Cagayan de Oro, Philippines 🇵🇭
#588
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cagayan de Oro is a city in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines, notable for its friendly locals and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds of 25 Mbps; higher in coworking spaces and cafes. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP), approx. 1 USD = 55 PHP. Multiple banking options available including BDO, BPI, and Metrobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Smart, Globe, and Sun. SIM cards can be easily purchased upon arrival. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include cash, local bank cards, and international cards widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, Airbnb, to local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are becoming popular in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local listings are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels include the Cagayan de Oro Backpackers Inn. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Divisoria area known for its shopping, dining, and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center offers coworking spaces and cafes conducive to work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive CDO offers flexible workspaces, high-speed internet, and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Taverna is known for its cozy environment and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at The Hive and monthly digital nomad gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cagayan de Oro Expats Facebook Group hosts events and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most commonly used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited rental options, primarily available through local online listings. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | White Island Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by boat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines operates flights from Laguindingan Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Sayre Highway connects to major cities in Mindanao. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cagayan de Oro Terminal for bus and jeepney transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport passes; mainly pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans avail from Cagayan de Oro to nearby cities like Bukidnon, Iligan, and Davao. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Maria Reyna-Xavier University Medical Center is one of the top hospitals in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Karma Yoga Studio offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness are popular gyms in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries like Laundry Hub offer affordable cleaning options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are widely used for delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Henuguang Baboy, a local pork dish, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Salvador’s Vegan Cafe offers varied plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Damaso Cafe is known for its delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Ayala Centrio Mall has an array of choices including the local market for fresh produces. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery through GrabMart is an option. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Strip on Corrales Avenue is home to various bars and live music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cagayan de Oro Brewery produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Niu Restaurant has a selection of wines and a great ambiance. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food in Divisoria is a must-try, especially the local barbecue. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Dishes from Chinese, Korean, and American cuisines are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. Augustine Cathedral and Gaston Park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cagayan de Oro Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old convent and the City Hall are important historical landmarks. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador City, nearby. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Higalaay Festival, celebrated every August, showcases local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has a vibrant street art scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limketkai Atrium often hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Cagayan de Oro Market is bustling with local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are common in downtown bars and clubs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around the city, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local classes are available through cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery de Oro features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The City Hall is a notable historic building with a classic design. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The heritage of local indigenous groups is celebrated in various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the beautiful whitewater rafting on the Cagayan de Oro River. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Iglit - Baco National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The West and East Divisoria bridges provide scenic walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mapawa Nature Park offers stunning views and outdoor activities. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Laguna de Taal is a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Various parks allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer repairs for electronics and devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers provide tables for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Classes in Filipino and English offered at local community colleges. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Cagayan de Oro Public Library is a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centrio and other malls often host community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A number of internet cafes have gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Filipino in Cagayan de Oro offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 60,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 1,800,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 1,200,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 50,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 3,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 2,100,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 45,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 3,600,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 2,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically 15% withholding on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident-based taxation; foreign income may not be taxed if earned abroad. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for higher income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% Value Added Tax standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign earners may not be taxed on income generated outside the Philippines. |