Maids in the Philippines

It's very common for locals and expatriate households to have a live-in maid, as it is very affordable for the middle class to have domestic help. A live-in maid makes on average P3,000 a month and P5,000 for a nanny. She will also be eating your food and you should budget for this in your grocery bill.

If your work life is hectic, a maid can make your life much easier. Household chores then become a thing of the past. You'll always have a clean shirt to wear, always have food on the table and the house will be clean. They also usually wash your car in the morning and clean the street in the evening or even in the morning (e.i. wiping the fallen leaves).

Maids will often become a part of the family. Some maids, particularly younger ones, may take advantage of you by making excessive use of your telephone, as many are still homesick.

A maid will be your advisor on local customs, pay your bills on time, wash your clothes, guard your house while your are away.

However, if you choose the wrong maid, she may steal from you. She may even let people into the house while you are away.

Maids are easy to find. You could try advertising in the local supermarket or use a local agent.

It is a very good idea to have them examined by a doctor. Typical tests will include parasites and a chest x-ray for tuberculosis and you will absorb the cost of the medical. It is advisable to repeat the test annually and it's best done when they return from their annual leave.

Picture: Maids at work in the morning in our neighbourhood.