TEFL Locations in Philippines - Quick Reference
Cost of living, Foreign Embassies, Hospitals, Passport, Survival Guide
TEFL Courses in Philippines, Philippines Guide
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The Philippines has a very low cost of living. The peso has significantly lost much of its value since the Asian Financial Crisis but over the past few years the country is getting back on its feet. Expatriates will find living in the country very cheap compared to UK and US.
Food and drinks are very cheap in the Philippines. A regular individual spends around US$250 every month. One can eat in middle class restaurants every day since each meal would roughly cost US$4 to 5. There is also more expensive food in hotels and fine restaurants which are obviously higher in cost. Basically, Filipinos prefer buying raw goods like meat, fish, eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables at the local market to save more. The Philippines’ agricultural products are bountiful all-year round especially in surrounding provinces and the southern regions. Food in the capital city, Manila can cost twice as much compared to buying in other growing cities like Cebu and Davao. So, if you can cook, by all means go ahead to save cost. Usual meat products in the country are pork and beef. Poultry and eggs are also staple food sources. The Philippines has several varieties of fruits and vegetables like mango, papaya, cabbage, eggplant, durian and beans which are sold at less than US$1 per kilo.
Buying clothes in the Philippines can be considerably cheap. There are several types of textiles sold in all surrounding provinces which can cost only a fraction of the price compared to buying in Manila. Most expatriates travel down south when looking for exotic clothes like batik and tribal accessories since these are much cheaper. Cars and electronics cost the same as in Europe for instance and most brands are imported from Japan, the United States and China. The influx of china-made products has also caused locally made wares to decrease in price. The quality of these products is not as good but nevertheless very affordable. If looking for designer brands, you can venture into Manila since there are several malls and shopping centers housing popular names from Europe and the US.
If housing is not provided as part of your contract, then be rest assured that
housing in the Philippines is very cheap. Rental rates in Manila are around
US$250 to 350 every month for an excellent quality and spacious condominium.
Living in smaller houses and apartments can cost around US$150.
Public hospitals are mainly subsidized by the government. There are also private
institutions which are more expensive but render state-of-the-art approach and
equipment.
Transportation in the major cities is convenient and cheap. In Manila, there are buses, trains, taxis and MRT which can quickly take people around. Going around town will cost around US$10 to 12.
You may sometimes need to visit your embassy in Philippines for visa or other
related services. Below is a list of embassies available in Philippines. Details
of more embassies can be found on
http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-in/Philippines.
Canadian Embassy in the Philippines
www.manila.gc.ca, and
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/kualalumpur/menu-en.asp
6th, 7th, and 8th Floors, RCBC Plaza Tower 2, 6819 Ayala Ave.
1200 Makati City, Manila, Philippines
Tel.: 63 (2) 857-9000, 857-900
manila@international.gc.ca.
United States Embassy in the Philippines
manila.usembassy.gov
1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 1000
Tel: (632) 528-6300 extension 2555, 2246
British Embassy in in the Philippines
http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/philippines
Floors 15-17, LV Locsin Building, 6752 Ayala Avenue, Corner of Makati Avenue,
1226 Makati, (PO Box 2927 MCPO), Manila
Tel: (63) (2) 816 7116
uk@info.com.ph
Despite some initial problems, health care of this nation is of good quality.
Facilities may not as impressive as those found in high-end US hospitals. Top
Philippine hospitals include the Medical Center in Alabang, the Asian Hospital,
the Makati Medical Center, the Medical City in Ortigas, and St. Lukes Medical
Center in Quezon City. Medical practitioners in the Philippines are graduates
from top universities in the country, and most of them have in United States
medical schools. Additionally, there are also doctors that have practiced
medicine in the US before sharing their expertise in the Philippines. Filipino
nurses are also trained by nursing schools with the best standards. In fact,
most of the nurses working in the US are Filipinos.
Finding the right hospital in the Philippines is not that difficult because
there are a number of options to choose from. The Philippines has both private
and public health care institutions. Most of the government hospitals provide
quality healthcare the same way private hospitals do.
You should be aware that most of the well-trained doctors in the Philippines are
serving government hospitals. What differs between the Philippine government
hospitals and the Philippine private hospitals is simply the facilities. Most of
the public hospitals in the Philippines are not equipped with the latest
technologies in medicine. But then, most Filipinos seek for advice from these
government hospitals because charges are not implemented. As for the private
hospitals, there are also a hundred ones located in key cities of the nation.
There are also tertiary hospitals that have the latest in medical technologies.
However, because they are private hospitals, they are a bit expensive than the
government hospitals.
The Philippines have stand by ambulances for any emergency situations. They also
have a hotline number where on can call in times of emergencies. Hospitals are
also equipped with the latest in first aid treatments.
With the low cost of medicine and health care, living in the Philippines is
really not a thing to worry. The people are very hospitable and accommodating,
the doctors and medical practitioners are friendly, and the place is really very
inviting.
The capital city of Manila houses two of the best hospitals in Philippines. They
are:
Makati Medical Center
Amorsolo Street, Makati city, Manila, Philippines
Contact Number- 011 632 815 9911
St. Luke’s Hospital
E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon city
Contact Number- 011 632 722 6161/ 723- 0301
Some of the other hospitals situated in various cities in Philippines are:
Jose B Lingad Hospital- City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Angeles University Foundation Medical Center- Angeles city
San Juan de Dios Hospital – Pasay City
Ramos General Hospital- Tarlac City
A passport which has a validity of a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay is needed to enter and exit Philippines. However, Immigration Officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay.
Those requiring a visa to enter Philippines will submit the original copy of the passport during application. Those wanting to extend a visa will have to provide a photocopy of the passport.
Custom & Etiquette - In whatever you do in Philippines, it is best that you first gain an understanding of the culture. Be patient and considerate of cultural differences. Generally speaking, Philippines is a melting pot of different cultures owing to the diversity among the people that inhabits the country. An integral part of every countries culture is its code of conduct that is followed strictly by all and is expected to be followed by every visiting tourist. Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first. A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard greeting. Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet. Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and the person's surname until you are invited to use their first name, or even more frequently, their nickname.
Healthcare - Be sure to find out on what vaccinations you may need before arriving in Philippines. Your doctor will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. Get your vaccinations at least 4–8 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, rabies, Hepatitis A, etc if you need it. Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Philippines, the government requires travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Be safe than sorry. Take all the necessary immunization before arriving in Philippines.
Money & Banking - It is always safe to keep the local currency in hand. If you need to change money, do it at authorised money exchange counters. Cash advances are available on most common credit/debit cards e.g. American Express/Visa/MasterCard. A fee of 3%-4% will apply.
Eating Out - When it comes to eating out options, you will be spoilt for choice. Apart from authentic Chinese food, you can also find in abundance fast food and Western options. Until and unless your digestive system is immuned to the local conditions, do not venture out to eat in roadside eateries.
Transportation - Getting around is not a problem. There are many
different choices to get around. You can travel around by pedi-cabs, bus, train,
taxi, subway and so on.
