6 Common Reasons Why Foreigners or Expats Love to Stay in the Philippines?
Last Updated on June 2, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo
Here, I am writing about why foreigners love to stay in the Philippines. As a traveler in some provinces here in the Philippines, I’ve met foreigners or expats who have been staying more than two years in this country. They are different ages: from their early 20s to their 60s. While most Filipinos want to stay in their country.
Most of the foreigners or expats I met found jobs in the Philippines. Some just quit their jobs and started businesses here. The others are enjoying their retirement in this country.
6 Common Reasons Why Foreigners Love to Stay in the Philippines?
The Warm and Sunny Weather
I always hear this from foreigners who love to escape the cold weather (autumn, winter, and spring) from their countries. Most of the time they stay in the Philippines for several months and go back to their countries when it’s summer there just to visit their families.
Amazing Island Destinations
With the warm and sunny weather here in the Philippines, this country is proud of its beautiful island destinations. Met a lot of foreigners who are scuba dive instructors on Malapascua Island, Boracay, Dumaguete, Cebu, and Palawan and just enjoy the underwater. How I wish I can also visit other dive sites here in the Philippines.
Some Islands You Can Visit:
The Laid Back Lifestyle
Foreigners or expats love the laid-back lifestyle in the Philippines, especially in the provinces outside of Manila. If you want the party scene near the beach, go to Boracay. If you want to live where typhoons and earthquakes seldom hit, live in Palawan. Cebu is a good choice if you want a well-developed city like Manila but easy access to the beaches.
Low Cost of Living
You can live on USD$1000 if you live simply. A monthly rental for a small apartment will cost USD$100. A local market for food will save you a lot of money instead of buying at grocery stores or eat out. A bottle of beer and a pack of cigarette are not expensive. But if you plan to stay healthy, avoid beer and cigarettes and it will save you more. Buying insurance is also cheaper than buying insurance in other countries in Asia.
The easiest mode of transportation for expats living in the Philippines is to buy a motorcycle, either brand new or secondhand. Expats can also invest in condominiums but cannot own land in the Philippines.
Good Business and Investment Potential
Others have also set up shops and businesses in the Philippines. Many BPO and Start-Up companies are now in Manila and Cebu because Filipinos are good English speakers. Filipinos offer a wide variety of skills, and foreign businessmen can afford the cost of labor. The Philippines has become an attractive location to live for expats.
The People and Culture
Filipinos can speak English well, so communicating with them is not a problem. The Philippines has a colorful culture, from different festivities in different provinces to the people’s hospitality and simplicity to how people face difficulties and challenges in life. The Filipinos love to smile, laugh, and know how to have fun. They have their customs, traditions, and beliefs, but you’ll be amused how Filipinos are fond of Western culture.
Conclusions Why Foreigners Love to Stay in the Philippines?
These are some of the positive feedback I’ve heard from expats I’ve met, and these are just the common reasons why foreigners love to stay in the Philippines. I will remain out of politics with this post, as everyone has their own opinion of what is going on in the political scene. But if you’re a foreigner with good intentions of living in the Philippines, you are safe.
