Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

I live in Davao City, and here is what I think about the place

Davao City, How to Move to the Philippines / by

I got an e-mail from a friend overnight. He told me that he was planning to retire in the Philippines next year, and he is thinking of living in Baguio City when he comes. Somebody told him about Davao, and he decided that maybe he should consider it before deciding too quickly. He knew that I live in Davao, so he decided to ask my opinion. I thought I’d share my response to him, since the topic is relevant to our discussion here.

Let me say first, though, that I have not lived in Baguio, so I am not criticising Baguio, I am only telling what I think about Davao. Here is what I had to say:

I have lived in Davao City for almost 5 years now. All I can say is that I love it here! I believe that Davao City is the best place to live in the Philippines. I have talked to other ex-pats living here, and they all feel the same way too.

There is such a variety here, I don’t see a way that anybody could dislike it! A few examples of life in Davao:

  • We are outside the typhoon belt, no typhoon has ever hit Davao City.
  • It is rare to even have rain during the day, but it rains probably 250 nights per year, after dark. Everything is green and lush, yet you get to enjoy the sunshine almost every day.
  • You can literally have brunch at the beach, then spend the afternoon on the country’s highest mountain on the same day!
  • While the city is large, it is not crowded like Manila or Cebu. In terms of size, Davao City is the largest city in the world! Yet, the population is small enough that you don’t have traffic problems and such.
  • We are a big enough city that you can readily get western foods and other items that an ex-pat would desire to make your life more comfortable.
  • If you are thinking of going to Baguio for the weather, we have that here too! Just a short trip of an hour and you are in Bukidnon, up in the coolness of the mountains! There have been times in years past when it has been so cool in the mountains of Bukidnon that there was ice on the road!
  • While Davao enjoys many of the amenities that you will find in large cities like Manila, the prices here are much lower than Baguio or Manila! You can live here for about 1/3 of the price that the same lifestyle would cost in Manila!
  • You can be anywhere in the Philippines in less than 2 hours with a cheap flight from Davao International Airport. For under $100 you should be able to fly to any destination in the Philippines! Baguio airport has always had problems with flights – short runway, tough path to the airport, etc. – and flights to Manila are not daily. From Davao to Manila, there are at least a half dozen flights per day, on 4 different airlines!

[note: at this point, my friend had asked about the DDS, which is an acronym for “Davao Death Squad” a group of vigilantes who go after criminals in town, primarily drug dealers. Although it is not officially acknowledged, it is known on the streets that the DDS kills many of these types of criminals.]

Yes, Davao is a law and order town. In my opinion, that is an advantage. The DDS does deal with criminals and keep the streets clean. However, I have never heard of a foreigner having problems with the DDS. I suspect that if a foreigner got into some trouble, they would be given a warning by the DDS to leave town. I have never heard of any problem, though. Yes, there have been a few instances where the DDS has killed the wrong person, but only rarely. It is not something that worries me. Crime would be worse without the DDS. As it is now, Davao City has the lowest crime rate in the country.

Another thing – there is a LOT to do in Davao! There are a lot of resorts around the area (especially on Samal Island), there are the mountains too. Fruits are abundant here, with many varieties of fruit that are not available in other parts of the country (unless you pay a premium for fruit shipped in from here). There are places like Eden Nature Park, the Philippine Eagle Conservatory, Malagos Gardens, GAP Farming, the Crocodile Park, and other such places to visit and learn.

You won’t get bored in Davao, I know that for sure. Before living here, I lived for 2 years in General Santos City, and I was indeed bored there, not much to do.

We have lots of big shopping malls here too – SM, NCCC, Victoria Plaza, Gaisano City Mall, Gaisano South Mall, Chimes, etc. Plenty of shopping for the wife! 😉

All in all, I recommend Davao City highly. I can’t imagine living anywhere else in the country!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. hello… i like ur blog… davao is so great.. we all know.. that.. its just a good thing that a lot of people loves davao..
    thank u… by the way i live in davao too…

  3. Hi Bob, I love your Davao site, I lived there for six months when I went to the Philippines to marry my wife Emmy. Of the many pinoy cities I visited, I loved Davao the best and am tempted to return in retirement even for 3 – 4 months every year.Keep up the good work and hope that it will entice even more non pinoys to settle there. Thanks, Eddy.

  4. Hi Eddy – I agree with everything you said, except that maybe it would be better if not too many ousiders settled here. It might change the place too much! 😉

  5. hi bob, i am an OFW. i really like your blog…..i'll be back in davao middle of next year…..sorting out on how to make a living in davao….your blog inspire me…..a spanish friend of mine will retire in davao…she will build a small resort and some business but i am not suppose to tell…hehe….for sure i will show off your blog…..and if that business push thro i hope we can meet and help her promote it…..i am so glad we have you promoting davao….your are such an angel…….i post your article here if you dont mind… http://www.vizmin.com/index.php?topic=10.540 and here http://www.vizmin.com/index.php?topic=288.45
    keep it up bob!:cool::cool::wink:

  8. Hello Bob. I am reading about Davao and the Philippines for some time now and i am so impressed with your comments. I would love to do the same (relocate from South Africa) – but i am a single woman – considering taking early retirment from the rat race – but i have no one in Davao – to 'hold onto' just to make this big move. I am a travel coordinator/tourist guide in SA – and need someone – just to give me confidence to take the big step. I visited Manila a few weeeks ago – but were not able to go further (unfortuanately as my contact in Manila could not accompany me).
    Any information/comments would be so welcome.
    Kind regards
    Myra

  9. Hi Myra – I lived in South Africa for a couple years when I was a child. We lived in Germiston. I hope I can return there someday!

