Which services do you purchase most in the Philippines but hold off on in the States? Comment down below! Planning on Moving to BGC? Check Out Our Full BGC Guide! www.thesavvyexpat.com/
I am now in Manila after living the US for many years. I do enjoy all the perks of life here. Full time maid/cook, full time driver, weekly massages, 4 bedroom house by myself, etc. Add these to the list: handiman work to fix anything in your house, repair of any appliance, carwashes, garden work, water and gas delivery, pick up of garbage, cell phone repair, dental work, doctor bill etc.
How do we hire a maid and a driver? What are our obligations? You mentioned about the driver working weekends. How does it work (payment and legalities)? Where do they stay if you live in a condo? I think a video on this would be very helpful.
There are agencies, they take care of Social Security paper work. Most homes have a Maid’s room and their toilet. Or they can just go home and commute daily. Arrangement can be done to suit your needs but basically 6k monthly is a good starter.
Evan, It's great to see you again! I'm going to work my way back through your multi-presenter videos. You have a bright future ahead of yourself. I hope this includes college as it will open many doors for you in the future. I"ve been following you for a few years now, and I've seen the channel increase in popularity over that time! Keep up the great work and please continue to present the information unique to your channel! You and your channel are one of my bucket list meet-up groups when I visit the PI.
Yep, I kind of trained JD to do 15% in restaurants, because I couldn't imagine not doing it. (This was in Cebu) and I did notice it kind of shocked the staff. Also, the salon that did my hair (including color) was 6$ and I tipped a hundred pesos and the stylist was very happy. Here (I'm back here waiting for him) I tip at least 5$ after a haircut. Of course it would be great if we actually PAID OUR PEOPLE A LIVING WAGE - but I guess that's too much to ask.
These prices must be for BGC mostly. Here in Cavite you can hire a live-in maid for 3500php per month. I wouldn't hire a driver for monthly services but per use. Also most massage places here range from 150 to 400 peso per hour. Unless you absolutely have to live in a high end area like BGC I suggest a nice area out away from Manila like Cavite. Most hair cuts here are 80php some up to 160 php. However I cut my own hair for free lol. Full diamonskin facial here was less than 1k php.
Before hitting anyone as a domestic worker, check the laws from DOLE. There is a minimum wage for most domestic workers. My maid (housekeeper) pointed this out to me. I have to disagree about tipping. I have had a Filipino service worker even ask me for a tip (at Mall of Asia in Pasay). Failure to leave a tip, can get you some looks from the staff in a restaurant. It is true that tipping is much less than in the USA. Even at 20%, the top may be only $10 (500php). That doesn't include the "provinces". People there don't expect any tip and are thrilled when you leave one. I got chastised by a Filipino friend for tipping too much when I first came here. I think you failed to mention the best things in the Philippines which are much less than in the USA - the people, the views, the festivals, and how peaceful and relaxing. Cost $0.
If a restaurant worker in Metro Manila demanded a tip and got angry or irked when he didn't get one, I would look at the invoice/receipt for any service charge. If they already included a service charge, then I would warn them that they can't demand a tip and that I would charge them with harassment at the appropriate government agency (I think that would be either the local government unit or the Department of Trade and Industry).
Foreigners may get asked for a tip but it's your choice. For example I will tip my taxi driver if they don't try to scam me. My personal driver asked me for a cake so I got him a cake. And your photo looks like Santa Clause so kids probably follow you around town . If the kids sing Christmas carols to you have to give them a tip. No Joke I used to go around town and sing carols.
You forgot the Dental Care where its too expensive in the US compared to the PH, a lot of visitors and balikbayan have to get their Dental Care here in PH when they visit ...nice comparison though 😎
While I appreciate the valuable information, your laundry comparison was not accurate. Wash/dry/fold service in the Philippines is very close to the same service here, but you were using US dry cleaning rates which are much higher. I love visiting the Philippines, the wonderful people and the very reasonable prices. Thank you!
Really? The only place I ever had wash/dry/fold done was early in my career when I lived in NYC, and it was (25 years ago) 90 cents per POUND. Now it is several dollars, friends tell me.
@@radagast25a Valid point. It’s different in each city, as I used that service when I traveled for work. Regardless, comparing W/D/F to dry cleaning is not a fair comparison.
