Known as the 'social media capital of the world', the Philippines has fairly straightforward communication systems. The country has no systematic censorship on social media sites or pages, so expats will find that keeping in touch in the Philippines is easy.
One frustration that expats may contend with is the internet speed, as the Philippines frequently ranks in the bottom half of internet connectivity globally. That said, the country is constantly making investments in its telecommunications infrastructure.
Internet in the Philippines
DSL, Broadband and fibre cable are available in most parts of the Philippines. The biggest internet providers include PLDT, Globe Telecom and Converge Fibre.
Internet cafés are widely available, and so is WiFi in large cities. Expats renting accommodation in the Philippines should note that WiFi is usually excluded from the rental charge and is an additional fee for the tenant's account.
Landlines and mobile phones in the Philippines
PLDT is the leading provider of landlines in the Philippines. Telecom services are available everywhere, except in rural areas where access may be limited. To install a landline, expats must present various documents, including a tenancy agreement.
Smart (a subsidiary of PLDT) and Globe Telecom are the major mobile phone providers and offer prepaid options. Long-distance calls can be expensive in the Philippines.
Mobile contracts are available, but most expats choose a top-up basis instead. To obtain a mobile phone contract, an expat may be required to provide their passport along with proof of employment, residence and sufficient income.
English-language media in the Philippines
English-language media is easily accessible in the Philippines. There are many cable TV plans available from SKY and PLDT, which include all the main US channels. Expats can also access international streaming websites.
There are several English newspapers in circulation, the most popular being the Philippine Daily Inquirer, available in print and online, and The Manila Standard.
Mail in the Philippines
The Philippines postal service is called PHLPost, and it is a government-owned corporation. Each region in the Philippines has its own registered postal code for delivery.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance.
Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.
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