Batangas City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1455
13.755871, 121.058475
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Batangas City, strategically located in the province of Batangas, is known for its port, beaches, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 350,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with options for fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD, cash is widely used but electronic payments are growing. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, and uses Type A, B, and C plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Globe and Smart, with competitive prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks like BDO, BPI, and UnionBank offer services to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular accommodation options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels such as the Batangas Country Club. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, QR payments and card payments are becoming more accepted especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental properties are popular, averaging around ₱1,500 - ₱3,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Matina's Place offer budget beds starting from ₱500 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Avenue Café offers a comfortable workspace with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kape Batangan, known for its coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular tech meetups and expat groups can be found via social media platforms and local community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join local Facebook groups like 'Batangas Expat Community' for meetups and networking events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most reliable ride-hailing service in Batangas City. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops near the harbor offer scooter rentals for around ₱500 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sepoc Beach is just 30 minutes away, known for its clear waters and white sand. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines for local flights to nearby provinces. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific operates international flights from Manila (nearby). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX) that connects to Batangas City. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Batangas City Bus Terminal connects to Manila and other provinces. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and jeepneys are the primary forms of public transport; passes are generally not needed. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries connect Batangas City to nearby provinces like Mindoro and Cavite. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Batangas Medical Center, providing various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers like The Wellness Studio offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym chain in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Laundromat 24 are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and GrabFood are widely used for delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Lomi', a local noodle dish, best enjoyed at various eateries around the city. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Greenhouse serve vegan-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try desserts at Dencio's, known for their halo-halo. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Luksong Tinik Market is a popular local market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee have substantial operations in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery services like MetroMart are available for home delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Waterfront area is popular for nightlife with many bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | San Miguel Brewery has a strong presence in Batangas. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Red Wine Café offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is plentiful along Rizal Avenue, enjoy local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try Italian at Cafe Ylang Ylang or Korean at Myeongdong. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Batangas Cathedral and Plaza Mabini. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Batangas Heritage Museum presents local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Taal Volcano, one of the Philippines' most famous tourist spots, is nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Batangas City Fiesta celebrates the city’s culture every January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore Batangas’ historical districts for local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Batangas City Cultural Center occasionally hosts events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Batangas Public Market sells fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars and restaurants feature live music performances on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Discover local street art murals in hidden alleyways throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Several local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Filipino cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out local galleries around the plaza for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the historic remnants of colonial architecture scattered around the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city proudly showcases its rich Tagalog heritage through its festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby Mount Manghahan offers trails and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Taal Volcano National Park is approximately 30 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road provides a scenic route for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints near Taal Lake offer breathtaking sunrise views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal wetlands are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are allowed on certain beaches like Bauang Beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Lalamove and GrabExpress provide efficient delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops in the mall offer mobile and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several language institutes offer English and Filipino classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Batangas City Library is a peaceful place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Batangas City Sports Complex hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Playbook Gaming Lounge is popular for eSports. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Royale Tagaytay Country Club is a notable casino located a short drive away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱60,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱1,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱1,200,000) |
| 🏠 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. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,100,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱3,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain CFC regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for property purchases. |