    Davao is much nicer than Manila, in my opinion! You should really come for a visit and check it out. You don't need somebody to come with you, it's a nice place with no real danger. When you get here, I would be happy to take you around the City and show you around, it would be my pleasure!

    • Hi Bob I know this is an old post. I just wanted to write to you about life there now and how things are. I am 50, Canadian born and raised white. Grew up poor on a farm in Nova Scotia now living in Calgary Alberta. I have a friend she lives about 3 hrs North of Davao. I am torn because I want to buy a fixer upper house near a decent beach and start a business at home. Not sure yet what to do for a business so I am open to current ideas. My girl has no real knowledge of real estate there even if she has relatives living there in Davao. Any suggestions where NOT to buy or best under rated place to buy. I read your post from 06 where you have advice to someone considering moving there. Has much changed since? Any advice you can give I would appreciate. I plan to arrive mid December and stay till April. Buy a car or van and take my time to get a feel. Looking to rent a house at first too. Last year in Bohol Alona beach I rented a duplex fixed both sides, to have a cheap rent 1700\side and added WiFi then rented one side out per night\week.
      Thanks Steve

      • Hi Steve – I have been living in Davao for about 16 years now, and I still love living here. Not everything is perfect, but that is true anywhere in the world!

        If you are looking for some type of business to get into where you can earn an income here, I would recommend that you check out my book – 49 Ways to Make a Living in the Philippines – it is available in Paperback or eBook, whichever is best for you. That book details 49 ways that I have used myself to earn my living here in the Philippines, so I know that they work and are not expensive to get into.

        I just want to make sure that you understand, you cannot buy a house here, even a fixer-upper, because you are not a citizen. The Constitution forbids non-citizens from buying real property in the country. So, just keep that in mind.

        When I moved here in 2000, I bought an SUV and used it for about 10 years, then it sat in my driveway for about 4 years until I sold it at the beginning of this year. I sold it because I did not drive anymore. I use the public transportation which is cheap and gets you around just fine. So, that is my recommendation, unless you just have to have your own car.

        Whatever you decide to do, I hope it works out sell for you!

  12. hi bob. i grew up and finished university in davao but because of the window of opportunity, i migrated in manila. i've never been there for the last 7 years. felt alienated when i came across ur blog, so many nature spots that i didn't know about, but they will surely be added in my memory bank. my korean friends wanted to visit there next. week. i'll start touring them in the butterfly house and crocodile park. thanks for the info.:razz:

  13. Hi mabs – I hope you enjoy your visit to Davao! I am sure your Korean friends will like the City!

  15. eret – there is crime in every corner of the world. I don't find the Philippines to be worse in the respect than any other country I have lived in.

  16. hola, bobi'm sebastian, spanish and married to a davaoeña. i have stayed in davao for nearly a year, i got married there and had our first child there.our priority now is to invest on a real estate in davao and plan our future retirement there. if i may add some more information regarding davao, the prestige of the universities there like ateneo de davao and u.p mindanao and phil. science, among others are among the top/best universities not just in the philippines but in asia as well. i agree about the security and how safe one feels in davao city, owing to the strict and efficient management of the honorable mayor rodrigo duterte. saludos from spain! hope we get to meet in our upcoming retirement!

  17. Hi basti – Nice to meet you! Yes, I have to agree with you about the schools here in Davao! Whenever you get back to Davao be sure to give me a shout!

  18. Thank you for such glowing comments on my beloved Davao. 😀 I am a third generation Davoeña and have no doubt this is the only place I call home!

  19. Hi Dr. Debbie – It's my pleasure! I love Davao myself. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else in the world at this time in my life!

  20. Hi Bob! I've seen your site before and I have read lots of good information. Well, I am a bona-fide DABAWENYA! I was born and grew up there. But I have to work in Kuwait as my family's here. But I always come home to Davao occasionaly. I was there during the KADAYAWAN Festival 2007. I always promote our city to my friends here in Kuwait; to my fellow Filipinos and most especially to my Western friends i.e. Americans and British alike. And I was supposed to bring 2 friends with me for the recent Kadayawan festival but unfortunately, one of them is a Military personnel and there's currently a travel ban for them and the other was traveling back to the US. But anyhow, they are still very interested to visit Davao in the near future and also would love to invest businesses and buy properties. And this is a good thing as Tourism is booming in Davao and that would mean good business!

