Expats Forum

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👋 **Welcome to Life in the Philippines Discussion Board!**

We’re so glad you’ve joined our growing community of expats, travelers, and locals who share one thing in common — a love for life in the Philippines.  

This forum was created to help people **connect, share experiences, and learn** from each other about everything from visas and housing to culture, business, and everyday living.

Here’s how to make the most of your time here:

- **Introduce yourself below!** Tell us where you’re from, where you live now (or plan to move), and what brought you to the Philippines.

- **Explore the categories.** We’ve organized topics like visas, daily life, and city hubs so you can find what matters most to you.

- **Ask questions freely.** No question is too small — chances are someone here has already gone through it.

- **Be kind and respectful.** This is a positive, friendly space for all members, foreign and Filipino alike.

We’re here to **build community**, not debate politics or negativity.  

Let’s help each other enjoy life in the islands

Share photos, stories, and recommendations from your favorite spots across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Whether it’s a weekend resort, a mountain trail, or a street food stall — show us where you’ve been and what made it special.
Pictures and videos welcome! 

Share your favorite videos about the Philippines, Southeast Asia, travel, culture, or daily life. Whether it’s helpful, funny, or just interesting, post the link and tell us why you liked it. YouTube links will auto-embed so everyone can watch and discuss together.

Share your experiences and observations about everyday life in the Philippines. Talk about culture, customs, food, traditions, and what makes living here unique. Whether you’re adjusting to local life or have stories to tell, this is where we connect over the real day-to-day side of being an expat in the Philippines.

A space for expat and travel vloggers to share their channels, post new videos, and connect with viewers. Discover real experiences of life in the Philippines through the eyes of creators — from city life to island adventures.

Talk about working, freelancing, or running a business in the Philippines. Share your experiences with local employment, online jobs, business registration, taxes, and permits. Whether you’re starting something new or just exploring opportunities, this is where expats and locals trade advice about earning a living in the Philippines.

Get real, first-hand advice about visas, extensions, and immigration in the Philippines. Discuss 13A spousal visas, SRRV retirement visas, tourist extensions, exit requirements, and ACR cards. Share your experiences with Bureau of Immigration offices, fees, and renewal tips so others can learn what really works.

Share your experiences finding housing in the Philippines — from short-term rentals to long-term leases. Discuss prices, landlords, deposits, utilities, and what to expect when renting or buying. Whether you’re in the city or the provinces, this is the place to talk about homes, condos, and expat living spaces.

Discuss everything related to money and banking in the Philippines. Learn about opening local bank accounts, using GCash and PayMaya, sending or receiving international transfers, paying bills, and managing currency exchange. Share your experiences and tips for keeping your finances running smoothly while living abroad.

Connect with other expats and locals in your area. Each city hub is a place to share news, ask questions, and post local updates about life, housing, events, and meetups. Whether you’re in Manila, Cebu, Davao, or Dipolog — find your city and join the conversation.

Planning your move to the Philippines? Start here! Share and read real experiences about what to pack, what to leave behind, and what to expect when you arrive. From visa documents and shipping advice to first-week essentials, this forum helps you prepare for a smooth transition to your new life abroad.

Discuss everything related to health care, insurance, and medical access in the Philippines. Whether you’re a local resident, expat, or retiree, this is the place to share real experiences with hospitals, clinics, doctors, and health insurance options. Learn how to apply for PhilHealth, compare private insurance plans, or find the best medical coverage for foreigners living in the Philippines.