Expat life in the Philippines a double-edged sword, says survey
The Philippines is more popular for expats within Southeast Asia for those seeking a partner and finding a place to raise their children, but it is not seen as the best country to live and work in, and the best-paid workers are found elsewhere.
Based on results of HSBC’s 2018 Expat Explorer Survey, the Philippines was among the countries ranked at the “bottom,” sliding to the 28th spot from last year’s 17th place. Overall, 31 nations were in the poll this year.
The survey – which polled 22,318 expats, including 300 residing in the Philippines, from 163 economies – said the Philippines’ tropical climate, emerging economy and its increasingly influential role in Asia and beyond make the nation “extremely” attractive to migrants.
Broken down, 56 per cent of expats said the Philippines has brought them closer to their partner, 64 per cent of whom found their significant other here. The same percentage said that raising children in the Philippines is less expensive compared to their home country, while 42 per cent believe the overall quality of life for their kids is better here than elsewhere.
Despite cultural differences, 69 per cent of respondents said they are integrating well with the local people and feeling like they are “family” in the Philippines.
“Expats here also say that they have been welcomed by the Filipinos regardless of faith, race, gender or sexual orientation, which is not a surprise, given the Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality, and the vibrant and friendly local culture,” HSBC added.
In the Philippines, 56 per cent of expats said they have more disposable income here and 20 per cent qualified that they have less. The rest said they earn about the same as in their home country while 58 per cent said they are able to save more here.
The Philippines is more popular for expats within Southeast Asia for those seeking a partner and finding a place to raise their children, but it is not seen as the best country to live and work in, and the best-paid workers are found elsewhere. Based on results of HSBC’s 2018 Expat Explorer Survey, the Philippines was among the countries ranked at the “bottom,” sliding to the 28th spot from last year’s 17th place. Overall, 31 nations were in the poll this year. The survey – which polled 22,318 expats, including 300 residing in the Philippines, from 163 economies – said the...
The Philippines is more popular for expats within Southeast Asia for those seeking a partner and finding a place to raise their children, but it is not seen as the best country to live and work in, and the best-paid workers are found elsewhere.
Based on results of HSBC’s 2018 Expat Explorer Survey, the Philippines was among the countries ranked at the “bottom,” sliding to the 28th spot from last year’s 17th place. Overall, 31 nations were in the poll this year.
The survey – which polled 22,318 expats, including 300 residing in the Philippines, from 163 economies – said the Philippines’ tropical climate, emerging economy and its increasingly influential role in Asia and beyond make the nation “extremely” attractive to migrants.
Broken down, 56 per cent of expats said the Philippines has brought them closer to their partner, 64 per cent of whom found their significant other here. The same percentage said that raising children in the Philippines is less expensive compared to their home country, while 42 per cent believe the overall quality of life for their kids is better here than elsewhere.
Despite cultural differences, 69 per cent of respondents said they are integrating well with the local people and feeling like they are “family” in the Philippines.
“Expats here also say that they have been welcomed by the Filipinos regardless of faith, race, gender or sexual orientation, which is not a surprise, given the Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality, and the vibrant and friendly local culture,” HSBC added.
In the Philippines, 56 per cent of expats said they have more disposable income here and 20 per cent qualified that they have less. The rest said they earn about the same as in their home country while 58 per cent said they are able to save more here.
I had the opportunity to live in the Philippines for a few months and I loved it. I was very surprised by their hospitality