    On the other hand, I salute your love and support in promoting Davao City by creating a very interesting Website. Imagine, a foreigner promoting Davao! this in itself a Powerful Testimonial, a promotion at its best! And for this we owe you a lot! Enjoy and hope you will never get tired of broadcasting the good news about Davao. I love this city not just the place but the people living in there and there's no place like it.

    MDAYAW!!!

  21. Hi Precy May – Thanks for visiting! I hope that all of your friends will visit Davao and see what a nice place it is!

  22. Hi Bob!

    This is a comment 3 years too late lol. I’m a Pinoy OFW working in Saudi Arabia and as shameful as it may seem to admit, I have never been to Davao, hell, I have never been to Mindanao! But, I was able to go to Visayas, Cebu and Surigao before and that was a looooong time ago. I’m a Manileno, born and raised in Manila by the way. Anyhow, I just want to thank you for promoting our country, I used “our” because you are a true Pinoy by heart, and thru your posts I’m convincing my wife to travel to Davao instead of going to Singapore on my next vacation next year…heheheh

    • Hi jonathan – no comment is ever too late! 😆 Hey, if you’ve been to Surigao, then you have been to Mindanao! Surigao is in the North Eastern part of Mindanao!

      • yeah, but most of the people i know (at least my matriarchal family) don’t consider themselves Mindanaoans, lol…i dunno why

  23. i live outside of Clinan about 26k from Davao but i go there often to shop, easy ride from my home and a lot of shops and malls there

  24. Hi Bob,

    I started at the beginning of this thread but don’t think you mentioned something that my girlfriend mentioned just the other day. She told me that Davao water quality has been rated as 2nd best in the entire world by the WHO! Who would have thought it?
    Anyway, love your various articles. I’m looking forward to visiting Davao for the first time in the next month or two. I lived in Luzon for a year a LOOONG time ago, and I will always maintain a residence in the States, but I would like to eventually start splitting my time evenly between the States and Davao. You, my friend, will be helping me in this process through your business ideas and articles. I truly do hope to meet you someday!

    Best Regards,
    Michael

  25. Looks like a good place to stay. I visited Davao 20+ years ago when I was in Grade 6 🙂 I just happened to reach your site when I Google about Davao because I am planning to look for a place for my retirement 🙂

    I am also considering Baguio but problem is the travel from there to Manila or any place. It ‘feel’ that Baguio is isolated because it will take painful hours to go in and out of the place.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Davao.

  26. Great write up. Is it still valid? Do you know anyone still living there? Do you still live there? Curious what conditions are like today as I’m considering relocating there for 6mos. to a year.

    This may be a silly question, but how easy it to get high speed internet access there?

    Thanks for all your help and keeping up over the years.

    • I still live in Davao, and yes the article is still valid. I have lived in Davao for the past 11 years. I have internet through Globe (DSL), and can generally get about 5 Mbps.

  27. We currently live in America my wife is from Davao we have only been married 2 years so she is currently waiting on her permanent green card or we would be in Davao now but I am finally getting to my question do you need to get drivers license in Philippines and if so can you tell me the process? And would it be wise for me to get them?
    Thanks Bob
    Your friend
    Dale

    • Hi Dale – You are under no obligation to get a driver’s license in the Philippines. If you don’t want to drive, no reason to get a driver’s license. If you wish to drive in the Philippines, then you would need to get a driver’s license here, though. You can use your US license when you first arrive, but within 90 days you must get a Philippine Driver’s license, if you wish to continue driving. Here is an article that I wrote earlier this year about how to renew a driver’s license in the Philippines. The procedure is about the same as getting your original Philippine Driver’s License.

  28. Hi Bob
    This is Bob, wondering if an Architect/ Cad Drafter can make a small living in Davao and what are the Building Codes like. I am in Miami presently. The codes here are strict because of hurricanes. My wife and I will live there within 5 years (hopefully). Can an expat start a small resturant there and if so what would the Davao people like to eat.
    Burgers and Babybacks? Mexican, Italian? I make the best babybacks in Miami, not by my judge but everyone who comes to our home to eat.
    All the best
    Bob

    • Hi Bob – Thanks for stopping by and for leaving your comment.

      If you want to do architectural work in Davao, what I would recommend is serving clients back in the States, using the internet. That is going to be the best way for you to make a decent living. I do not believe that you would be able to do that type of work in the Philippine market, because as a non-citizen of the Philippines, I do not believe you would be eligible to be licensed here.

      Zoning? Building codes? Ha ha.. you gotta be joking! What little zoning there is is not really enforced.

      An expat cannot own a restaurant. You did not say if your wife is still a Philippine citizen. If she is, or can reacquire her Philippine citizenship, then it could be owned in her name. There is always a market for good food! When you get here, let me know, and I will sample your baby back ribs, to give you a better idea if you can make it on those! 😉

  29. Hi, How do you foreign people have a income in davao city or how do you survive there?

    greetz

    • Some have pensions, others work. I am self employed with companies in the USA, and I work over the Internet. It just depends on the person.

