Daily life

SIMs, apps, housing, healthcare, and how people actually do things here.

SIM and internet

The two main networks. Passport required. Buy a monthly data promo, not a bare SIM. DITO is a third option in some cities.

Converge, PLDT, and Globe. Install can take days to weeks. Don't bet long work on hotel wifi.

The default in big cities. Pay in-app when you can. Surge is real at peak hours.

Cheap and crowded. Keep coins. Manila's MRT is one packed line — useful if you live on it.

Faster in traffic. Helmet required. Bad for big bags or a real downpour.

Lamudi, Facebook groups, Carousell. Serviced condos or Airbnb for month one, then a yearly lease is cheaper.

Common: a month advance + a month deposit + a fee. Check whose name is on electricity. Air-con doubles the bill.

St. Luke’s (BGC and QC), Makati Medical Center, The Medical City. Pay by card or cash, then claim.

Mercury Drug and Watsons in every mall. Many meds are over the counter. Bring a script for insulin and controlled meds.

Grab, GCash, Maya, Google Maps, Foodpanda, Lalamove for parcels.

Cebu Pacific and PAL for flights. 12Go for buses and ferries.

Calm opens doors. Raising your voice in a government office slows you down. po and opo are small respect words.

Social time is flexible. Immigration and flights are not. Arrive early.

Pork is everywhere. Always ask: Hindi po ba may baboy? Big malls are clearer.

Guidance only. Fees and rules change. Check immigration.gov.ph and your embassy before you act.