Reasons British Expats Love the Philippines
If you’re a British citizen about to move to the Philippines for work, you’re in for a treat. A couple of years ago, the Philippines got into a list of the top 8 countries British expats should think of living in. So as a British expat, what are some reasons you ought to consider the Philippines?
We list a few good ones in this article.
Low Cost of Living
One of the first and biggest benefits expats will point out about the Philippines is its low cost of living. On average, the monthly cost of living in this country can be as low as £630 a month. A pint (500ml) of beer at a neighborhood pub costs around PHP74 or £1.16, and a pack of cigarettes is only slightly higher at P92 or £1.44, so you’d best have the willpower to curb your vices.
Depending on your location and needs, renting an apartment or condominium unit can start as low as £235 a month, including monthly dues. Some expats used to complain that electricity bills can be high but that seems to be changing. Most other basic commodities are still on the cheap. If you want a better idea of what the cost of living is like in the Philippines, check out this list.
Dizzying Number of Beaches
One big draw of the Philippines is its beaches. If your company or business is set up in the big cities like Manila or Cebu, you’ll be a short drive (usually two hours) or a ferry ride from a number of beaches. The closest beaches to you if you live in the city aren’t half bad, but they aren’t the best.
Some of the best beaches are in the Philippines, and they’re accessible via a short plane ride. These beaches include the world-famous Boracay island, El Nido and Coron islands.
Friendly People
The people of the Philippines, known as Filipinos, are some of the most friendly, happy, and hospitable people in the world. It’ll take a long time to go down a laundry list of positive traits about Filipinos, but in a nutshell, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more carefree, optimistic, fun-loving and humorous bunch. It’s not surprising that some Brits have made friends for life in the Philippines, and some have found their lifelong partners.
International Schools
Should you be going to your expat job in the Philippines with your kids in tow, one of your worries will be how to continue their education. While there are a number of international schools in the Philippines, you won’t be able to enroll them in just any of the international schools, especially if you want your kids’ education to follow the International Baccalaureate system. Fortunately, there are schools in Manila that offer the system.
Final notes
There are many good reasons to pursue an expat position in the Philippines, regardless of your nationality. The Philippines can be just like any other foreign land. Don’t doubt that it has its share of downsides—it’s really a matter of what you can handle and are willing to compromise.
Remember that despite some of the downsides of living and working in the Philippines, many Britons and other expats will tell you that it’s possible to find success and happiness while living in the country.