I am not big on massages but my wife loves them. I swim in our condo pool or in the ocean at the province. I am nearly 75 and people think l am in my early 60s. My wife likes facials and getting her nails manacured. I do love the idea of having a maid or a house boy. I also love having a driver. The driver often knows some great places to visit. We shop locally but when we travel, we love having a part time driver. We get our food about three blocks away at Robinson's Mall. We get a man at the grocery store to bring our food to our condo. We tip the man and almost never lack a delivery person. In fact some fight to bring our groceries as they know that we tip well. My haircuts are about $2.00. My wife gets her hair cut and dyed at about $6.00. Our house boy does the marketing and cooking. Great seevice. Drycleaning in Manila is very cheap. Most of my clothing is wash and wear. Tipping in the island of paradise is always appreciated. We have found that even a small tips is great for the service person. Be blessed! Thanks for the video.
About 10 years ago I got a haircut in Cuba for 5 cents U.S. It was in a barbers chair made about 80 years ago in Ohio. I tipped the guy a dollar U.S. and he almost fainted. True story. All good information I plan on trying to live in the Philippines when I retire.
i appreciate your videos and all the info since i'm wanting to take my family to the philippines, it was tough to watch this one w/ all the "whoosh" sfx.
Any recommendations on how to find a chef? I'd like to find a cook. Don't need a maid or driver but someone who knows nutrition and will help me lose weight and make sure I get all my vitamins is well worth whatever they want to charge as long as I can trust them
It's not that services in the Philippines are very cheap. For me is that services can be easily found for almost anything you may need, readily available, by people who try hard to provide the best service. For example, if I want to clean the air-conditioner or plant new plants in the yard, I can find easily someone who specialize in that, ready to provide the service almost immediately, and will do that reliably while trying to do their best + treat you nice. In contrast, for example, in the USA where I live most of the year, if I wanted plants un my yard, if I could find someone to do that , they would probably do it in a lousy way as if they are doing you a favor, despite the high price you pay.
I’m a licensed esthetician. Is it possible to make/maintain a decent living as an esthetician in the Philippines? Are they paid well? Can I get a job being a foreigner?
@TheSavvyExpat Hi, can you add into your guide & videos, things like where to get hair braided and if you have dred locs where to get your hair done at each month? If the services are not available but some hair stylist at which shops, would be interested in learning if they were shown with UA-cam videos, would also work. These things are hard to find as well as some other cultural things I'm sure other people are wondering when moving to BGC or the Philippines in general. Facebook market place only has so many options compared to the smart group of people on your team. Thanks and great video as usual and they have greatly helped me plan so far. I can't wait to get there.
As a Filipino, Yes! Unfortunately the downside is we have one of the most corrupt politicians in Asean if not the world..they are the LACOSTE of my Country. You get rid of them, by then my Country would be awesome 1000%
google maps works great now in the Phils. Getting lost is harder to do...lol. Still, driving in the Phils is crazy so good to have a driver. And I tend to overtip in Phils and undertip in states...lol. I don't want to be a kuripot towards hard working and underpaid filipino's. And you forgot to mention that a haircut in Phils comes with a little massage. You don't get that in the states.
Services here in the phil is really cheap, they cannot afford to get higher bec lots of filipinos know how to cut hair,cook, massage, clean houses etc, you can find it in neighborhoods, sometimes my neighbor cut my hair for free then when it's done we'll go drinking 😅😅
Love my Philippine haircuts. It's easy as long as I let the guy so his job and don't try to tell him how it 'must be'. I love giving my guy a tip here. Price is 10x higher (minimum) in the USA
In regard to tipping, I guess it makes sense why the Filippino boyfriend I was with for 7 years would get so upset about the amount the tips I'd leave at restaurants. He immigrated from the Philippines when he was 17 years old, brought up with the customs there.
Some workers in the Phils are not expecting a tip and do not acknowledge the tip. It's so rare they are silently shocked and some run away in horror 🤣.
Lol, the average salary most of anywhere is going to be low in respects to being able to afford to live, I am finding that out now the hard way here in the US as a native from here.
Which services do you purchase most in the Philippines but hold off on in the States? Comment down below!
Planning on Moving to BGC? Check Out Our Full BGC Guide!
www.thesavvyexpat.com/
going out to eat, haircuts, all salons (nails, hair), spas-EVERYTHING besides shopping!
