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Bacolod City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1866
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bacolod City, known as the 'City of Smiles,' is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are the dominant mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and hotels like the Bacolod Business Inn. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local hostels such as The Hive House can be found for affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The City Center for easy access to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Lakawon Island for beachside living or the city center for conveniences. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Project, offering a collaborative workspace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bob's is known for its relaxed atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups at The Office Project and local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings organized on platforms like Meetup.com. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the leading ride-sharing platform in Bacolod. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available from local shops like Bacolod Rent-a-Scooter. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is at Lakawon Island, about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines operates flights to and from Bacolod. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific offers international connections, especially to Singapore. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bacolod City Bus Transit's main terminal. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and jeepneys are available, but prepaid passes are not common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Bacolod with nearby cities like Silay and Talisay. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bacolod Adventist Medical Center is a major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga and Wellness Center offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Bacolod provides modern fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Wash & Go are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is popular for meal deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the famous Chicken Inasal, a grilled chicken dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Kitchen offers a wide range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cacao Research Center Cafe serves delicious local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bacolod Public Market offers fresh products at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Groceries can be delivered via services like Honestbee. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Lacson Street area is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bacolod Craft Brewery offers locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at the L'Fisher Hotel has a fine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls selling local delicacies in the downtown area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several options available as well, like Italian at Pizzeria Del Giusto. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The San Sebastian Cathedral and The Ruins are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Negros Museum offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casa Gamboa is a well-preserved Spanish-era house. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Sebastian Cathedral, known for its unique architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The MassKara Festival is celebrated every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area has several cultural heritage sites. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The University of St. La Salle produces local theater performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bacolod Public Market is vibrant with local produce and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various live music venues throughout the city, especially during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in the downtown area reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at various local restaurants focusing on Filipino cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art District Bacolod showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old train station reflects Bacolod's rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Negrense culture celebrated during the MassKara Festival. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mambukal Mountain Resort is ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Kanlaon Natural Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Riverside Boardwalk offers scenic walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the rooftop of the Bacolod City Government Center. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mambukal Resort is great for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas in Lakawon Island allow bonfires in designated spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Giee's Repair provide electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers offer ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools such as the Bacolod Language Academy offer courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the Philippines - Bacolod Branch is available for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local halls often host events for expats and locals alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports lounges like Level Up Gaming Cafe cater to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Bacolod Casino Filipino provides gaming entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱3,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱38,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱3,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate applies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Philippines follows a global income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the Philippines has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is around 1.5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Various tax incentives for foreign income; potential for lower taxation for those living outside the Philippines. |