Living In The Philippines – Canadians Are Starting To Take Notice
I’ve been noticing a progressing pattern since December last year (2010) about Canadian husbands/boyfriends of Filipinas wanting to stay in the Philippines longer than the usual holidays and some are even planning to move to the Philippines and live there permanently.
I say this because, in our Toronto travel agency alone, many of those who purchased their tickets from us also inquired about how to stay more than 21 days in the Philippines.
For those who don’t know it, if you are a Canadian citizen who have no Filipino roots, you can only enjoy staying in the Philippines visa-free for a maximum of 21 days. Former Filipino nationals who acquired Canadian citizenship through naturalization ang their “orig” Canadian spouses, however, can stay continously in the Philippines up to a year if they will ask for a Balikbayan stamp. I will discuss this Balikbayan stamp requirements probably in another post.
These mostly Canadian men inquirers usually have been in the Philippines once or twice, have been to some of the islands other than Manila and/or experienced staying in their wives or girlfriends province and totally fell in love how life was being lived in the country.
I can’t blame this people. Since re-discovering my native land through my visit in 2007 (first visit was 2004 after 8 years in Canada), I myself am trying to figure out a way so I can live in the Philippines again which I have discussed in this blog (here and here). Every year since then, I plane to my homeland, even for a very short visit – sometimes twice in a year. I’m still aiming for that goal, although still not successful, I do believe I’m getting there little by little.
Anyway, going back to topic, most of the concern they tell me about moving to the Philippines permanently is about real cost of living there. I always say that as a guess, anywhere between $600 to $1000 a month will be enough.
Of course I’m basing that on assumption that they are going to stay in their wife or girlfriends house outside of Manila or Cebu. If I base it in Bataan where my address in the Philippines is when I’m there, my guesstimate is somewhat accurate in todays exchange rate. If staying in a city like Manila or Cebu, about $2000 is about enough.
But, that’s just me. Where you can live with your money really depends on your spending habit.
Another thing that they often ask is about safety. I always say that no matter where you are in the world, it is necessary to exert extra care when in an unfamiliar surrounding. Crimes happen even in the safest city in the world. Following precautions such us avoiding going out late at night, not wearing any items of luxury when in public, not using your credit card indiscriminately, etc. etc. are just some things a new Philippine resident need to remember.
When you’re already living in the Philippines, natural instincts will take over and you will have a feel of what and what not to do.
And as final suggestion, I would always point this people to websites of foreigners (mostly Americans) who have been staying in the Philippines for a long time and enjoy being there.
Websites like PhilFAQs.com or MindanaoBob.com are writing about how foreigners like them are able to live in the Philippines — I follow their blogs because I’m very interested in learning how this people are coping with day to day living in the Philippines and I’m totally amused knowing that they seem to be more knowledgeable than me about things in the Philippines. It surprised me big time the first time I started reading what they write about.
So, there. That’s my rant about Canadians moving to the Philippines. I’m starting to like this subject because I get ask of it everyday in our travel agency business. I’ll probably write more of this topic in future posts.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
(Just one of the reasons why I want to live in the Philippines again)
Hi, thanks for the shout out and for being a PhilFAQS reader.
Been living full-time in Bulacan, Philippines for more than four years now, and no plans to go anywhere else any time soon.
I’m always honored when any of my Filipino readers tell me they found my blog useful … it’s so easy for a foreigner to get things wrong … big vote of confidence when I find out I got some things right, thanks.
I’ve met up with a number of Filipinos/former Filipinos who are interested in moving back but really can’t get any traction in planning their move.
I’m always there to help, if I can. Strangely enough, especially considering my Phil/Am wife’s experiences and that of many other Filipinos who have moved back (including some who failed and ran back to their ‘emigrated country’, it sometimes much more difficult for a Filipino to re-adapt here than for a foreigner to just come here and blunder through.
Regarding the perpetual ‘cost of living’ questions. ‘How Much’ is probably the _last_ thing to ask. If you are living in Canada, USA, Austria, Australia or most any pint in between, you can easily afford the Philippines. The difficult question is, do you want to? That’s the one no one else can answer for you.
God Speed from ‘Philly’
Hey Dave,
Thanks for dropping by. It’s an honor to receive a visit from you. Yeah, I am on PhilFAQs Feedburner subscription so I don’t miss any of your updates. With some information I gathered from your posting – adds more to what I know about my own country, which help me explain to inquirers how a foreigner can live in the Philippines or as someone who hasn’t lived there before. It’s a very interesting topic and I guess I’ll have to stop taking if for granted just because I lived there half of my life. I really appreciate your comment.