Im filipino from canada and i work remotely from my laptop. Your channel have made me want to move back to the phillippines. Keep it up.
Fellow Balikbayan! Bro you should come back out here! Appreciate your support.
I am now in Manila after living the US for many years. I do enjoy all the perks of life here. Full time maid/cook, full time driver, weekly massages, 4 bedroom house by myself, etc. Add these to the list: handiman work to fix anything in your house, repair of any appliance, carwashes, garden work, water and gas delivery, pick up of garbage, cell phone repair, dental work, doctor bill etc.
That’s the life! Your dollar really goes a long way out here.
@@TheSavvyExpat yes indeed!
How did you hire a full time maid and also a full-time driver? Specifics are not covered in these videos.
Ask for recommendations from trusted people only.
You forgot to mention that many food establishments here in the Philippines have a 10% service charge and this is why tipping is not mandatory.
Love how you left a Bible verses in the description!
How do we hire a maid and a driver? What are our obligations? You mentioned about the driver working weekends. How does it work (payment and legalities)? Where do they stay if you live in a condo? I think a video on this would be very helpful.
I've asked for a video like that previously as well.
There are agencies, they take care of Social Security paper work. Most homes have a Maid’s room and their toilet. Or they can just go home and commute daily. Arrangement can be done to suit your needs but basically 6k monthly is a good starter.
Evan, It's great to see you again! I'm going to work my way back through your multi-presenter videos. You have a bright future ahead of yourself. I hope this includes college as it will open many doors for you in the future. I"ve been following you for a few years now, and I've seen the channel increase in popularity over that time! Keep up the great work and please continue to present the information unique to your channel! You and your channel are one of my bucket list meet-up groups when I visit the PI.
Good video info Evan I appreciate it very much brother 💪🏾😎
Of course my brother! More videos coming soon!
@@TheSavvyExpat awesome 😎 keep up the good work you and your team definitely deserve more subscribers
Very informative ✍🏽
Glad you think so!
Another great one Evan, you are on a roll!
Yep, I kind of trained JD to do 15% in restaurants, because I couldn't imagine not doing it. (This was in Cebu) and I did notice it kind of shocked the staff. Also, the salon that did my hair (including color) was 6$ and I tipped a hundred pesos and the stylist was very happy. Here (I'm back here waiting for him) I tip at least 5$ after a haircut. Of course it would be great if we actually PAID OUR PEOPLE A LIVING WAGE - but I guess that's too much to ask.
Great Video. Thanks for the info
Thanks for watching brother
Keep up the good work 👍
Yeah baby! Thanks for the support brother.
Thank You Evan. Yea you are right about all. That's a deal !!! 😮😄 I'm coming to 🇵🇭 this year. 😊
Best of luck!
These prices must be for BGC mostly. Here in Cavite you can hire a live-in maid for 3500php per month. I wouldn't hire a driver for monthly services but per use. Also most massage places here range from 150 to 400 peso per hour. Unless you absolutely have to live in a high end area like BGC I suggest a nice area out away from Manila like Cavite. Most hair cuts here are 80php some up to 160 php. However I cut my own hair for free lol. Full diamonskin facial here was less than 1k php.
leaving America to be surrounded by Westerns, I cant!
Before hitting anyone as a domestic worker, check the laws from DOLE. There is a minimum wage for most domestic workers. My maid (housekeeper) pointed this out to me.
I have to disagree about tipping. I have had a Filipino service worker even ask me for a tip (at Mall of Asia in Pasay). Failure to leave a tip, can get you some looks from the staff in a restaurant. It is true that tipping is much less than in the USA. Even at 20%, the top may be only $10 (500php). That doesn't include the "provinces". People there don't expect any tip and are thrilled when you leave one. I got chastised by a Filipino friend for tipping too much when I first came here.
I think you failed to mention the best things in the Philippines which are much less than in the USA - the people, the views, the festivals, and how peaceful and relaxing. Cost $0.
As far as my experience with tipping, it’s never been required or expected whatsoever.
If a restaurant worker in Metro Manila demanded a tip and got angry or irked when he didn't get one, I would look at the invoice/receipt for any service charge. If they already included a service charge, then I would warn them that they can't demand a tip and that I would charge them with harassment at the appropriate government agency (I think that would be either the local government unit or the Department of Trade and Industry).
