Dumaguete City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1451
9.321282, 123.301047
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dumaguete City is known as the City of Gentle People and serves as the capital of Negros Oriental. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.017 USD, cash widely accepted, but cards accepted in many hotels and restaurants. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's recommended to buy bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, and uses Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are the main providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BDO, Metrobank, and Landbank accept foreign cards and provide money transfer services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and hotels like Hotel Essencia. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly, with some establishments accepting QR payments and cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are common for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Flying Fish Hostel and Tanjay Backpackers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hayahay Treehouse Café offers a great environment and internet for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Gatsby's Café is popular for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups organized through Facebook groups for expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Dumaguete Expat Forum often hosts gatherings and dinners to connect expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular and reliable ride-hailing app in Dumaguete. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Places like RUSI Rentals offer scooters for rent to explore the city and surrounding areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dumaguete Beach is a popular spot, only 10 minutes away from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific operates flights within the Visayas region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines has international flights primarily from Manila. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Road connects Dumaguete to other major provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dumaguete has a bus terminal with services to Bacolod and Cebu. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No fixed public transport passes; local buses and jeepneys are pay-as-you-go. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries connect to nearby islands like Siquijor and Apo Island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Silliman University Medical Center is the main hospital with decent emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Wellness Dumaguete offers classes for various levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a chain with branches across the Philippines, and local versions are also available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like Laundromat Dumaguete provide wash-and-fold options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood offers a wide variety of food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local delicacy 'Silvanas', a cold dessert made of meringue and buttercream. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Delight offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Casablanca offers a popular selection of cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Dumaguete Public Market is the best place to find fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee operate in the area for various purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer delivery services; check with Metro or Robinsons. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Boulevard is a popular area with bars overlooking the sea. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Dumaguete has a local brewery named The Blue Room. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Check out G's Wine Bar for a variety of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls along the Boulevard offer affordable local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as The Coffee Shop serve a range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Silliman University is known for its beautiful campus and the Silliman Hall. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Silliman University Anthropology Museum showcases local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Dumaguete Cathedral is a historical church worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bell Tower near the Cathedral is an iconic landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sandurot Festival celebrates the city's culture every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Boulevard area is a cultural hub with dining and art spots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cinemas host events and screenings for various audiences. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Dumaguete Public Market for food and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music performances often happen at various bars along the Boulevard. |
| 🎨 Street Art | This city features several murals that can be seen during walks around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes offer insights into Filipino cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local exhibitions are hosted at various cafes and community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Dumaguete City Hall reflects Spanish colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local festivals and community events showcase Dumaguete's rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Twin Lakes Natural Park is a nearby site for hiking and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Negros Oriental has numerous nature parks within a few hours' drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic walking paths along the Boulevard provide beautiful sea views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Dumaguete's Boulevard offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Balanan is a popular site for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops on Hibbard Avenue offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several sports centers in Dumaguete have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions and private tutors offer English and Cebuano classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Silliman University Library is a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host classes and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Several cafes offer gaming stations and free Wi-Fi. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Dumaguete but some nearby establishments in Bacolod. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 1,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PHP 900,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 35,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 1,750,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 28,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 1,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 32,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 2,560,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 2,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Individual income tax system varies; income over PHP 250,000 is taxable. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the Philippines has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annually based on the assessed value of property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% of the property purchase price. |