Manuel
[...] Balikbayan Program, we usually tell them that as former Philippine citizens, they are allowed to stay in the Philippines for a year without the need to apply for a [...]
I just found this website today. I live in Vancouver canada and today is another wet day here. Not the kind of rain you get in Philippines. I have many Filippino friends in Vancouver some who were my mothers care givers for many years. I love them all. I first went to Philippines in 2007 to Manila. I met a girl there from Zamboanga city Mindanao. I went there that trip for 3 days and fell in love not only with her but the country. I have been back 4 times since then. For as much as a month. I have been to Cebu and Davao and a friend of mine from Vancouver married a Filippina and now returned to Cebu 2 years ago. He keeps wanting me to also relocate there. I am getting older and my girl friend is younger than me by many years. I know what people say and think. They say I’m crazy but I love that part of the world and her. Again, like all others if relocating there I can estimate by checking rentals of condos and apartments in Cebu and other cities the price of living. I will read your site again and will gladly accept any advice.
Mark Vancouver
Hi Mark,
Thank you for visiting and commenting. If you think it will make you happy and contented living in the Philippines with your girlfriend, if you will be able to supplement yourself while enjoying the weather in the Philippines – then by golly just do it!
I just came back last March 8 from the Philippines and I honestly don’t want to leave if not for my daughter who’s in elementary grade (I’m her personal nanny). I feel like I’m a Western guy who for the first time experienced living there and is excited in every visit. Take the advice of your friend, he will be able to help you because he’s got the experience now. Read Dave’s comment or better yet, explore his site and MindanaoBob’s site because in my research, those two guys are two of the best source of information about moving to the Philippines.
Regarding rentals, it is very cheap in the province – mine was only 6,000 pesos (about CAD$150) two bedroom apartment. YOur friend and your girlfriend can help you with that. Just stay away from Manila because it is so expensive there.
Don’t worry too much about what other people will say. Like I said, if you’re happy and contented, who cares what other people will say, right? Take the plunge.
Manuel
Thanks for the positive comments Manuel. I know that I will hopefully end up there some time soon I pray. It’s amazing how my outlook on life has changed since I started going to Philippines. I do not need all the luxuries of living that people here seem to think is necessary. When I’m there we live a fairly simple life except we stay in hotel I love in Zamboanga which is right on the sea. The problem with Mindanao is the danger for not only foreigners but now even locals are being kidnapped. I had a friend who is Swiss but his mother was filippina and his father Swiss national. He was kidnapped in Mindanao last Easter and held for 4 months. I have spoken to him since his release and he now lives in constant fear. My GF pays 5000 pp rent for big one bdrm apt. I know Manila is expensive and so is Cebu. I thank you for your reply. It’s very encouraging for me.
Mark
Hey Mark,
Thanks again for commenting. Zamboanga is a beautiful city in Mindanao, but if your safety will be threatened, then it’s much better if you live somewhere else. If being close to the ocean is your thing, there are thousands of places in the Philippines to choose from.
In Mindanao, the safe cities that I know of is Davao, Cagayan De Oro, General Santos, Surigao – just to name a few. Those are cities with amenities we need to live an average life. They are close to the beach, food and rental is very cheap and safe. So, not all of Mindanao can be considered unsafe place. Click here to read an article about safety in Mindanao.
If you really want to stay away from Mindanao, the Visayas and Luzon islands have a lot of similar to offer.
In the Visayas, there is Bacolod, Ilo-Ilo, Tacloban, Samar, Roxas city etc. In Luzon, you can look up Batangas, Mindoro, Dagupan city, La Union, Ilocos Norte or my chosen home in the Philippines – Balanga city and so many more.
There’s so many town and cities in the Philippines where you can decide to reside, and you’re only minutes away from the ocean but with basic city life. Talk to your girlfriend, ask for her opinion or your friend who’s already there – I’m sure they know the situation and where best to live. It’s not necessarily expensive in the whole of Cebu, only within the city proper. Cebu itself is a big province. I know that a lot of Western expats (Americans, Canadians, Germans, Brits, etc.) live there – but not in the big city, where living expenses is already at par with Manila.
