PH ranked 24th best place to live according to expats

To obtain the ranking, the participating expats had to consider living, career opportunity, and family as the three major factors. (Pixabay photo)

According to a Forbes article referring to the 2019 HSBC Expat’s annual survey, the Philippines has been ranked number 24 as the best place to live and work, specifically determined by 18,000 expats part of 163 markets.

To obtain the ranking, the participating expats had to consider living, career opportunity, and family as the three major factors.

Forbes explained, “The Philippines jumped up the rankings from 26th place last year. That may come as a surprise to some for a couple of reasons. One of them is that the Philippines has a reputation for sending its own people overseas in droves rather than attracting foreigners who want to live and work there.”

The HSBC specified, “With its tropical climate and steadily growing economy, the Philippines is quickly becoming one of the most popular expat destinations in Southeast Asia,” adding, “The country is set to become another economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia.” The report elaborated, “Manila is a cheaper place to live than Singapore and Bangkok. Most expats who move to the Philippines live in Manila – and many find it easy to adjust to life in this bustling modern city with its blend of Western influences and traditional charm.”

Forbes believes that the weather and economic opportunities surprisingly triumph the presence of a drug war in the country under President Rodrigo Duterte, stating, “Apparently, that isn’t what foreign expats are concerned about. They find it easy to relocate to a country of friendly people and a reasonable cost of living.”

The number one spot in ranking was Switzerland, with Singapore, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Germany, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam following. The United States was just above the Philippines by one spot at 23rd, while China took ranking number 26.