Baguio City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1453
16.41199, 120.593371
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Baguio City, often referred to as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is known for its cool climate and beautiful pine trees. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 350,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps, with options for fiber connections in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP); approximately 1 USD ≈ 55 PHP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🇵🇭 Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers are Globe and Smart; prepaid SIM cards are easy to acquire. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as BDO and BPI are popular, as well as digital banking services such as GCash. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to serviced apartments; Airbnb is widely available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are increasingly accepted, especially in urban centers. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are prevalent for short stays; check for listings on local Facebook groups. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like ZEN Rooms and various guesthouses are available starting at around PHP 500 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoLab Baguio City, a popular coworking space with reliable internet and open workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Choco-late de Batirol, a cozy café that offers free Wi-Fi and an inspiring atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are organized by local expats through groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various social events are hosted at familiar venues like Café by the Ruins. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Baguio City. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available near Burnham Park, and scooter rentals can be found throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is La Union, approximately 1.5 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific provide services to nearby regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate international flights from Clark International Airport, about 3-4 hours away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major routes include the Marcos Highway and Kennon Road connecting to Manila. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Baguio City has a central jeepney terminal for local transport, with other hubs for bus services to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Jeepney rides typically cost around PHP 10-15, and bus fares vary by distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services are available to various destinations, including Manila and La Trinidad. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center is the main healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Fitness Baguio offers classes suitable for all skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness offer well-equipped facilities in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats such as Mr. Quickie provide laundry services throughout Baguio. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular food delivery services in Baguio. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss trying 'Sinigang' (sour soup) and 'Pinikpikan' (native chicken). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe by the Ruins offers vegetarian options amidst a beautiful setting. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Le Chef offers exquisite desserts and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Baguio Night Market is perfect for budget shopping for food and clothes. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular platforms for online shopping within the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Pick-A-Roo offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Session Road is the main area for nightlife with several bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Baguio Craft Brewery offers locally brewed beers with unique flavors. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Baguio City Wine Bar provides a charming setting for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls in the Night Market serve traditional snacks like 'Fishballs' and 'Turon'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like the Flying Gecko serve international dishes including Italian and Asian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and the iconic Session Road are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The BenCab Museum showcases contemporary Philippine art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Mansion, the official summer residence of the President, is a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Baguio Cathedral, also known as Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, is worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Panagbenga Festival, celebrated every February, showcases flower floats and street dancing. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Session Road area hosts numerous shops, eateries, and cultural displays. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Baguio Arts and Craft Center offers workshops and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Baguio Market is a great spot to buy local produce and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is commonly found in cafes and bars throughout the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Baguio has various street art works, particularly around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Several local establishments offer cooking classes focusing on traditional Filipino cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Ili-Likha Artists Village features local artists and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Baguio Post Office is noted for its heritage architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Baguio’s pine trees and cool climate, along with its rich indigenous culture, are prominent cultural identifiers. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Camp John Hay offers picturesque trails and picnic spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Mt. Pulag National Park is famous for its sea of clouds. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Burnham Park features several paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mines View Park offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | You can observe various bird species at the nearby La Mesa Ecopark. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Camp John Hay allow bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express are reliable options for parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like DigiTech provide a range of tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several recreation centers in Baguio have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several institutions and language centers offer English and Filipino classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Baguio City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Baguio City Community Center hosts various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Several gaming lounges offer a gaming experience in a social environment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While Baguio City does not have casinos, nearby areas may have gaming facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 55,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 2,200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 45,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 1,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 65,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 3,900,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 50,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 3,000,000). |
| 🏡 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 55,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 4,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends attract a withholding tax of 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates applied on personal income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 32% for annual income exceeding PHP 8 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are provisions governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction taxes typically range from 1-4% of the property value. |