  30. Hi Bob

    I find your site interesting and informative thanks we are planing to come to Davao in October and staying 3 months is there a problem or difficulty in an American getting a extension to stay that long will appreciate any information you can give

    Thanks
    Dale

    • Hi Dale, no that won’t be any problem at all. You can extend up to 16 months with no hassles. Here is another thought.. you say “we” are coming, so I will assume that is you and your wife. Is your wife a Philippine Citizen, or former Philippine Citizen? If so, you are eligible for a Balikbayan Visa when you enter the country, which will automatically give you a 1 year stay in the country totally free.

  31. Hi Bob

    My wife is a Philippine Citizen so can you tell us or where we need to go to get this
    Balikbayan Visa we really appreciate your help.

    ( we don’t mean to hinder you in your work we just need information
    Thanks once again
    Dale

    • Hi Dale – Simply ask for the Balikbayan Privilege when you go through immigration at the airport. Be sure that you have your marriage certificate and you must be with your wife when you pass through, or else you will not be eligible.

      • Bob

        Thanks for your feed back and information great help maybe when we get there we could get together for lunch:
        take care

  32. comming over in about September going to be looking for a small home 2 bed 2 bath out side of the city will be getting married soon after I arrive . need a safe and cheap place. could you possibly advise were to best look around $250.00 us a mo is about all I can afford ., harry

  33. Hi Bob

    Silly question but since I like to grill out a lot can you tell me if you can find american charcoal in Davao city made of hickory or mesquite. Thanks for your help
    Dale

    • There are a few places where you can buy US charcoal (I see it at S & R), but frankly, why? You will pay a huge price for it. Figure 3 or 4 times what you would pay in the USA. You can get local charcoal for a fraction of the cost of what you pay for charcoal in the States. I am particularly fond of charcoal made from coconut shells. It really gives a nice flavor to the meat. You are moving out of the USA.. stretch your wings a bit and try some of the non-US products! 😉

      Take care, Dale.

      • I understand and to each it’s own but it makes the meat taste a sweet taste I prefer the the more woodsy for taste(American sorry ha ha) for a better word thanks for the feed back Take care always will be there in late October
        Dale

  34. Hi,
    I like your site, was just perusing it because I have a job offer with a school out in Davao and I was wondering what I might expect if I take them up on it.

    I taught English in Japan for the last 7 years, and I am now back stateside… and already looking to get back out there and get back into Asia. I have heard good things about the Philippines, and I am wondering if it might be the next place that I want to hit up in my adventures across asia, teaching all the English to all the smiling faces that I can.

    Any thoughts or comments on the teaching community if you have any insight, I would love to hear it.

    • Hi Dan T. – I think you would like living in and teaching in Davao. It’s a nice place. Overall, my only real advice would be to make sure the school that is pursuing you takes care of getting you the proper work visa and work permits so that you can do the job legally. It sounds, though, like that would be all taken care of. Good luck to you.

  35. Hi Bob,
    I’m a retired Brit looking for a place to settle. Researching the Philippines, Davos appears to be a favourable location.
    My interest are golf, cycling, sailing, scuba diving, restaurants and socializing. Where would you suggest I look for a suitable area to reside?
    Thank you for your Blog it was my stimulus for focusing on Davos.
    Regards
    Ben

    • Hi Ben – Nice to meet you. Firstly, I just want to be clear… You mentioned “Davos” – Davos is in Switzerland, whereas the place where I live is Davao, in the Philippines. Just want to be sure we are both on the same page here…

      For many of your interests, being water based, you might want to live near the Gulf, but then again, some of your interests are not water based. Really, anywhere you live in the City would be fine, it is not that far to get to any of the types of activities you mention. I live in the South Central part of the City, which I think is great because we are very centrally located, and it is so very convenient. But, as long as you stay in the City, not venture too far out, you will be fine and be close enough to all activities.

  36. Hi Bob, How you doing? I have a couple questions for you. I’m a 45 year old single guy on a pension that makes around 1500 bucks a month Canadian. Right now it’s minus -30 degree’s Celsius here and I have had enough of this cold up in Canada can’t stand it anymore. Anyways I am looking to leave Canada for 6 months every winter and I’m wondering if I could live down there on this amount? Also what would be the best way of finding an apartment there? Just going there then looking or try to do it from here? Sorry for all the questions but never been there before and I have no clue of how to get this all done by next winter. I have been non stop looking on the net for information but everybody says different things so it’s hard to figure it all out. Any help would be greatly appreciated…Thanks for you time…….. Dave

    • Hello Dave,

      Thanks for writing!In terms of looking for an apartment or house, just wait and do that when you get here. Internet prices for housing here are way over inflated compared to what you can find in person.

      You should do fine on $1500 per month.

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $7.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $49. I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  37. I have my boyfriend,he is from Atlanta Georgia,I just want to ask if there is any organization that can help him so that he can know more about Davao City,and how to live there?hope you can respond to this bob..thanks

    • If he has questions about Davao he can either write to me via our Contact form, or leave comments on this site, and I will answer for him. I do ask that they are specific questions, though, not just very general things like “tell me about Davao” – those are very hard to answer, as I would have no idea what information he is looking for.

