling/commuting is difficult to calculate as it depends on traffic. It is common for people to be late. Being late is culturally acceptable in most circumstances in the Philippines, it's called Filipino time.
• Giving feedback has to be done in a way that avoids losing face. In most western countries people can deal with negative remarks and use it to get better. In the Philippines a more subtle and amical approach should be used.

How can you learn the local language and increase your knowledge?

English is one of the official languages in the Philippines. In many regions in the Philippines you can get around with English, having a simple conversation will not be a problem. However; when you learn a little bit of the local language (Tagalog) a lot of extra doors will open. Next to the main local language of Tagalog there are many regional dialects.

Tagalog & different versions

• Tagalog is one of the official languages in the Philippines, more than 20 million people are able to speak it (it is estimated that over 50 million people speak it as a second language).
• When you come across local communities knowing basic Tagalog can really help in your communication.

Learning Tagalog

• Although big individual differences exist when it comes to learning a language, most expats experience learning Tagalog as relatively difficult.
• Following a starters course in Tagalog can help increase knowledge structurally and help to increase confidence in speaking the language.

Important do's and don'ts and other areas of concern:

• Most Filipino's are very expressive when talking; following their expression can help with understanding the message they are trying to convey.
• Filipino's are also hygienic and hygiene is important: washing your hands before eating, wearing clean clothes every day, using server spoons when you serve food. 

Language & Work

• Filipino's smile, even though they might not like a certain situation. Best to smile as well.

How do you acquaint yourself with the Filipino culture, habits, traditions, and other social norms?

• One important social value is Hiya. Hiya is a controlling element in society. Hiya means shame and it creates a deep emotional realisatinn of having failed to live up to the standards of society. Hosts may spend more than they can afford on a party because of Hiya. Filipino employees might be afraid to ask questions to a supervisor, because of Hiya. 
• Indirectness is common. Filipinos will not directly tell you what they want. To get along, togetherness and being friends is a very important skill. To sacrifice individual welfare for the general welfare is pretty common. 
• Family is very important, families will participate in a filipino marriage. The family often tries to have a say. 
• The following ethnic groups exist in the Philippines: Christian Malay (91.5 %), Muslim Malay (4 %), Chinese (1.5 %), Other (3 %), Source Culture Shock!
• The following religions also exist: Roman Catholic (83 %), Protestant (9 %), Muslim (5 %), Buddhist and Other (3 %), Source Culture Shock!

What are important factors concerning the food culture in the Philippines?

• Filipino's love food, they have breakfast, merienda (a snack), lunch, merienda (a snack), dinner and pulutan (a snack while drinking).
• Filipino's are meat lovers. Vegetarian food is not common, on the menu, when vegetables are mentioned, check if they have added meat. 

What are important factors concerning business culture in the Philippines?

• Doing business in the Philippines and the related interpersonal communication can be very different from what you are used to back home.

How do you keep up to date with current affairs, what are the most important (international) media?

• Online: Rappler, Inquirer, Philstar, CNN Philippines.
• Print: BusinessMirror, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Official Gazette.

What are the average living costs

• The cost of living in the Philippines depends on the place where you live. The provincial areas are the places where the cost of living is cheaper than major cities like Metro Manila or Cebu.
• The rental rates may vary, depending on the location, size, whether it is semi-furnished, fully-furnished or not at all furnished. Water and electricity are usually not included in the rental price, and electricity is expensive. As an expatriate, you need to take into account other costs, like: Internet, telephone line, cable television and perhaps air conditioning too. You might also need to take into consideration the costs when owning a car.
• The cost of food is variable. Local products can be extremely cheap. Imported food however, is very expensive. Restaurants are also affordable, depending on the area.

What are important factors to consider in regards to (domestic) help, child care, staff etc.?

• In the many social media groups that focus on expats in the Philippines you can find practical tips from other expats that have experience with hiring help, child care, and staff.

