5+ Tips from a Freelancer 👩🏻‍💻

Did you know that the Philippines recently introduced a digital nomad visa?

The capital city, Manila, is the perfect place to set your roots while here. I should know.

I’m Mel, a Filipino-British travel blogger and creative freelancer who’s lived in Manila (from Ermita to Makati) and experienced working remotely in Manila for years. I can answer all your burning questions about living in this vibrant city.

Trading the corporate grind for remote work in the energetic and chaotic streets of Manila takes some time getting used to. One minute you’re weaving through jeepneys in a Grab taxi, and the next you’re taking a tranquil tour to a coconut plantation in Laguna and dining next to a waterfall.

In this post, I’ll spill the real insider tips I’ve learnt from my time here, so you can strike the perfect remote work-life balance during your travels in the Philippines. Let’s dive in!

Remote Working in Manila: Before You Go

Manila has so much to offer, whether you’re going as a casual traveller or a remote worker. Because of this, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pack your bags. 

Visa and Entry

As mentioned, the Philippines is launching its 12-month-long digital nomad visas. To apply, you’ll need to fulfil specific criteria: 

• Be older than 18 years of age
• Be able to show proof of remote work using digital technology
• Have sufficient income generated outside of the Philippines
• Have no criminal record
• Have health insurance valid for the duration of the digital nomad visa

If you’d like to enter the country outside of this digital nomad visa, you can definitely do so through a tourism or leisure visa. Simply follow the steps on the Philippine online electronic visa application site.

The WiFi Quality of the City

Manila’s internet connectivity can be spotty in older areas of the city or during storms.

But, in touristy places like Makati (CBD), Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and Ortigas, you can expect consistent speeds.

Still, it’s always a good idea to have mobile data for those unplanned trips out of the city or when the WiFi just isn’t quite cutting it. 

While you can get a local SIM, you might not be able to use your primary SIM, which can be an issue for apps and banking transfers that require SMS verification. The other conventional option, international roaming on your primary SIM, is very pricey, especially if you plan to stay in Manila for an extended period. 

This is why I recommend getting an eSIM before you arrive – some recommendations include WonderConnect, Airalo and Holafly. You can choose, buy, and set up your eSIM before you travel. Most are prepaid, so you know the cost upfront, and you can keep topping up your data on the app, if you use Airalo, for example.

If you’d rather have someone set up the installation for you, then the moment you land in the Philippines – whether it’s Manila or Cebu airport – you can head to the nearest Globe or Smart stand, choose an eSim and data package, and the staff will help you set it up then and there.

Typically I’d say Globe receives the best coverage across the Philippines, though Smart does have good deals too. I’m Team Globe!

Since I have to stay connected to my clients in the UK, my favourite thing about having a Philippine eSim is that you can easily top up your account if you need more data, all while keeping your original phone number connected. This means I can receive UK text messages and phone calls when needed (important if I need to receive authentication codes via SMS, for example).

I have an iPhone 14 Pro which gives me a dual sim card slot, but with an eSim you can have multiple numbers that aren’t limited to physical sim slots.

Remote Working in Manila: Connect with a Digital Nomad Community

One massive con of being a digital nomad is that it can get lonely at times. This feeling hit me hardest when I first moved to Manila simply because all of my friends and family back home in London were building different lives.

While living in co-living spaces and hostels, you are most likely to find like-minded people, but it’s also worth reaching out to online forums and groups before you leave. Places like Nomads.com, Facebook, Reddit, and Digital Nomad Hub are excellent places to start.

Once in the country, you can also attend coliving and networking events. You can usually find these coworking spots in the city.

Remote Working in Manila: Cost of Living

Manila, like any city, has its challenges. When I arrived, I did not enjoy the constant pollution and traffic jams. But that’s what comes along with city life.

What made it slightly bearable between my weekend escapes was the cost of living. Compared to the UK, the city is significantly cheaper. Here, a cappuccino costs about 152₱ (1,90 GBP or 2,57 USD) on average, compared to in the UK, where it’s about £3.89 GBP (5.22 USD).

And while caffeine is a remote worker’s lifeline, it’s not only the coffee that’s cheaper. Rent, restaurants, utilities, and transportation are also significantly more affordable.

Remote Working in Manila: The City is Alive (and Noisy)

Expect Jeepney horns, family popping in for chats (Filipino hospitality at its finest), and street vendors to draw your attention while you’re here. It is a capital city, after all, so this is to be expected.

