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Batangas City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1455
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Batangas City is a coastal city in the southwestern part of Luzon, Philippines, known for its historical significance and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with some providers offering up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP); 1 USD ≈ 55 PHP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not recommended to drink, bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are the main mobile providers offering various prepaid packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept international cards, with BPI, BDO, and Metrobank being widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guest houses are popular; rentals can range from ₱1,500 to ₱4,000 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile wallets like GCash and PayMaya are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local online rental agencies provide options from ₱1,500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like RMT Lodge starting from ₱500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Hotels along the Batangas Bay area, particularly resorts in Bauang and Anilao. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The downtown area offers co-working spaces and cafes; consider the area near Batangas City Cathedral. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ciudades Co-Working Space, located in Barangay 12. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de France, known for its reliable Wi-Fi and spacious seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups organized by local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly brunch at various local restaurants organized by the Batangas Expat Community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most reliable ride-sharing app used in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available from various shops near the beach areas starting at ₱300 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Anilao Beach, about 30 minutes away, known for diving and snorkeling. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines operates flights from Batangas to nearby provinces. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and AirAsia provide flights from Manila to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) connects to Manila and nearby provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Batangas City Bus Terminal provides connections to other provinces. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares within the city are typically between ₱10 to ₱50 depending on the destination. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and jeepneys are available to nearby towns and cities, with fares ranging from ₱20 to ₱100. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Batangas Medical Center, offering a wide range of healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Yoga Studio in Barangay Bukal provides classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym located in the city center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Master, a local laundromat, offers service starting at ₱50 per kilo. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is widely used for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Lomi (a local noodle dish) and Batangas Beef Sinigang are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Healthy Plant offers various vegan dishes in Lipa, a nearby city. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nang Basyang's Halo-Halo is popular among locals. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local wet markets such as Batangas Market provide fresh produce and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Metro supermarket offers a delivery service in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city has a vibrant nightlife around the Batangas Bay area with bars and beach front parties. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lobo Brew offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Gastronome provides a selection of wines and dinner options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the public market serve local snacks and delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Petron's restaurants offer a mix of international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Batangas Cathedral and the heritage town of Taal are notable spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Batangas Heritage Center showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Taal Volcano, a crucial historical site, is accessible via boat tours. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish is a beautiful church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The town fiesta in January celebrates local culture with parades. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town of Taal is known for its well-preserved heritage houses. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters occasionally host performances; schedule varies. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Batangas Town Market operates every day and features numerous vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in local bars around the bay. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in various neighborhoods, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools like Kusina ni Lola offer Philippine cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit works by Filipino artists; check listings for current exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Casa Villavicencio is a well-preserved house that showcases the Spanish era. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture features a mix of Spanish, American, and indigenous influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Malarayat offers hiking trails with scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Taal Volcano National Park is a popular destination. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along Batangas Bay are scenic for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewing decks at Taal Volcano provides breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas near Balayan Bay are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach for bonfires can be found in Batangas Port. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express are popular for domestic parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like TechZone offer various repairs for gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have recreational facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language bookshops offer Philippine language learning materials and individual classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Batangas City Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Barangay centers frequently host events and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PC gaming lounges like Game Haven provide a place for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Local gaming venues exist in nearby tourist areas but are not present in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱1,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,700,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱1,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱3,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% is the standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% on annual income exceeding ₱8 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules may apply for foreign earnings. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value, approximately 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% tax rate on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special expat tax incentives; standard tax laws apply. |