  38. Hi Bob, I’m going to Davao for the first time ever in December. It’s the first time I’ll be visiting my Girlfriend, how do locals view English people? Also is it better to take money or bank card there. Thanks Bob

    • Hi Richard J – Generally speaking… foreigners are like rock stars. You will be well received here and looked out for. In the Philippines, cash is king. Bank cards are more widely accepted than they once were, but a lot of places still take only cash. You will be able to use your cards at some places, but be sure to have cash on hand as well.

      Enjoy your time here in Davao!

      • Thanks Bob, I’m a little nervous as I’m not one for the limelight, however I’ll be meeting my girlfriends whole family so I’m sure I’ll have to get used to been looked at. Thanks for the advice. Do you know of any romantic get away in the city, someplace I can take my girlfriend for the day. Thanks again.

        • Hello again, Richard. I would suggest a nice day trip over to Samal Island. If you want to get a little fancy, there is a 5 Star resort over there called “Pearl Farm” and they have a package where you can take the boat over for lunch and spend some time at the resort, returning to the city in the late afternoon. If you want to watch the budget, take her over to Samal, to Paradise Island resort, it is more budget friendly and still nice, albeit more “touristy”.

  39. Hi Bob,
    Ran across you while seeking info about retiring in Davao City. My wife is from the Philippines and is in the process of applying for dual citizenship. I am retired from the US Army. We are looking for a step by step process to get me there on retired status. All kinds of info available on the web but nothing specific step by step reference to a retirement visa. Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
    Gene

    • Hello Gene,

      Thanks for writing!

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $7.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $49. I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  40. HI Bob,

    I am thinking of moving to Davao but I like to swim laps so I was wondering if the city has an olympic size pool that is available to the public. I have google-researched but got no relevant hits.

    Thanks. Love your relaxed and optimistic site.

    Larry

  42. hello bob, great website! I have read several comments on your blog from 2006 to present. the site is packed with much searching. I will do more of a review when time permits. it seems to be unanimous that all the comments are favorable. I would also appreciate hearing the negative remarks, be what they may.
    my Filipina wife, 10 year old son and I will becoming in march to visit Davao City. subject to us feeling that Davao measures up as good as all that have written comments in addition to my other searches, I will on this trip purchase a home.
    we will becoming in march because it appears to be the driest month and probably best to see the city. I would enjoy meeting you and have you and your family join us as our guests for dinner.
    we are currently living in las Vegas for the last 4 years. we moved to the states after having a stroke. I have exhausted all available remedies in the states for my handicapped condition. thus our motive for returning to the Philippines.
    I look forward to hearing from you with any suggestions and recommendations.

    Richard jay

    • Hi Richard – Thanks for visiting and commenting! Of course, all comments are welcome as long as they are not spam or attacks. So, if anybody’s opinion about Davao differs from mine, they are free to share! 🙂

      Personally, I would strongly advise against purchasing a home in the Philippines, at least for a few years after you move here. A LOT of people move here, then can’t stand living here, and end up losing a LOT of money on the home that they just had to buy. Rent for a few years until you are certain.

      Davao weather is the same throughout the year. No month is really wetter than the other months, so there is no reason to wait until any certain month for a visit. That is different from much of the rest of the country, but that is just how Davao weather is.

      Good luck to you with your pending move!

      • hello bob, thanks for your reply and advice. I have lived in the Philippines for 12 years in Pampanga. my wife and I have decided to rent a home and give Davao city a try for a year. your suggestion helped conclude our decision. our plan of coming in march has not been changed.
        are you able to make some recommendations for doctors, lawyers and realtors.
        I look forward to meeting you. we will initially stay at a hotel. I will let you know when and where we are staying after I complete my itinerary.
        richard

  46. Hi, Bob. I’m a Filipino but lived most of my adult life in the US. I am now retired and looking to retire in the Philippines. I have never been to Davao or Palawan but I have those two in my mind. Would you be kind to make comparison.
    My considerations would be:
    1. Medical Access
    2. Peace – noise pollution
    3. Living in the Suburbs vs. City
    4. Environmental – air quality
    5. Peace and order you made it clear that it is much safer than most US Cities.

    Thank you and God Bless.

    • HI Roger,

      Thanks for stopping by my site.

      It is difficult for me to compare Davao vs. Palawan, because I have never been to Palawan (yet). Also, keep in mind that Palawan is a complete island, and Davao is a city on an island, so it is a bit like comparing apples vs oranges. But, I will give it my best effort for you.

      1. Medical Access – Davao would win hands down. Palawan is a fairly remote area, and while I believe that you can get basic medical care, you will have to travel elsewhere for any kind of serious procedure. Davao has excellent medical care available, especially heart care, Davao had a relatively new heart center which is one of the most advanced in the entire contry.

