Bacolod, Philippines 🇵🇭
#590
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bacolod City is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines, known for its vibrant culture and heritage. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 20-30 Mbps for broadband connections |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP), 1 USD ≈ 58 PHP |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled or filtered water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are the primary mobile service providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include Cash, Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and international mobile wallets. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms like Makan should be considered for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bacolod and Casa Verde are popular budget choices. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | San Miguel Village and near Bacolod Cathedral for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center for coworking spaces and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kita Kita - a popular coworking space in Bacolod. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bob's, which offers good Wi-Fi and a cozy environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out Tech events and meetups hosted by local entrepreneurs, often found on Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Bacolod Facebook group hosts regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab - widely used for ride-hailing in Bacolod. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through Scoot and local shops around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Finish a day trip at Sipalay Beach, approximately 3 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific offers flights to nearby islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines provides international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major accessibility via the Bacolod-Silay Airport Road and Hinigaran Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bacolod North Terminal for buses and jeepneys. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transports passes; pay per ride for jeepneys and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate daily to nearby provinces and cities, such as Dumaguete. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bacolod Adventist Medical Center offers quality healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Class Bacolod offers various classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym provides modern facilities for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Wash and Go are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Inasal na Manok - famous local grilled chicken specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Fresh Start Organic & Natural Farm Café offers vegan and vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bacolod Chicken Inasal, famous for their delicious desserts, including Mango Float. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee for quick online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery services through online platforms like Metro Gaisano Express Delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lacson Street has a variety of bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bacolod Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Saboroso Wine Lounge caters a cozy atmosphere with great selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls can be found at the public market with local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Kenny Rogers Roasters for American-style meals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bacolod Cathedral and The Ruins are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Negros Museum features local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the heritage mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit San Sebastian Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | MassKara Festival, held every October, showcases local dance and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center and near the public plaza are lively cultural areas. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Bacolod Arts and Culture Center hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bacolod Public Market is a hub for local goods and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands perform at various bars and restaurants regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in downtown Bacolod portray local culture and history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer lessons on traditional Filipino cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Balay Ni Mayang showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Bacolod Public Library reflects the city's architectural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bacolod is celebrated for its sugarcane industry and heritage through festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mambukal Mountain Resort provides trekking and natural hot spring experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Kanlaon National Park is a popular destination for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bacolod Eco-Park has beautiful trails for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewing deck at The Ruins offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bago River area frequented by migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Mambukal Resort has areas for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC Express and JRS Express are reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops on Lacson Street offer gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local recreation centers often have ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language schools offer classes for foreign residents. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bacolod Public Library provides a quiet place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Bacolod City Sports Center hosts community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer spaces for eSports and casual gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Filipino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 70,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 2,100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 50,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 1,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 65,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 3,250,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 45,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 2,250,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 60,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 4,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 3,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Filipino tax system, residents taxed on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign corporation rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% transfer tax applies to property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign-earned income for in-country residents. |