Maids or helpers

• In the Philippines it is very common for high income households to have a maid that help out around the house.
• There are laws in place to help protect the rights of maids. For more information you can check the Kasam Bahay Law.
• There are a range of seminars on managing household staff. 

What are the opportunities for the 'partner of' (a working expat, emigrant)?

• When partners of expats aren't officially allowed to get paid for work, they tend to choose for volunteer work or charity activities.
• The Philippines provides ample possibilities for people to spend time on their hobbies. Especially when living in one of the big cities in the Philippines there is enough to do

Sport

• The most popular sport in the Philippines is basketball.
• Diving is popular in the Philippines as it has a beautiful marine live.
• In the well-developed area you can also find more western style activities like football and golf.

Film

• Cinemas are very popular in the Philippines and can be found in most malls.
• Due to popular demand move ticket prices are low, ranging from 150-250 php per ticket.

Karaoke

• A popular past time for families and friends is Karaoke, which can be found in most cities.
• Some local Filipino's might invite you in their home's to sing Karaoke, as it is also popular to rent a Karaoke machine for use at home.

Other popular activities in the Philippines

• Other activities such as laser tag, karting, horse riding, and bowling are available in most cities.

Musea

• In the Philippines you can find a scala of different musea to check out, depending on your personal taste.
• Before visiting a museum always check online for the correct location and opening times.

What are the general etiquettes/manners in the Philippines?

• Filipino's can be very straight forward when it comes to appearance: it is normal to comment on peculiar features of people standing in front of you: you are so tall, fat, have big feet, etc. This is usually just an observation not a value judgement.
• For (especially female) Filipino's it is very common to touch your children, even if they are not familiar with you; something that is not always appreciated in the west.

My kids are used to it now, but I still have to control the urge to tell these women to step back and keep their hands to themselves. It's actually a compliment; I just bite my tongue and move us along as soon as we can.

Philippine expat

How do you network in the Philippines?

• In general Filipino people are very open and friendly. This really helps when you are networking.
• Have a network that extends into the expat community as well as to the local community. Both groups have their own way of positively contributing to your network.
• Humble foreigners are loved by the Filipino people.
• Attend network events. The expat community regularly arranges events for the sole purpose of networking.
• People have the tendency to agree with any arrangements but they might not actually intend to fullfil the commitment. Keep in mind that it is considered rude to say no, even if they have no intention to follow up.

What are important factors to consider in regards to keeping in contact with your home country?

• The time difference between countries is very important to take note of.
• Even though there is wifi and internet access available, that doesnt mean that the internet is fast and thus the connection with skype, facebook call, whatsapp call fast.

What are important factors to consider in regards to your daily commute?

• Jeepneys
  • Jeepneys are the most popular mean of transportation in the Philippines. When getting off a particular location, just tap your pesos coins on the roof. The driver will eventually stop and when you get out and new passengers get in, the word “sigi” or go is a sign for the driver to move on. There are several helpful words that would make your jeepney ride easier –“Bayad Po” (Bayad means fee or payment), this is what you will say when you pay. “Para Po” (Para means to the side, this is what you will say to the driver if you want the jeep to stop.
• Bus
  • Buses are used for long distance travel in the Philippines. There are regular and air-conditioned buses that operate city-wide in Metro Manila. Ordinary bus fare (no air-con) is cheaper. You only pay to the driver (or the one who holds the tickets). Tell him or her where you are going and he/she will tell you how much you have to pay
• Tricycles
  • Tricycles are like the rickshaws of India and the tuk-tuks of Thailand except that the cab is attached to the right side of the motorcycle instead of being in front or at the back. Tricycles can be seen in side streets or subdivisions and is often used for short-distance travel. When riding the tricycle, you can ride with other passengers or you can ride it privately. When you want to go to a certain place, just tell the driver and he will take you there.
• Pedicab
  • Pedicab is a three wheeled bicycle with a covered rear seat. This is an environmental friendly type of transportation as it is powered by human pedals. Some call pedicabs as “padyak’, others call it “trikad” while in some areas in the country, they are called “tricycle”, or “pot-pot”. This mode of transportation can carry one or three passengers at a time.
• MRT/LRT