      2. Peace – I would guess that Palawan would win, especially if you are well out in the province, since Davao is a large city. But, if you like in the right area of Davao, noise is not an issue either.

      3. I don’t think that there are “suburbs” in Palawan. Davao offers many choices of city or suburb dwelling, whatever is right for you.

      4. Environmental. Certainly Palawan would have the win on this. Davao has good clean air and such, but it can’t compare to a “fairly” unlived area like Palawan.

      5. Peace and Order. There is no place in the Philippines safer than Davao City. There was a recent study in which Davao was ranked as one of the safest cities in the entire world.

      Good luck with your decision.

  47. Hi Bob

    Nice brief about Davao and the discussion that followed I must say. I am sending my son to persue medicine degree at DMSF from India and was lil apprehensive about the city. Thanx for the comprehensive info and great visiting ur site. Will love to stay connected and meet u once in Davao. Regards….Arvind

      • Thanx Buddy

        Would love to meet u if I happened to b in Davao. God speed, please keep up the gr8 work.

        Regards

        Arvind

    • ARVIND,
      I LIVE IN DAVAO AND MY PLACE IS NEAR DMSF AREA, AND I SEE LOTS OF INDIAN NATIONALITY STUDIED THAT UNIVERSITY. SO NO WORRIES

      ARMAN

  48. Bob,

    I am married here in the states to a woman from Davao. I am 62, and about to retire in the next year or two, and move back there with her. She already has a house and car in Ladislawa Village. I am looking to have a simple life and enjoy my years. Where is a good source to get info about what I have to do to become a long time resident there. Thanks for your help!

    Tom

    • Hi Tom M,

      Thanks for writing!

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $4.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $39.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  49. Hello Bob…I have a question for you…

    I will be coming to the Philippines on Oct 20 next month for the first time ever & i be staying for 33 days there, I also be going to Davao, Boracay, Manila, Pampanga Angeles, & Iloilo city, and in each city i be staying in 3 to 5 star hotels along with 1 girl in each city staying in hotel with me for 4 or 5 days my friends…

    My question is how much money should i bring with me? Some people say i only need $1500, other say $6000….

    I know the fun Activities, food, drinks is cheap, but me booking flights to those 5 city’s & staying in 5-7 hotels in those city’s with 1 friend each hotel for 4-5 days makes me wonder.

    How much money should i really bring with me to do all that? or are there any sites that can help with a amount i might need to bring?

    I’m thinking maybe $4000-$5000 dollars but want to be sure.

    • Hi Carlos – The people who say you need $1500 are right. The people who say you need $6000 are also right. Truth is, both answers are right, it just depends on your preferences. You say 3 to 5 star hotels. If you stay in mostly 5 star hotels you probably need more like the $6k. If you stay in the 3 star places, $1500 to $2000 is more like it.

      • Wow that was a fast reply lol thanks for your answer…

        Do you know the best Filipino hotels booking sites & Flight site for getting to one city to another in Philippines?

        • Hi Carlos – Except for Manila, Cebu and Davao, few Filipino hotels really do online booking and such. Since I live here, I have never had the need to book online for Philippine travel, so I can’t really recommend which sites are best.

          • It ok i find one name http://www.agoda.com/….had the best hotels deal i seen & wanted to put it on here just in case someone else wanted to know…But thanks…

            Well i guess i better market my work from home business little more set for i need $6000…

            Are you on Facebook by the way?

  50. Hi Mr Bob, Have a good day there; i am just got married to filipina that i couldnt bring her to my country. i have plan to make her continue her study In Doctors college in Davao rather than Manila (she is not from Davao). my question is what is the best area to rent a house or apartment (spacious) in Davao? i have searched through internet to look for rent accomodation but i am so confused since i dont have enough information about Davao!!! your advice is highly apperciated and thanks in advance my dear….

  51. Hi Bob.
    Do the banks in Davao provide Safety Deposit Boxes ?
    The reason for asking this question is, that I want to safely store my Passport and other important documents. The last thing I want when I make my move, is to lose, misplaced or have these documents stolen…would rather have cash stolen.

    Have seen plenty of properties for rent in Davao on the internet, but I feel that these would have inflated prices….be nice if to know what 15,000 to 20,000peso a month could get me and how secure the place can be.

  52. Hello Bob,

    Been going through your site and the high praises you’ve shared about Davao City.
    Would like to ask you more questions via e-mail if possible.

    More power and thanks in any case.

    Cheers!

  54. Hi Bob,I’m a Hungarian born who moved to Australia at 32 years of age.Now retired living in Cebu for two years with my Philippino wife of nine years.I find Cebu corrupt to the core poor President has a big job,honostly hope he’ll survive this.Thinking to move to Davao,my question is it cooler than Cebu (probably higher lands) do like room at least a 1000sqm land,build a native house on.Any idea which area would suit me.Obviusly outside of city but close.Would you please advice some area,I’m no reach somewhere in middle.Thanks for caring for Philippines and sharing with all the JOES.Cheers.