Foreigners may get asked for a tip but it's your choice. For example I will tip my taxi driver if they don't try to scam me. My personal driver asked me for a cake so I got him a cake. And your photo looks like Santa Clause so kids probably follow you around town . If the kids sing Christmas carols to you have to give them a tip. No Joke I used to go around town and sing carols.
I love getting haircuts at a fancy mall in the Philippines with massage for around $5.
It’s crazy affordable right
You forgot the Dental Care where its too expensive in the US compared to the PH, a lot of visitors and balikbayan have to get their Dental Care here in PH when they visit ...nice comparison though 😎
That’s true Joel. Thanks for mentioning that.
Looove it! 😁
While I appreciate the valuable information, your laundry comparison was not accurate. Wash/dry/fold service in the Philippines is very close to the same service here, but you were using US dry cleaning rates which are much higher. I love visiting the Philippines, the wonderful people and the very reasonable prices. Thank you!
Really? The only place I ever had wash/dry/fold done was early in my career when I lived in NYC, and it was (25 years ago) 90 cents per POUND. Now it is several dollars, friends tell me.
@@radagast25a Valid point. It’s different in each city, as I used that service when I traveled for work. Regardless, comparing W/D/F to dry cleaning is not a fair comparison.
I am not big on massages but my wife loves them. I swim in our condo pool or in the ocean at the province.
I am nearly 75 and people think l am in my early 60s. My wife likes facials and getting her nails manacured.
I do love the idea of having a maid or a house boy. I also love having a driver. The driver often knows some great places to visit. We shop locally but when we travel, we love having a part time driver.
We get our food about three blocks away at Robinson's Mall. We get a man at the grocery store to bring our food to our condo. We tip the man and almost never lack a delivery person. In fact some fight to bring our groceries as they know that we tip well.
My haircuts are about $2.00. My wife gets her hair cut and dyed at about $6.00.
Our house boy does the marketing and cooking. Great seevice.
Drycleaning in Manila is very cheap. Most of my clothing is wash and wear.
Tipping in the island of paradise is always appreciated. We have found that even a small tips is great for the service person.
Be blessed! Thanks for the video.
About 10 years ago I got a haircut in Cuba for 5 cents U.S. It was in a barbers chair made about 80 years ago in Ohio. I tipped the guy a dollar U.S. and he almost fainted. True story. All good information I plan on trying to live in the Philippines when I retire.
i appreciate your videos and all the info since i'm wanting to take my family to the philippines, it was tough to watch this one w/ all the "whoosh" sfx.
The BGC is where I'm going to live next year!
Before you have finally decided in BGC, pls. Consider Cebu IT Park or adjacent areas and Clark City..or you may want to google it..Mabuhay!
Right on! I think you’ll love it here 🙌
BGC is the finest living in the Philippines. Love how its a few minutes from Makati.
Thank you for you sharing for your words and GOD BLESS YOU ❤😇😇😇
You right everything in the Philippines is cheaper than in abroad in uk is double price so expensive in here so annoying
My haircut cost me $135 where I live.
Pls do a video abt stuff that is actually more expensive in the Philippines than in Western countries
Your videos are very informative and done well. But the whooshing sound between scenes, wellll.....just too pronounced.
Any recommendations on how to find a chef?
I'd like to find a cook. Don't need a maid or driver but someone who knows nutrition and will help me lose weight and make sure I get all my vitamins is well worth whatever they want to charge as long as I can trust them
It's not that services in the Philippines are very cheap. For me is that services can be easily found for almost anything you may need, readily available, by people who try hard to provide the best service. For example, if I want to clean the air-conditioner or plant new plants in the yard, I can find easily someone who specialize in that, ready to provide the service almost immediately, and will do that reliably while trying to do their best + treat you nice. In contrast, for example, in the USA where I live most of the year, if I wanted plants un my yard, if I could find someone to do that , they would probably do it in a lousy way as if they are doing you a favor, despite the high price you pay.
Let's go savvyexpat...
good seeing you here Elmer!
I’m a licensed esthetician. Is it possible to make/maintain a decent living as an esthetician in the Philippines? Are they paid well? Can I get a job being a foreigner?
What does having an on call driver exactly mean? Does that mean whenever I want a ride somewhere I call him? Does he only work for me?
So most Filipinos can't afford these services!
