Settling In Makati First Month Philippines
Exploring settling in makati first month in the Philippines. Practical tips, personal insights, and expert advice for expats.
Archipelago Team
Cebu · July 5, 2026
Community article, editorially reviewed. Opinions are the author's, not ArchipelagoExpat's.
Makati is where many newcomers land, and for good reason: it is walkable in parts, full of condos, and dense with everything you need to set up a life.
Week one: shelter and SIM
Most expats start in a short-term Airbnb or serviced apartment while hunting for a longer lease. Get a Globe or Smart SIM on day one — you will need a local number for almost every account.
Week two: documents
If you are staying long, start your ACR I-Card process now. The Bureau of Immigration will not speed up because your landlord wants proof of status.
Week three: banking and money
Open a local account once your ACR I-Card is in progress. Until then, GCash handles bills and most daily payments elegantly.
Week four: routine
By week four you will have a favorite sari-sari, a go-to laundromat, and a sense of which streets flood in the rain. That is when Makati starts to feel like home.
Archipelago Team
TrustedThe Archipelago Expat editorial team.
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