Bacolod City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1866
8.169726, 123.850497
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bacolod City, known as the 'City of Smiles', is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD, local currency is Philippine Peso (PHP). Major banks include BDO, BPI, and Metrobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include Visa, MasterCard, and local cash. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available on Airbnb, local guest houses, and hotels like L'Fisher Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services available; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom is around PHP 15,000. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Dormitory Bacolod and The Leechiu provide affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Coworking Space |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kuppa Coffee and Tea for a relaxed working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Bacolod Meetup for remote workers and expats is hosted monthly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various groups on Facebook like 'Expats in Bacolod' host events regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at local shops, cost around PHP 300/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sipalay Beach, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines, servicing flights to Manila and Cebu. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Bacolod-Murcia Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ceres Bus Terminal is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; pay-per-ride system using buses and jeepneys. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and jeepneys are the primary means of regional travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Western Visayas Medical Center is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bacolod offers various classes throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available at various locations, such as Laundry Station. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and GrabFood are widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Inasal na Manok (grilled chicken) is a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Fresh Start Organic & Vegan Restaurant caters to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Calea Pastries and Cakes is famous for its desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bacolod Public Market offers a variety of affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular e-commerce platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery stores like Watsons and SM Hypermarket offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bacolod's night scene is vibrant in areas like Lacson Street. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bacolod Brewery offers craft beer tasting experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Cellar Wine Bar is a recommended spot. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy local street food at stalls along Lacson Street. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants serve international dishes, including Italian, American, and Asian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ruins and San Sebastian Church are must-visit landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Negros Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The 1898 Historical Marker located in the downtown area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Sebastian Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the region. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | MassKara Festival in October is iconic for music and dance. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Downtown area is rich in cultural heritage and nightlife. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural Center of Negros is where performances often occur. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bacolod Public Market hosts local crafts and goods every day. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in bars along Lacson Street. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various walls in the city feature murals from local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bacolod Culinary Center offers classes for visitors. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Museo Negrense de la Cultura features local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Places like the Bishop's Palace are significant historical sites. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The heritage of sugarcane farming is a cornerstone of Bacolod’s identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mambukal Mountain Resort is a popular nature getaway. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park is accessible for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The city has several paths around the rivers and parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills around Bacolod offer panoramic views, especially in the evening. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas near the city attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at beaches for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC, JRS Express offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like TechnoHub provide various repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community sports centers have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Bacolod Language School offers courses in English and Filipino. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bacolod City Library provides quiet study places. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Negros Occidental Cultural Center hosts community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various internet cafes provide gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The City of Bacolod's casinos like Bacolod Casino Filipino provide gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 90,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 2,700,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 60,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 80,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 4,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 55,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 2,750,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 70,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 5,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 4,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residency based, rates vary based on resident status. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign-owned businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on fair market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1-2% property transfer tax applicable. |