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Davao City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#583
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines by land area and is known for its diverse culture and natural attractions. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.7 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps, with availability of higher speeds in cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD; Local currency is Philippine Peso (PHP). Major banks include BDO, BPI, and Metrobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/A sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Smart and Globe are the primary mobile providers; tourist SIM cards available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International debit and credit cards accepted widely at hotels and major establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and hotels; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around PHP 20,000. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many shops accept cards and e-wallets like GCash and PayMaya. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings are common for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as The Lodge and budget hotels like RedDoorz available from PHP 500/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Malvar Street and Lanang are popular with travelers for accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Buhangin and the City Center offer great access to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kubo Coworking - a popular spot with fast internet and comfortable working conditions. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Ronda - well-known for good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Davao Digital Nomads Meetups often take place at local cafes; check Facebook groups for upcoming events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups organized through the Davao Expatriates Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most used transport app in Davao City. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through Davao Bike Share. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Samal Island is the closest beach, about 30 minutes by ferry. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific, Philippines Airlines operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Davao Urban Coastal Road connects to major areas and highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Davao City has limited rail; primarily buses for long-distance travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transport passes; jeepneys and buses are the main options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Davao City to General Santos and Tagum are available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital is one of the leading hospitals. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Davao offers classes for all levels in various locations around the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness have branches in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Laundrify are available in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is the most popular food delivery service available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local delicacy 'Sinuglaw' which is a combination of grilled pork and ceviche. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Cafe in Davao City serves a wide array of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mikado Cafe offers delectable desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Buhangin Public Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and MetroMart provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bastion, known for its lively nightlife, is a popular bar area. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Davao Brewery (formerly known as Davao Distillery) offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Library is a great spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try street food at Roxas Night Market for a variety of local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Davao also offers various international cuisines, including Japanese at Nikuya and Italian at Cucina Italiana. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Philippine Eagle Center to learn about the country's national bird. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Davao Museum showcases the heritage and culture of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Japanese Garden is a historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Pedro Cathedral is a historical church in Davao City. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kadayawan Festival, celebrated every August, highlights Davao’s indigenous culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cultural heritage can be explored in the Magallanes area. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Davao People’s Park features cultural performances and displays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Davao Night Market is famous for local foods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene is vibrant with many live bands around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in areas like Bonifacio Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available through local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art & Culture at the Davao City Museum showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The San Pedro Cathedral is an architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Davao is enriched with heritage from its indigenous tribes, celebrated in various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Eden Nature Park offers stunning views and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Apo National Park, home to the highest peak in the Philippines, is nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Davao Riverfront offers scenic biking and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Jack's Ridge provides breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mount Iglit - Baco Natural Park is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cansiwang Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechnoHub offers various electronics and tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Davao Sports Complex has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Determine Language Center offers Filipino and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | National Bookstore has quiet corners to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Davao Community Center offers various activities and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a popular gaming lounge in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Filipino offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 2,400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 1,600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 3,300,000) |
| 🏠 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 50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 4,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 2,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Citizens and corporations are subject to a standard corporate tax rate of 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 15% for residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Philippines uses a progressive income tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply in the Philippines. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is around 6%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The Philippines does not have specific tax benefits for digital nomads. |