    • You might consider checking out the Buda area, which is along the Davao-Bukidnon highway, on the way to Cagayan de Oro. It is mountainous, and much cooler there. Very rural. It sounds like what you are looking for!

      Good luck.

  55. Hey bob I’m in subic. Good internet here I work online. But far from nice beaches here. Need home fibre and a house near the beach good sand and swimming… is that even possible 🙂

    • I believe it is probably possible somewhere in the country. Here in Davao City, if you want to be near the very nice beaches, that would be over on Samall Island. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get good internet over there though.

      • It’s really impossible so far to find fibre internet by the sea subic is the closest I found to date. Clean air. No traffic here. Privet. . I’m thinking davao would have some offices or other areas co working spaces where I could work. I’m going to fly for a visit and see samal it sounds perfect. Thank you your post has given me a wake up call.

  56. Hi Bob,
    I’ve read that fibre Internet reached Davao City last month. Do you know if it is widely available within city limits just yet? Many thanks!

        • You are talking apples and oranges, fibre is a product from PLDT. The PLDT fiber has been in Davao City for about three years now. Fiber is a Globe product that became available in the last six months or so when the new cable came in across the Pacific Ocean. They are both fiber products but are from two different companies and became available at two different times.

          • I see. I see. Thank you for this clarification. Is one company’s product superior to the other? Through online research, I see that PLDT offers fibre up to 200mbps for about 6000php per month. I’m looking to start an Internet based business in Davao City, but am nervous about the reliability of the local Internet. Do you think fiber/fibre will be more reliable than DSL?

            • As I said, no Fiber (or Fibre) is available in my neighborhood yet, so I can’t compare the two or give a report on either one of them. I have two different DSL accounts (one with Globe and the other with SkyCable) both are pretty reliable and quite fast.

  57. Hi Bob! I have a contact (family member) scouting out locations for a small office for my business. The owner of one site wants to charge 3 months rent as a security deposit up front (on top of the first month’s rent). Does this seem high to you or pretty standard for the area?

      • It’s just a nice, bare bones room (21 sqm) in a secure 24/7 building near SM Mall. Only going to have a couple of people and a couple of computers in there. Thanks for your reply. Hopefully my deposit doesn’t just get eaten. I know that’s always a possibility. Have a great day!

  58. I understand that two Canadians were kidnapped on Samal island, yet, you list Samal Island resorts with the ‘things to do’ commentary. Why?

  59. Hi Bob, people nicked name me Chief, so I”ll go with that, anyway, I’m little confused about cost of living, will I be able to live a pretty good life in Davao, on 2,000.00 American dollars a month, I want to move there 1-year from now is when I”ll receive my full retirement, I haven’t been to P.I. in 15-years when I was in the Navy.

      • Hey Bob, What is the city like now, compared to when you wrote this article? I am in the US and been talking with a lady from the surrounding area. She currently working in Tagum. I plan to visit PI next year(2018). I am concerned because I am always reading travel warnings for Mindanao. She assures me it is safe, but has also mention if we were to live in the province where her family has land that I would probably subject to some form of extortion from some folks living around the area. I plan on at least a month long visit and plan to visit several places. Right now Davao (or anywhere on Mindanao for that matter) isn’t on my list of places to visit. That may well change based on your current assessment of the safety of the city & surrounding areas. also do you have any knowledge of Tagum and the safety there?
        Thanks Bob!

        • The travel warnings for this area are pure BS. Davao is as awesome as ever.

          I could never live in Tagum, it is simply too provincial.

          If you are going to the Philippines, Davao is considered the safest large city here, so if it is safety you are looking for this is the place to be.

          Tagum is safe too, but Davao is safer. Rural areas are less safe.

  60. Hello Bob,
    I am in the phase of evaluating places in the PI for retirement living. I visited Cebu and the air pollution triggers my allergies and asthma. So i’m writing to get some information on the air quality in the Davao and environs, since there are reports saying that Davao is a relatively less polluted city.
    Would appreciate any feedback on this point.
    Regards,
    Les

    • Hi Les – I find Davao to be great, the environment is for me, but the only way you can know if it is OK for you is to make a visit here. If you do, look me up, I’d be glad to meet you.

      Take care.

  61. I currently live and enjoy living in Dumaguete City. How do you compare the two cities. Is there an ocean or boardwalk close by? Is the airport and pier close by too? What would you say the cost for a two bedroom furnished apartment in a nice safe area would cost per month? We have a great immigration office here in Duma. How is yours? I would appreciate your reply and look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you in advance, Michael

    • Hi Micheal – To be honest, it is hard to compare because I have never been to Dumaguete. The things that friends have told me show me that it would not be of interest. Just too many foreigners there.

      To answer the qustions…

      Davao is right on the Davao Gulf, so yeah, we are on the water. There is something very similar to a boardwalk, but it is cement so I would not classify it as a “board” walk. LoL

      The airport and wharf are in the middle of the city, so yes, close.

