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.
• 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.