I know that it’s difficult to decide on this issue because I experienced it myself and wrote about it at this post. But, I kid you not – you will find your special place in the Philippines because the country has thousands of places for you to offer. It just take time, some exploration and expenses to do so. I pray that you find yours as I found mine.
Manuel
Thanks for your comments Manuel. I assume your living in Toronto or there abouts. You have given me much to think about with the number of cities to consider in many areas of Philippines. I have looked at your photos of Balanga city and it does look very pleasant. I do like the feel of Cebu as it has many modern conveniences if you wish to avail yourself of these features and the climate seemed pleasant as well. Are there any areas you know in Cebu we might consider? I will research those other sports you spoke of as well. Davao seems to look nice too and from reading Mindanao Bobs info I am more interested here as well.
It is nice to be able to share my ideas and thoughts with you as my gf does not understand what it involves to be able for all this to happen. And to find the right place. I hope you don’t mind sharing your views and thoughts with me I do appreciate your assistance.
Hope to hear back soon.
Mark
Since I wrote this note I have looked at places you mentioned and some seem very nice but when you look at Luzon they are very far north up near Bagio. I had caregiver for my mom from there. In more thinking my gf family is from Cotabato so probably Cebu area or Davao would be best. Do you know much about General Santos City? My gf went there two weeks ago with her family when home for a visit. She quite liked it. I thought that it might also be a little sketchy but she said no. Any thoughts.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Yes, I live in Toronto – for now – until my daughter goes to high school, then I will become another Philippine resident. If you are inclined to be in Mindanao, because your girlfriend is from there, then Davao is one of the best place for you to explore.
I’ve never been to Davao or to any part of Mindanao but judging from Mindanao Bob’s experience, it’s a safe place to be if you want to locate there. General Santos city, never been, but would love to visit when I relocate to the Philippines. I also plan to visit Davao city in the near future. Read this link about General Santos.
Searching for your own place in the Philippines is overwhelming. I’m originally from Philippines, still I had a hard time to decide where to locate because there are so many to choose from. Here’s what I suggest you do: since your girlfriend already like General Santos city, ask her to stay there for a month, if she hasn’t lived there before. But if she has family there, so much the better.
And then, send her off to Davao city to experience living there for another month. Then ask her where she thinks is better for you and her to reside in.
Then, fly off to both cities and live for at least 2 weeks in each city to observe. Your natural instinct will take over and you will have a feel of where you wanted to reside once you lived there yourself.
From what I know, General Santos is a safe place. But, do your own research also by typing “is it safe to live in general santos city?” in Google, click on some results and then email the writer of the article to inquire. You can do the same thing for other places as well.
Don’t concern yourself too much about the conveniences of Cebu or Manila. There will always be a mall, movie theater, hospital, karaoke bar or disco in any city anywhere in the Philippines. They might not be as numerous as in Cebu or Manila, but you’d still be able to enjoy those things plus the added bonus of not living in a congested/polluted city, cheap living expenses, fresh food and closeness to the beach!
Thanks for your comment and I’d assist you the best I could.
Manuel
[...] hope other balikbayans or returning-Filipinos who were planning to move back to the Philippines find this article something to consider when doing their search for where to locate in the [...]
Hi there
If am living in Alberta canada and am a Canadian citizen and am finding you article very interesting. I have been on skype with a girl in the philippines for a few months now and have fallen in love with her. I plan on visiting her in june for a month. We have discussed her moving here with me in Canada. I would love to live there but we have discussed living here and getting married and retiring there one day. It is a lot to figure out. I am not sure if yu can help me but I want to know how hard it would be to take her back with me in july to live here. Does it make it any easier if I marry her when I go there. Thanks in advance if you can help me.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for visiting my site. You know, I came across many Canadians who have been in the same situation like yours and I am sorry to say that you and your girlfriend is in a difficult situation. You said that you have only been chatting for a few months and you wanted to bring her over here. That is doable, but will depend on her getting a visitor visa from the Canadian consulate in the Philippines. To apply for a visa, there are several to be required from her – just to file the application. There is no guarantee that she will be given a visa even if she satisfy all the requirements because the consulate is really strict in issuing visas to Filipino nationals because of the prevalence of cases involving Filipinos overstaying in Canada. But if your girlfriend want to try, you may refer to the visa requirements at Canadian consulate in the Philippines for more info. The good thing is if she can get a visa to visit in Canada, you have the option of marrying her here without the need for her to go back to the Philippines. There’s no harm in trying.