      I can’t really say the price of the apartment, because it depends on personal choice in what you want. For example, I have a close friend who has a small 1 BR condo, but it is in the nicest condo complex in the city, it is P45k/month. I also have friends who live in apartments at around 7k per month. I would not know which one fits your taste, or something in the middle.

      I love Davao, and would not have any interest in moving from here. The expats I know here feel the same.

      Our immigration office has always treated me well and respectfully, I have no complaints.

      Hope this helps!

  62. I have a question Bob about the area. We (My Wife,Son and I) love too take long ride’s on our motorcycle’s is that something we can do there and still be safe,we love too ride and explore were we live. And my wife’s family is in Gensan and i dont want too live there but Davao might work.
    Thanks Bob

    • Hi George. I lived in GenSan for a couple years, so I am very familiar with both places. My wife is also originally from GenSan.

      Davao is usually considered to be the safest city in the Philippines. I will gladly go anywhere in the city at any time of the day or night with no fear. If I rode motorcycles, which I don’t, I would be happy to ride anywhere in the City as well.

      One thing to keep in mind, you might consider this good or bad. IN Davao the traffic laws are very strictly enforced. They have speed guns here and will ticket you if you speed (they call it “overspeeding” here). While this would not apply to motorcycles, if you are in a car and don’t wear your seatbelt, that is an expensive ticket. Riding motorcycle with no helmet, yep, they’ll get you.

      The reason we left GenSan and came to Davao is that it is much safer here, and also the availability of amenities and products. Good internet. That sort of thing.

  63. Hi , I am in the USA Chicago IIL. and visited the Philippines twice. Once in Manila and the other in Bacolod. I found Manila to be large and commercialized which I am use to as a USAer. I like the simple and country feel of Bscolod province life. How does Davao compare to Bacolod in terms of real estate costs. And yes I know expats can’t own property so my wife to be in the Philippines will take care of that.
    Thanks for the info.

  64. Hi Bob,
    I have to agree with you, Davao is a fantastic city! We always have a great time when we travel there from our place in Bukidnon to visit with relatives. I always enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, lots to see and do. If i were going to choose a city to call home in the Philippines, it would definitely be Davao but for now I kind of like the country life.
    You’re right about the cool mountains of Bukidnon. Where we live, the temp averages in the high 70’s to low 80’s most days with the thermometer falling into the low 60’s at night. You definitely need a blanket! We don’t even need an aircon at our house, a fan is sufficient on really warm days. A short 30min drive to the zip-line puts us at the top of the mountains in the middle of a cool pine forest.
    We’re at the Northern end of Bukidnon, about an hour by van or jeepney from Cagayan de Oro city. We usually take the bus going to Davao and it’s slow going. Even a non stop King Long takes over 6hrs, with most regular routes taking 8hrs or more.

    • Hi Dan,

      Thanks for your comment. Since the time that I wrote this article, Feyma and I have moved a bit on the outskirts of the city, to a mountainous area too. Close in enough that the amenities of the city are available (including 100 Mbps internet), but mountainous enough to get beautiful cool weather. It is great.

      If you sleep with the windows open.. same as you.. blankets are required! 🙂

      Keep enjoying Bukidnon! It is certainly a place that I love!

  65. Hello Bob: I have a few comments about Davao. You might remember that I live in Bislig City and I found the traffic in Davao to be insane and don’t forget that I came from 30 years in Thailand and the traffic is one of the reasons I left. I agree with an abundance of fruit but compared to Thailand the same fruits here are sour, even my wife admits this. As for the shopping, I agree and I end up spending too much in S&R, as a matter of fact my last months trip to Davao cost me so much in Immigration and S&R that I ran short and had to pass on your Visaya language course but maybe next time? I do get a little bored in Bislig but actually there is lots around here to do, Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River are both very famous and are very close to me and of course many beaches but without wheels it is expensive to rent a vehicle for the day especially a jeepney. We do look forward to our trips to Davao and enjoy everything it has to offer but I do enjoy the quiet and very little traffic of a small city.

    • Hello Paul. What is for one is not for everybody. I have been to Bislig, but could never live there. My #1 most important thing is that I need good Internet, which is not going to happen in Bislig. Davao is the right mix for me! Hope you are doing well.

  66. Hi BOB
    I lived in the u.s.a. i now live in Davao city for the past 10 years now and i love it here, yes like you said it is cheaper in Davao city then manila, and to tell you the truth it even cheaper in the Philippines then living in the states, i love the fresh air the summer weather all year round, but to tell you i do miss some foods from the states that is hard to find but i found them like at S&R in Davao City and there is a store across from S&R called the SWISS DELI there you can all kinds of Italian foods you can even have a nice lunch or dinner there to that i love. they even have a Burger King here now i miss the whopper with cheese so i went there and had one i felt like i was in heaven. hope to meet you some day and maybe you can tell me about more places there in Davao city that ii never heard of yet.

    • Hi David. I love Davao too! It is great. Of course, we will always miss things from back home. I have been to Swiss Deli many times, it is great. BK now has two locations in Davao. GMall and Buhangin. Davao is growing rapidly! Glad you are enjoying your stay here!