×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Cebu, Philippines | What do expats find most challenging? | Digital Nomad Exchange
Digital Nomad Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Cebu, Philippines

What do expats find most challenging?

Answer this Question

We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Cebu. They wrote...

"Expats in Cebu often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken in the area. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the pace of life to be slower than what they are accustomed to, and the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to," wrote a member who made the move to Cebu, Philippines.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

"Very heavy traffic. There's a lit of poverty, which means run down buildings, bad roads, etc. Some things I want to buy are hard to find. Mostly food items. Like I really had to search to find salsa. Strawberries and blueberries are hard to find and expensive when you can find them. Water service here is unreliable, but everyone in my neighborhood has a big water tank so when the water is on, it fills, and when its off, you use what's in the tank. We've never emptied the tank. Electric often has brief power failures, but its always come back in an hour it's two. Have get to have a power failure that lasted more than two hours. Long lines and slow service at government offices and banks -- but service at most other place s is good. There are lots of beggars. I struggle with whether to give them anything. I prefer to give to established charities who hopefully can tell who is really needy. Some exists complain that they are charged a "skin tax" -- prices at informal markets are higher for foreigners. I figure they're still cheap, so so what? one a cab driver overcharged me by 50 pedos. That's $1. I just gave it to him. If he goes home smugly satisfied that he cheated that gullible foreigner out of $1, let him enjoy his victory," explained one expat living in Cebu, Philippines.

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Cebu, newcomers to Cebu would love to hear your answer to this question.


Cebu, Philippines
AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides