12 Tips for Living in Angeles City, Philippines

By vionaloos

An expat talks about living in Angeles City - the being able to live on a tight budget, Angeles City's large US military retiree population, using jeepneys and trikes to get from place to place, the heat, dining in Korea Town, international schools in Angeles City and more.

Expat Life in Angeles City

Many expatriates in Angeles City are former military men hailing from the U.S., and most are married to local women. Other expats move there for the low cost of living.

Cost of Living in Angeles City, Philippines

One can live on a tight budget when shopping at local markets, buying local produce. Affordable accommodation can be easily found and a 2 bedroom house can be rented at US 200 dollars a month.

Local Clubs and Organizations

There are few Expat clubs and most foreigners meet regularly at their favorite pub or restaurant. Unfortunately, there are few sports clubs and foreign women are hardly seen in the city.

International Schools in Angeles City

There's only one school in Angeles City (Westfields International School) that offers Cambridge curriculum education. My kids spent one year there and we were very disappointed by the way we were treated. Although the staff work hard and are friendly enough, the headmistress is an arrogant, nasty woman who obviously hates foreigners. The couple of foreign teachers complained they have to continuously fight for their salaries and are just used as a front in order to coax foreign parents to the school. My daughter did not have any art teacher for her 'A' level studies and I struggled to get a refund for the subject. What an awful, disorganized and horrible school!

Shopping in Angeles City

There are large supermarkets dotted all around the city and there are numerous markets with fresh produce. Shopping malls, with all the latest gear, as well as nice affordable gear are found in most areas.

Public Transportation

Taxis are rare to find, but public transport (jeepneys and trikes) offer fare prices. It's safe to drive in them and it can be quite an adventure!

Climate

It's almost always hot, but it does cool down in the evenings. Typhoons blow in on occasion, but there are always public warnings to keep the public informed of the dangers.

Restaurants and Nightlife

All hotels have nice restaurants and local canteens offer inexpensive dishes. Korea Town has a wide choice of Korean, Japanese, Italian, Filipino restaurants and offer the best service in town.

What are local hospitals and emergency services like?

There are many Govt. and private hospitals dotted around the city and offer reasonably good facilities. Unfortunately, due to the xenophobia of most of the nurses, one has to put up with their ignorance and nastiness.

Recreational Activities in Angeles City

There's a great golf club and driving range in the CutCut area and it's patronized by expats and locals alike. All top hotels have swimming pools that offer daily rates to casual visitors and many have a kids play area. All suburbs have a football/ sports pitches, but are not always well maintained. Unfortunately, there are few sports clubs.

Residency and Visa Requirements

Most passports are given a three month visa on arrival and one can arrange longer stays through the many visa agents found in most hotels.

Crime in Angeles City, Philippines

Crime is relatively low, but foreigners must take heed when out at night in quiet dark areas. Also, be careful when withdrawing large amounts from the bank, as robbers take advantage of customers who are not aware of their environment.