What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Cebu. They wrote...
"English is widely spoken in Cebu. Probably 90% of the people surely understand but some may be shy to speak English (nose bleed it's called) Challenges are: transportation in rainy weather, slow paced lifestyle (for patience challenged), crowded lines, polluted air & lack of trash collection in city, religious customs guiding culture, law & politics (all respect) confronting poverty, pick pockets & beggars. Adjusting yourself to these," said another expat in Cebu, Philippines.
"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," wrote a member who made the move to Cebu, Philippines.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Cebu?
- What do I need to know before moving to Cebu?
- How do I find a place to live in Cebu?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Cebu?
- What is the average cost of housing in Cebu?
- How do I meet people in Cebu?
- What should I pack when moving to Cebu?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Cebu?
- Will I be able to find a job in Cebu?
- What is life like in Cebu?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Cebu?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Cebu?
- What is the social scene like in Cebu?
- What advice to expats in Cebu have about housing?
- What are medical services in Cebu like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Cebu?
- Is the cost of living in Cebu high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Cebu?
- Why do people move to Cebu?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Cebu, newcomers to Cebu would love to hear your answer to this question.