Davao City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#583
7.06483, 125.608062
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines by land area, located in Mindanao and known for its lush landscapes and diverse culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.6 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps, with some areas having access to 100 Mbps fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD, 1 USD ≈ 55 PHP; major banks include BDO, BPI, and Metrobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink but it is advised to use filtered or bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, with Type A, B, and C plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Smart and Globe are the major providers, offering various prepaid and postpaid packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International bank services are available with options like HSBC and Citibank; cash and card widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, motels, and serviced apartments. Airbnb is also available with listings around the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments like GCash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms offer a variety of short-term rental options, from studios to entire homes. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Mad Monkey or budget hotels such as OYO Rooms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Davao - known for its vibrant community and comfortable working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brewed Awakening Coffee House - good Wi-Fi and cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local event pages or Facebook groups for expat meetups and tech community gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Davao Expat Community Facebook group holds regular meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Davao City. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rental services available through various local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Samal Island, a short boat ride away from the city, is known for its beautiful beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines offers flights to and from major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Highway links Davao to the rest of Mindanao. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Davao does not have a train system; buses and vans are the primary public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No extensive public transport pass system; pay-per-ride system used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses abounding to nearby provinces and cities, like Mati City and General Santos. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Davao Doctors Hospital - offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Rachael and other local studios providing classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold’s Gym and Anytime Fitness are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Laundromat Express offer wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood provides extensive restaurant options for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty, 'Durian' fruit, and 'Kinilaw' (cured fish). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Vegan Davao and The Green Kitchen. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mikasa Cafe for delightful pastries and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Roxas Night Market is popular for street food and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee dominate the e-commerce scene in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Happy Fresh and local grocery options available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bistro Selera and The White House are known for nightlife experiences. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Davao Craft Brewery offers local brews and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Roxas Avenue Night Market has various options for trying local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Thai Deli and Punjabi Rasoi serving notable international flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | People's Park and Mount Apo for its natural beauty. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Davao Museum showcases the region's indigenous culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Museo Dabawenyo is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter's Cathedral and other well-known churches across the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kadayawan Festival in August celebrates Davao's cultural heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Davao Chinatown for a taste of local Chinese culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural Center of Davao hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Magsaysay Park offers local produce and handmade goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various local venues like The Orchard run live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti art can be found in areas like the Davao Gulf promenade. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at various local institutions to learn about Filipino cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Mamusa showcases contemporary Philippine art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | San Pedro Cathedral is among the oldest churches in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The indigenous culture of the Lumads influences much of Davao's modern identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Eden Nature Park, a great retreat for relaxing and enjoying nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Apo National Park - the highest peak in the Philippines. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Davao River Greenway offers picturesque walking and biking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Jack's Ridge offers stunning views of the city from high above. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mount Iglit-Baco Natural Park is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | NCCC Mall Davao has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | JRS Express and LBC offer local and international courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechnoSB offers device repair services throughout the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Davao is a popular spot for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like Speak English offers English learning sessions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Davao City Library offers quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The City Sports Complex hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Nexus Gaming Lounge offers a variety of video games for casual play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Waterfront Insular Hotel hosts a casino with gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱65,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱60,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱3,600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱55,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱4,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Philippine tax system operates on a calendar year basis with progressive income tax rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict regulations on foreign subsidiary taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1.5% of the total purchase price. |