Thankfully, there are a few pockets in the city where you can retreat to for a bit of peace: Manila Bay. Your accommodation. A cafe.

Or even a coworking spot with good wifi in Manila.

Remote Working in Manila: Top Coworking Spots and Cafes in Manila

Manila has no shortage of coworking spots. They’re concentrated in entrepreneurial neighbourhoods like Makati, Bonifacio Global City (Taguig), and Maginhawa or Eastwood in Quezon City. Here are the top ones I’ve been to: 

• Zero-Ten Park Makati: Modern vibes, lovely staff, central location and strong wifi – I took multiple international Zoom calls here and signal was great. Only P180 for a 4-hour session!
• Acceler8 by UnionSPACE: Flexible desks or private rooms, free-flowing coffee and tea. Lovely staff and good wifi.
• KMC Solutions: Flexible desks, high-speed internet connection, on-site tech support, complimentary coffee, and ice cream Fridays.
• Workhaven: Serviced offices, fast internet access, gym, and sauna.
• Mind Zone Recto: Open office space, meeting rooms, free work essentials, and self-service pantry.

In terms of cafés, there are so many incredible coffee shops and eateries with great wifi across the city that it would be nearly impossible to name them all. Let me know if you’d like recommendations – DM me on Instagram or drop me an email!

Remote Working in Manila: Best Neighbourhoods in Manila for Coworking

As mentioned, the best nomad-friendly neighbourhoods in the city are BGC, Makati, Maghinawa, and Eastwood. Let’s take a deep dive into what sets them apart. 

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Bonifacio Global City is the top place for digital nomads, marked by its high-rises, walkable streets, and high-speed fibre internet. Here, you’ll also find top-rated coworking spots like Acceler8 coworking and WeRemote.

The Serendra and Uptown malls nearby serve ramen bowls, have rooftop steakhouses, and have a flood of coffee haunts like Yardstick for nomad meetups. Unwind off-duty with jogs in Bonifacio High Street Park, paddleboarding at Terra Sports, or quick mall gigs. This neighbourhood is ideal for balancing hustle and health in a green, upscale bubble.

Makati

Makati is the business district that is always buzzing with movement and plenty of coworking cafes to keep you connected. The internet connection is quite good here with fibre speeds of about 50-100 Mbps. 

It’s also slightly cheaper to work and stay in than in BGC, making it pocket-friendly as well. You’ll find many restaurants, cafes, and bars here too for post-work drinks with your new temporary colleagues. 

On your off days, you can stroll the Ayala Triangle gardens, hit the Bonifacio High Street shops, or jeepney-hop to Intramuros for historic forts and street food crawls. 

Maginhawa

Maginhawa is in Quezon City and best described as a laid-back bohemian area packed with more budget-conscious creatives. It has many street food carts, cosy Wi-Fi-equipped cafes, and work-friendly spots.

While the internet holds up well, it lacks dedicated coworking spaces. Thankfully, there are a few noteworthy ones like SevenSpace Coworking & Training Hub, which stays open until midnight on weeknights and closes around 9 PM on weekends.

It is a street-food heaven with treats, try kare-kare at Provenciano or cheap, authentic Pinoy feasts that spark community chats. This neighbourhood offers raw Manila energy, minus the tourist-trap feel.

Eastwood

Eastwood is also in Quezon City. Like Maginhawa, it is walkable, filled with cafes, and offers reliable, fast Wi-Fi. This neighbourhood has a more residential feel, though. It suits those who want a local residential feel over touristy bustle, with decent internet despite occasional peaks.

Grab lechon bites or ramen at the food court hubs for casual meetups. Off-duty thrills include Cyberpark’s karaoke bars, weekend markets, or quick MRT hops to Libis nightlife.

Are You Ready To Go Digital Nomading in Manila, Philippines?

Manila is a natural pick for digital nomads visiting the Philippines.

From Maginhawa’s street food to BGC’s sleek coworking spots and cafes, it offers places to thrive and recharge without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re dodging jeepneys or chilling by a waterfall, the city’s affordable vibe (in comparison to European cities), improving visa perks, and nomad communities make it a no-brainer launchpad.

Sort your eSIM, pick your top things to do in Manila, and dive right in. You won’t regret swapping the grind for this tropical hustle.