Is she already your fiancee? If she is, then the other alternative is for you to go to the Philippines and marry her there. After marriage, you may go to the Canadian consulate to sponsor her as your wife to live with you in Canada. This procedure, too, needs a lot of documentation from both the Philippines and Canadian governments. You will not be able to take your wife with you immediately because she has to wait for her spousal visa before being allowed to enter Canada. You will have to leave her behind and wait in Canada for her (and this wait may take months or even years). If you can’t stand being away from her for long, the other alternative is to go back and forth to the Philippines to visit, but this is a very expensive option. It is really difficult right now for situation like yours. There is also the option of living in the Philippines while waiting for her visa but make sure that you have enough funds because you might not be able to find work there. Whatever your decision maybe, I wish you and your girlfriend the best. And in case you need more info about Canadians marrying a Filipina/Filipino, click here to go the the Canadian consulate website. Goodluck.
Manuel
Manuel, thanks so much for the info….that was very nice of you. If i’m hearing you right, does it mean if she comes to canada to visit me and I marry her here,she can stay i Canada?
We plan on me taking a month long vacation in the philippines to be with her and her family this coming june. She has a nursing degree and i have seen priority is given to skilled workers who want to come to canada. TNKS in advance of your reply Manuel
Hi Kevin,
Yes, that’s right. If she can get a visitor visa to Canada, then you can marry and sponsor her without leaving Canada. There are procedures to follow and documents required but that’s basically how it works. Follow this link and this link to give you an idea.
If she’s a nurse, then so much the better. You are right she can apply for the Federal Skilled Worker program, but that would take years before she can come to Canada. The backlog of Immigration Canada for the Federal Skilled Worker program, specially if the person is coming from the Philippines is more than 3 years.
But because she is a nurse, she can come to Canada as a live-in caregiver. No need for further training because nursing graduates are exempted from training as a caregiver. All you have to do on your part is find an employer for her in your residence and then follow the procedure to hire a live-in caregiver from the Philippines. Click here for the info. This procedure will also take years (about 2 or 3 years) to accomplish because of backlog also for applications coming from the Philippines.
What you’re planning to do is possible – but will take a lot of perseverance (and waiting) for it to happen. Whatever your decision is, the best of luck to you and your girlfriend.
Manuel
PS. You owe me $50 for consultation fee. LOL.
Hey Manuel
Thanks again for the great advice…Looks like the visitor visa and marry her while here is the way to go, then apply for the rest while living here.
You know, if only governments would just make it easier for ppl from different countries to fall in love and be together without all their hassle they might save money by having less wars lol
Cheque is in the mail for you Manuel…lol….thanks again for all your help!! :)
Kevin
You’re welcome, Kevin. Keep us updated and goodluck.
Hi Again Manuel
Another question for you?
If my girlfriend comes on a tourist visa and I marry her here is she legal to work while we are in the process to obtaining permanent residence status for her?
Thanks again my friend, and the cheque is in the mail of course lol
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Yes, she can apply for a work permit once you have her papers in process in Canada. I don’t remember if HRSDC or if Immigration Canada is the approving government department, but you can ask any officer where you submitted the application. Goodluck!
Manuel
thanks so much manuel…will keep u posted!!!
[...] How to live in the Philippines is becoming a popular topic not only at my original site, but also as a day to day question we receive at our travel agency business by many people – both Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, as I have discussed before. [...]
Hey Manuel, i’m back for some of your great advice. My filipina gf and I are planning on her coming here to canada in apr on tourist visa. I am going to marry her while we are here together but now i’m thinking of a new idea that I think and hope you can advise me on.
I just recently found out I will be coming into a substantial amount of money and if I have a choice, I would prefer to live in the philippines with her where it’s much better climate than us living here.
It is not enough money to live off for the rest of my life so I am hoping you can steer me toward investing in something there that would be safe and provide an income. Any business ideas that would be profitable etc. I will have 6 figures but don’t want to blow it and be broke in the Philippines in a few yrs as I know it would be extremely hard to find a job there. I currently am a forklift operator here for a major company in alberta and also have a licence to drive a big rig (semi truck) tractor trailer, just so you know my skills. I anxiously await your advice, as you’re the best!!
Thanks in advance
Kevin
Hey Kevin,
Thanks for dropping by. Your new inquiry is a rather lengthy subject for just a comment here. So, what I did was write a post of the subject here.
So, tell me what you think and you’re questions are always welcome.
Best,
Manuel