Dumaguete City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1451
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dumaguete City is known as the City of Gentle People and serves as the capital of Negros Oriental province. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for fiber connections available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 56 PHP. Major banks include BDO, BPI, and Landbank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type A/B sockets similar to US. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are the leading mobile providers, with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cards accepted widely; major banks offer services in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and local apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payment methods are becoming more popular with many merchants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are popular; average prices start at ₱1,500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Room for Rent and budget hotels like Harolds Mansion offer affordable stay options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Dumaguete downtown area and near the Boulevard are popular for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Dumaguete City Center offers a mix of coworking spaces, cafes, and rental apartments. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Dumaguete provides a productive environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bo’s Coffee and Sans Rival Bistro are popular spots for digital nomads, offering a good ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular events hosted by local expat communities and entrepreneurial meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Dumaguete Expats group on Facebook is a good place for networking and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Dumaguete. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several local shops offer motorbike rentals starting at ₱300 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dumaguete is close to Dauin Beach and Apo Island, known for diving and snorkeling. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines operates regional flights from Dumaguete. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and AirAsia provide flights to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Circumferential Road connecting to other major towns and cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dumaguete does not have train facilities; local buses and vans offer intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Tribal jeepneys and tricycles are common, charging approximately ₱10-₱20 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and jeepneys are available for travel to nearby Siquijor and Bacolod. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital is the main healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Park and various wellness retreats provide health and fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness are available for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundry facilities and local laundromats provide washing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood offer convenient food delivery services in Dumaguete. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Silvanas' at Sans Rival and the local seafood specialties. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Check out Cowrie for a range of vegetarian and vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sans Rival Cake Shop is a must-visit for desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Public markets like the Dumaguete City Public Market offer fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets offer delivery services; Mang Inasal and Robinson's Grocery are top choices. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Dumaguete Boulevard is popular for bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft breweries like The Lost Brewery provide local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine on Tap offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Boulevard has several street food options during the night market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serving Italian, Indian, and Korean cuisine can be found throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rizal Boulevard, Silliman University, and Bell Tower are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Silliman University Anthropology Museum showcases local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral is a historical landmark worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral and numerous other chapels offer cultural insights. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sandurot Festival celebrates local culture every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is rich in local culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Silliman University also hosts theater productions throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Dumaguete Public Market offers a glimpse into local life and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events happen regularly at local bars and beach parties. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas around the downtown showcase vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking experiences can be arranged at local culinary schools or hostels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries feature works from Filipino artists and are often in local cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old church near the city center and various old colonial-era homes add to the charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's historical significance is celebrated in local festivals and museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Forest Camp offers a peaceful getaway with nature hikes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Talinis is a nearby hiking destination with stunning views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Biking paths along the boulevard provide scenic views of the ocean. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The views from the Cuernos de Negros are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rural areas surrounding Dumaguete offer abundant birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Dauin are popular for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like LBC and JRS Express offer parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iGuy offer electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Classes in English and Filipino are available for expats at local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Silliman University Library is a quiet spot for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The local community center often hosts events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes provide gaming opportunities and socializing. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Dumaguete does not have large casinos, but nearby Bacolod has options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱1,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱1,680,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for income above ₱8,000,000 annually. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits solely for digital nomads, but the country is generally tax-friendly for expatriates. |