  • These are trains that take passengers from one location to another. They are quick and inexpensive, with fares ranging from 15 to 25 PHP, depending on where you are going. Card/tickets can be purchased at ticket booths in all stations and if you prefer, you can also buy the “Beep card” which costs 100 PHP and you can use this until the total amount is consumed and top it up again.

• Taxi's

  • Metered taxicabs can take a passenger anywhere in the city, but will charge a different rate when you have to go beyond the city limits. There are also airport taxis that only serve passengers to and from the airport. FX taxis are usually found waiting for passengers in designated terminals to wait for passengers to specific destinations. Fares would depend on the taximeter device that calculates the distance travelled; flag down rate is 40 PHP and the meter increases by 2.50 PHP. One thing that you should always remember is to always lock the doors when inside the taxi, sometimes, snatchers open taxi doors and take whatever they can get from the passenger.

• Uber/Grab

  • Currently on the rise are the mobile apps Uber and Grab. They have become popular because of their safety and are easy-to-use. UberX is usually cheaper than a taxi and when it comes to paying there is never any hasste because the fares are determined beforehand. Grab has regular promotions where you can get high discounts. These modes are a bit more expensive than most public transport methods but have much to offer in terms of comfort and safety. You have the choice of a car or a motorcycle.

What are important factors to consider in regards to birthdays and other (individual) holidays in the Philippines?

• There is no gathering of Filipinos without food. 
• Birthdays are seldom sitting down, people mix freely.
• Presents are not opened in front of guests, that is considered bad luck.
• The drivers are fed by the host, let the organiser of the party know that you brought your driver.
• The dress is party attire.

What paperwork is needed when you wish to leave the Philippines?

• If you plan on leaving the Philippines there are a view important factors that you need to consider.
• Take your time to really plan and arrange ahead, so when you are confronted with the fact that things have changed, you are not in a rush.
• People that stayed in the Philippines for over 6 months have to acquire an Exit Clearance Certificate (ECC). 
• When you have a Work-Visa you can leave the Philippines whenever you want, as long as you acquire the ECC. The ECC can be attained at the airport, but only if you have proof the you will return (e.g. a return ticket). Make sure to bring enough cash, the ECC costs more than 1.200 pesos. If you do not plan to return to the Philippines you are required to get your ECC at the Bureau of Immigration.
• SRRV visa holders are not required to attain an ECC.
• If you have an SRRV and decide to leave the Philippines you can choose to downgrade your SRRV. As this is a complex process with multiple organisations involved. 

What are important factors to consider when leaving the Philippines?

• When you decide to leave the Philippines for good, make sure that you have taken care of all the paperwork in regards to your former housing arrangements.

• Check your insurances and make sure that you are covered in regards to your new destination.

• Procure your Exit Clearance Certificate (ECC).
  • People with the following visa types need to acquire an ECC before leaving the Philippines; Temporary Visitor (stay is over 6 months), Expired or downgraded Immigrant/Non-Immigrant Visa, Valid Immigrant/Non-immigrant Visa and is leaving for good.
  • Submit your ECC request at least three days before leaving, you can submit your documents at any Bureau of Immigration office. The ECC is valid for 1 month and can be used only once.
  • Work Visa holders can apply for their ECC at the airport, if they have proof of return (e.g. return ticket).
  • The following things are required when submitting your request for an ECC;
    • Application form;
    • Photocopy of passport (bio page, visa pages, latest arrival);
    • Original and photocopy of ACR I-Card;
    • Photocopy of receipt of latest visa extension;
    • Photocopy of order of downgrading (if applicable);
    • Five pieces 2x2 photo.