It depends on which service
Lol, everywhere on earth, someone isnt going to be afford something, you people bring up some moot points to try to counter argument.
You said it right! Unfortunately.
@@whoisperfect_no1.381 Too bad it isnt an exclusive Philippines thing or an exclusive Filipino thing
@@gangstagummybear3432 what do you mean “you people”?
Cool list. Im bald and dont do haircuts. I love the rest of the list
@TheSavvyExpat Hi, can you add into your guide & videos, things like where to get hair braided and if you have dred locs where to get your hair done at each month? If the services are not available but some hair stylist at which shops, would be interested in learning if they were shown with UA-cam videos, would also work. These things are hard to find as well as some other cultural things I'm sure other people are wondering when moving to BGC or the Philippines in general. Facebook market place only has so many options compared to the smart group of people on your team. Thanks and great video as usual and they have greatly helped me plan so far. I can't wait to get there.
I want to know it too.
If Philippines wants to progress, minimum salaries for even non skilled labour needs to rise to non exploitation levels.
Lol, wages in the US need to rise to a level that renting an apartment or condo is doable without taking out loans
As a Filipino, Yes! Unfortunately the downside is we have one of the most corrupt politicians in Asean if not the world..they are the LACOSTE of my Country. You get rid of them, by then my Country would be awesome 1000%
And why is it that in the US, a first world country, a lot of people cannot afford shelter?
Lol sounds like another liberal that doesn't understand economics.
Sounds like you are living the life there in the Philippines! Don't spoil yourself too much.🍊
Yessir!
Do you have a price list for your services?
I do, I can send it to you via email. Feel free to message me at evan@thesavvyexpat.com
Massage is so good to me , I can’t not wait to go🎉Any good massage places to recommend? Thank you.
Plenty. And you can ask for home service too.
google maps works great now in the Phils. Getting lost is harder to do...lol. Still, driving in the Phils is crazy so good to have a driver. And I tend to overtip in Phils and undertip in states...lol. I don't want to be a kuripot towards hard working and underpaid filipino's. And you forgot to mention that a haircut in Phils comes with a little massage. You don't get that in the states.
Services here in the phil is really cheap, they cannot afford to get higher bec lots of filipinos know how to cut hair,cook, massage, clean houses etc, you can find it in neighborhoods, sometimes my neighbor cut my hair for free then when it's done we'll go drinking 😅😅
I will be in Manila in august what the best place to rent for 2 weeks in BGC
A lot of air b n b in BGC
It's 600 pesos for haircut in sm
I go to the province 60 pesos for haircut. Do not get the shave because it hurts.
I get massages there with happy endings😂
Love my Philippine haircuts. It's easy as long as I let the guy so his job and don't try to tell him how it 'must be'. I love giving my guy a tip here. Price is 10x higher (minimum) in the USA
6.00....are you kidding ? Hmmm. You be paying a fortune
For me it's the dental care 👌
Man you look completely different lol growin up I see
Most of you guys watched me grow up 😂
Wensha spa, full body massage with buffet after for 20 dollars
Philippines is more expensive then Vietnam or Pattaya Thailand. I was going to move there but happy I moved to Thailand. ( Pattaya )
You forgot #8 -Extra Service. With high inflation adding a bit would not hurt since you'll be sent to cloud 9 1/2.
I don’t like forced tipped!!! I hate it the most in The US. I love to tips for a good work but not FFFored😢
Most definitely!
In regard to tipping, I guess it makes sense why the Filippino boyfriend I was with for 7 years would get so upset about the amount the tips I'd leave at restaurants. He immigrated from the Philippines when he was 17 years old, brought up with the customs there.
Some workers in the Phils are not expecting a tip and do not acknowledge the tip. It's so rare they are silently shocked and some run away in horror 🤣.
How much for a happy ending?
Negotiable
$3 plus $1 tip.
Facial omg😢 I hardly even know her 😊
When we are ready. I will email you for help! For sure we will pay you as you wish for your honest🎉🎉🎉
No worries Esther! Feel free to email whenever.
i never tip when its expected. i tip for quality service not just because someone is doing there job
Very informative ✍🏽
Appreciate it!
If Philippines wants to progress, minimum salaries for even non skilled labour needs to rise to non exploitation levels.
Lol, the average salary most of anywhere is going to be low in respects to being able to afford to live, I am finding that out now the hard way here in the US as a native from here.