Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be a game-changer for Australian businesses, but finding the best place to hire a virtual assistant is often challenging. Some countries offer low-cost options but come with communication barriers. Others have highly skilled professionals, but their rates are steep.
But what if that balance already exists? The Philippines has become a global leader in virtual assistance, not just because of cost savings but because it delivers where other outsourcing hubs fall short. They add real value to your business.
Comparison of the Top VA Destinations
The global virtual assistant market is highly competitive, with several countries emerging as top outsourcing hubs. According to Kearney’s Global Services Location Index (GSLI), the top outsourcing destinations are ranked based on financial attractiveness, workforce skills, business environment, and digital readiness. Among these, the Philippines, India, Latin America, and China stand out as leading hubs for virtual assistants.
Here is a comparison of the Philippines against these key outsourcing destinations when it comes to virtual assistant services.
1. Philippines vs. India
● Cost-effectiveness
Both countries offer cost-effective business support services compared to Western nations.
| Expected Monthly Salary | |
| Philippines | $382 |
| India | $625 |
Based on Livingcost’s database, Filipinos have a lower average salary expectation compared to India. However, these lower salary expectations do not translate to lower quality. Instead, they reflect a balanced labour market where wages align with the cost of living.
Due to differences in business culture and communication styles, Indian VAs may require more training. Filipino VAs, on the other hand, are familiar with Australian work ethics and require minimal training.
● Time Zone
India is 5.5 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), meaning VAs may not be available during core business hours unless they work night shifts.
In contrast, the Philippines is in the same time zone as Perth and only 2-3 hours behind Sydney and Melbourne. This makes real-time collaboration easier and more efficient. It also reduces delays in communication and decision-making.
2. Philippines vs. Brazil
● English Proficiency
The Philippines is well known for its strong English proficiency, ranking 2nd in Asia and 20th globally in the English Proficiency Index (EPI). This makes it easier for Australian businesses to collaborate with Filipino virtual assistants.
English Proficiency Index Comparison:
- Philippines: 578
- Brazil: 466
Brazil’s EPI scores are much lower than that of the Philippines. This implies a workforce with a slightly weaker command of the language. Additionally, with Spanish as Latin America’s primary language, businesses that rely on seamless English communication may face potential language barriers.
● Talent Pool and Specialisations
The Philippines is widely recognised for its Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT-BPM (Information Technology – Business Process Management) industries. These industries have over 38.7 billion employees, making the Philippines a global leader in premier outsourcing services.
Filipino professionals excel in the following fields:
- virtual assistance
- administrative support
- customer and technical support
- accounting and finance
- software development and IT
- digital marketing
Meanwhile, Brazil’s IT-BPM industry is historically at the same scale as the Philippines. In recent years, it has been expanding its expertise in digital infrastructure and technology-driven services. This makes the country better suited for businesses needing digital transformation and enterprise IT solutions rather than traditional outsourcing.
3. Philippines vs. China
● Government Support
The Philippine government strongly supports the offshore outsourcing sector, as it accounts for 7% of the country’s total GDP. To foster industry growth, the government has introduced initiatives like the IT-BPM roadmap. Launched in April 2023, this roadmap set out strategies to enhance workforce skills through stakeholder partnerships and training programs, leading to the creation of 1.7 million new jobs that year.
While China has its own Five-Year Plans, they are broader in scope and not specifically centered on the BPO industry. The country’s outsourcing initiatives often take a backseat to its larger manufacturing and technology priorities, given China’s dominant position as a global manufacturing hub.
● Cultural Compatibility
Having been influenced by both American and Australian business practices, Filipino VAs are comfortable with Australian communication styles. This minimises misunderstandings and improves efficiency in remote work settings.
In contrast, Chinese workplace dynamics tend to be more formal and structured, with a preference for rigid workflows. This may pose challenges in flexible, fast-paced, remote environments where independent decision-making is required.
How to Hire a Virtual Assistant from the Philippines
Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) from the Philippines can be a cost-effective way to boost productivity while maintaining quality work. Outshore’s tailored approach makes hiring a VA simple, cost-effective, and hassle-free.
Here’s how to hire a virtual assistant with the help of Outshore:
1. Consultation and Needs Assessment
The process begins with an initial consultation where Outshore’s team will understand your business needs, goals, and specific VA requirements.
2. Customised Talent Matching
Once your needs are identified, Outshore will use its extensive network of highly skilled virtual assistants to find the best match for your business. The VAs are pre-vetted and selected based on their expertise, communication skills, and experience working with Australian businesses.
3. Seamless Onboarding and Training
After a match is made, Outshore provides a seamless onboarding process. Your new VA will be onboarded quickly with clear expectations set, making sure they integrate smoothly into your business. Outshore also ensures that your VA is trained on your tools, systems, and processes, minimising any transition time.
4. Ongoing Support and Communication
Outshore offers continuous support throughout the partnership. Whether it’s answering any questions, adjusting your VA’s workload, or assisting with any concerns, Outshore’s customer support is readily available.
Outsource Virtual Assistant from the Philippines with Outshore
The challenge of finding a virtual assistant that fits your business perfectly doesn’t have to be a struggle. The Philippines stands out for its cost-effectiveness and strong alignment with your needs and work culture.
At Outshore, we take that a step further. We understand that every business is unique, which is why our approach is highly personalised. We don’t just match you with any virtual assistant; we take the time to match you with the right talent. With Outshore, you gain a dedicated partner who is invested in your success and ready to contribute to your business from day one.
Contact us today at https://outshore.com.au/contact-us/ to discuss how we can help you streamline your search for the right talent.