Your practical Philippines guide
Plan the move.
Keep the magic.
A warm, clear-eyed companion for the real work of moving to the Philippines—from the paperwork at home to finding your rhythm on the islands.
No fantasy brochure. No panic spiral. Just the things you need to know.
The move, in real life
A map for the whole first year.
You do not have to figure out every damn thing at once. Start where you are, then let the next piece meet you when it matters.
Pre-Philippines
Paperwork, money, health, phones, and the choices that are much easier before you get on the plane.
Get prepared → 02 · Days 1–30First 30 Days
Land softly, handle the essentials, and give yourself room to learn your new neighborhood.
Settle in → 03 · Months 2–3First 90 Days
Turn temporary routines into a life: banking, healthcare, transport, people, and confidence.
Build your base → 04 · The first yearFirst Year
Make thoughtful long-term choices once the honeymoon—and culture shock—have both had their say.
Find your rhythm →Choose the right place, not just a pretty photo
Every island has a personality.
The City Guides help you compare daily life—the hospitals, rain, traffic, groceries, cost, community, and the little details that decide whether a place feels like home.
Explore City Guides →Keep this close
Useful when life gets wonderfully complicated.
Everyday answers
Practical odds and ends that do not fit neatly into a timeline—but still matter.
Browse the miscellany → ✓Keep your checklist handy
Work through the move in order, without waking up at 3 a.m. wondering what you forgot.
Open the checklist → ⌖Browse the cities
Compare places with your own real-life priorities in front of you.
Find your place →