In this guest post, Rica Jankulovski from Remote Staff explores why the Philippines is an ideal location for digital nomads. She shares insights and tips on leveraging the country’s unique offerings to enhance the remote work experience, making the transition to digital nomadism smoother and more rewarding.
There are a lot of benefits to being a digital nomad. With a high-paying online job, you can explore the globe while building a thriving career. However, out of all the countries in the world, which one/s should you start exploring? The Philippines is definitely a top destination for starting your digital nomad journey. Here’s why!
1. Affordable Cost of Living
The Philippines offers a more affordable cost of living, especially when compared to many Western countries. Public transportation is around $0.25 – $0.55 for short distances. A decent meal costs around $2.00 – $6.00, and accommodations can go as low as $23.00. Digital nomads can thus enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a budget in the Philippines.
2. Visa Options for Long-Term Stay
Passport holders from about 157 countries can enter the Philippines without a visa, staying anywhere between 14 to 59 days. However, you can stay for longer periods if you want. While visa regulations vary depending on nationality, the Philippines offers several visa options that allow digital nomads to stay for extended periods, offering flexibility and convenience. These include tourist visas, special resident retiree visas (SRRV), and various work visa options.
3. English Proficiency
English is widely spoken and understood in the Philippines, making communication easier for many international digital nomads. This greatly eliminates language barriers commonly encountered in other countries. As a result, digital nomads can effortlessly interact with locals, participate in daily activities, and fully immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Philippines.
4. Decent Internet Speeds
Major cities in the Philippines generally have reliable high-speed internet connections, which are crucial for remote work and digital nomad lifestyles. The average internet speed ranges from 40 to 80 MBPS. Coworking spaces and cafes also often provide fast and stable Wi-Fi connections. This high-speed internet lets digital nomads work efficiently, connect worldwide, and stay productive amidst the Philippines’ vibrant travel scene. However, due to the country being an archipelago, some areas might have intermittent internet speeds. So it’s best to have backup internet options from different ISPs when exploring rural towns and islands.
5. Delicious Food
You won’t go hungry amidst the mouthwatering Filipino food scene. Filipino cuisine is ranked 33 best in the world based on Taste Atlas. Filipino food is diverse and can range from tangy and citrusy to savory and umami-rich. You should try Filipino cuisine’s acclaimed dishes like adobo, lechon, sinigang, kare-kare, halo-halo, bulalo, sisig, laing, crispy pata, and bibingka for their rich flavors and cultural significance.
6. Consistently Warm Weather
Digital nomads, especially those from colder countries, often find the warm climate in the Philippines very appealing. For one, packing clothes is more convenient without the need for layers. Also, with the consistent temperatures year-round, digital nomads can comfortably work in outdoor settings such as beachside or rooftop cafes. It can encourage a productive atmosphere amidst the country’s natural beauty.
7. Beautiful Beaches and Islands
The Philippines boasts the most pristine beaches in the world, with powdery white sands and turquoise waters. In fact, beaches and islands in Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao have won numerous awards worldwide, with Conde Nast 2023 ranking them the 3rd, 6th, and 10th best islands on Earth, respectively. You can also visit less popular (but still jaw-dropping) beaches and islands in La Union, Zambales, Pangasinan, Subic, Roxas, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Iloilo, Bacolod, Romblon, Sipalay, Guimaras, Camiguin, Bohol, and Cebu. Thus, you can enjoy various water activities after work, such as island hopping, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more. So if you seek breathtaking coastal beauty and unparalleled beach experiences, the Philippines is the perfect destination for you.
8. Lush Mountains and Natural Scenery
The lush mountains and breathtaking natural scenery make the Philippines an ideal location for digital nomads. Cities and towns nestled in mountainous areas and hilly terrains like Baguio and Tagaytay are especially ideal for remote work. For instance, the Bicol region offers sightseeing opportunities for the perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano. Meanwhile, Zambales has Mt. Pinatubo, a dormant volcano known for its picturesque crater lake within its mountain range. If you’re down south in Mindanao, Mount Apo provides a challenging climb and stunning views at the highest peak in the Philippines. Discover the abundance of natural wonders and outdoor activities in the Philippines that enable an ideal blend of work and travel.
9. Rich History and Culture
Digital nomads can explore the rich cultural scene of the Philippines, which includes traditions, landmarks, and UNESCO heritage sites. Take part in jovial Filipino celebrations — over 42,000 of them across the country. Also, most towns and cities have a rich cultural heritage spanning pre-colonial times through to the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations. Moreover, you can explore heritage sites, historical ruins, and landmarks with captivating stories from the past, which can increase creativity and productivity.
10. Unparalleled Filipino Hospitality
The Filipinos’ warm and welcoming nature makes many digital nomads feel at home, fostering a sense of belonging in their new surroundings. With this, you can easily engage with locals, immerse yourself in Filipino culture, join traditional celebrations, and enhance your overall experience of the country. Better still, build meaningful connections and gain new friends along the way.
11. Thriving Digital Nomad Communities
With a sizable expat and digital nomad community, you’ll hardly feel alone when you work and travel in the Philippines. Places in Manila, Palawan, Boracay, La Union, and Siargao, for instance, have thriving digital nomad communities. You can engage with fellow nomads, exchange insights, and leverage the community’s diverse skills and experiences for your personal and professional growth.
Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in the Philippines
The Philippines is an ideal location for digital nomads seeking a fulfilling work-life balance. Given the advantages above, you can develop your remote working career while enjoying the vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly digital nomad community in the Philippines. Ready to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle in the Philippines? Come explore for yourself why digital nomads from across the globe embrace that lifestyle in our welcoming country!
Kickstart Your Digital Nomad Adventure: Connect with a Career Coach Today
Ready to turn your digital nomad dreams into reality? Connect with our career coaches today and take the first step towards finding your dream remote job that you can take with you to this — or any! — tropical paradise. Let’s embark on this journey together. Your future of work and adventure awaits!
Author Bio
As the CEO of Remote Staff, Rica Jankulovski has been helping small-to-medium sized companies grow sustainably and steadily by matching them with hard-working, English-speaking Filipino remote talent. Having been born and raised in the Philippines and currently living in Australia, her unique experiences and perspectives on both cultures allow her to constantly empower both her clients and remote talents to make a meaningful difference in work and in life.
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