Baguio, Philippines 🇵🇭
#587
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Baguio City is located in the northern part of the Philippines with a cool climate due to its elevation (1,540 meters) and is known as the 'Summer Capital of the Philippines'. |
| 👥 Population | Estimated population is around 350,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD is roughly 56 PHP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not safe to drink but is treated; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 220V, 60Hz, with Type C and Type A sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Globe and Smart, with good coverage throughout the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are widely accepted with banks like BDO and Metrobank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are accepted widely in establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are available; expect prices around PHP 1,800 to PHP 3,500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget lodging starts at around PHP 500 per night for hostels. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Burnham Park, famous for its lakes and greenery, is a highly recommended area. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The City proper or Session Road area offers good access to amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Baguio, a popular coworking space providing high-speed internet and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Arca's Yard, known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized by Baguio Creatives and various tech communities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Baguio Expats Community on Facebook frequently hosts meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is widely used for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | RideEco Baguio offers bicycle and scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is La Union, about 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines offers flights to and from major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific is a major carrier with low-cost international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Marcos Highway or the Kennon Road leading to the region's expressways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; buses serve as the main transit mode. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is cash-based; jeepneys and buses are the main forms of transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like La Trinidad and Itogon are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Serenity Yoga Studio offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Baguio is one of the popular gym chains available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Baguio provides full laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda is the go-to delivery service with a wide range of options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Adobo (marinated meat) is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Greenhouse serves delicious vegetarian food. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe by the Ruins, known for its pastries and scenic views. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Baguio Night Market offers affordable street food and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Metro Mart offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Session Road features numerous bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Baguio Craft Brewery serves locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at Camp John Hay offers a selection of wines in a cozy setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Baguio Night Market features various street food stalls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Choco-late de Batirol serves hot chocolate and Filipino dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Burnham Park and Mines View Park are iconic tourist spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The BenCab Museum showcases local artwork. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Bell Church is a significant cultural landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, known as the Baguio Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Panagbenga Festival, a flower festival held every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Session Road is the main commercial district featuring various shops and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Baguio Convention Center hosts various events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Baguio Public Market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are often held at bars along Session Road. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout the city, adding culture to the urban landscape. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary arts programs at the University of the Cordilleras. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Different galleries feature local artists’ works including the Tam-awan Village. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Baguio Central Post Office is an architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Igorot culture is celebrated with various festivals and artworks. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Camp John Hay Nature Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Mount Pulag National Park is famous for its sea of clouds and hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Botanical Garden has paths suitable for casual walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mines View Park offers stunning views of the Cordillera mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mount Kalugong is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camp John Hay has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express for local parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops in the city for smartphone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Baguio City Sports Center has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Baguio Public Library has language classes for learners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Baguio City Library is a good spot for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cordillera Green Network offers community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide spaces for gamers, like Game Over Lounge. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos, but some bars offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 3,500 per m² (e.g., 25 m² = PHP 87,500) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 2,800 per m² (e.g., 25 m² = PHP 70,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 128,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 100,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate on dividend distributions is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Philippines has a progressive tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value, rates vary by location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% of the selling price or fair market value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from lower taxation rates on income earned abroad. |