So I'm seriously considering a move to Manila (it's between there, Saigon and Phnom Penh)
Have been living in Bangkok for the past year but they've tightened up the visa situation so it's time to move on.
I'm a UK citizen, under 30, and have funds from abroad if it matters so I won't be working in Phils.
I plan to 'live' there for 3-6 months (or longer if I enjoy it).
Phils is the only country on the "might move to list" I've not actually been to yet but I'm willing to go spend a month or so there first before committing and everyone I know who likes similar things to me tells me it's a great country.
Anyway my questions...
1. What's a reasonable monthly budget for someone looking to live fairly central in an OK apartment with aircon and WiFi, eat local food 90% of the time, likes to eat out, drinks / dates / goes out 3-4 nights a week, pays someone to do his laundry and clean his room, spends his days in coffee shops?
In BKK I spent around $1,200 a month max and lived pretty well. I wasn't flashing the cash but not penny pinching either and could generally do what I wanted to do.
My apartment even had a pool, gym, massage, poolside bar and restaurant etc on site but this isn't really necessary.
1a. And what is the typical lease length for apartments?
1b. How easy is it to rent an apartment as a foreigner and what's the process?
2. What would be a good area to live in Manila?
I'd like somewhere safe, central, not too pretentious and not too expensive, plenty of shops, restaurants, coffee shops bars etc around.
I've heard Makati and The Fort mentioned already?
3. What's the Wifi like in general in Manila?
I would be spending the bulk of the day online so would need reasonable Wifi in apartment and coffee shop. I don't do much downloading just browsing mostly.
4. Is it generally pretty safe in Manila for someone who's not stupid?
In BKK it feels safe as houses. I was never worried about safety and never had any problems or know any who had any who didn't deserve it.
Could leave laptop and phone on desk in coffee shops, bars, restaurants etc whilst you went to the bathroom without issue and walk around with laptop without fear of being robbed.
Similar or not?
Have heard reports about relentless begging from kids and even presentable looking adults stopping you in the street to tell you sob stories and plead for money which is off putting.
Hope you can help.
Thanks in advance.