Dumaguete, Philippines 🇵🇭
#589
9.312271, 123.310776
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dumaguete is a coastal city in the Philippines known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant expat community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 25 Mbps; suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | PHP 1 ≈ 0.018 USD; local banks include BDO, Metrobank, and Landbank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz; Primarily Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are the main providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted. Online banks like Revolut work well. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnbs, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Prices range from PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,500 per month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are gaining popularity; cards accepted at most restaurants and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals available in the range of PHP 1,200 - PHP 2,500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels like 'The Flying Fish' start at PHP 400 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive - a popular coworking space offering high-speed internet and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Buglas Filipino Cuisine - offers good coffee and a quiet environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups like Dumaguete Expats host regular gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Dumaguete Expats' facilitate events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the primary ride-hailing service in Dumaguete. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer scooter rentals ranging from PHP 300 - PHP 500 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dumaguete Beach is a short drive away, approximately 15 mins. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines offers domestic flights from Dumaguete. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines handle international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the national highway, connecting to other provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dumaguete is primarily served by buses and vans for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; fares are paid in cash on public jeepneys. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans operate to nearby cities like Valencia and Siquijor. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Silliman University Medical Center is the top facility for healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Dumaguete Yoga Center offers classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Dumaguete provides a well-equipped gym experience. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service Laundromats and local laundry services available across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bugo (local seafood specialty) at Hayahay Restaurant. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Earth Cafe offers a wide range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries for their famous silvanas. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | You can visit the Dumaguete Public Market for budget-friendly groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee operate in Dumaguete for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores offer delivery services, including Robinsons Supermarket. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Boulevard is known for its vibrant nightlife with bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Dumaguete's craft beer scene includes local breweries like Aloha Dumaguete. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Boulevard Wine and Dine offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the food stalls at the Dumaguete night market for local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Antonio serves a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Silliman University and the Dumaguete Belfry are popular attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Silliman University Anthropology Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral is a key historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres is a notable religious location. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Dumaguete holds the Sandurot Festival in October celebrating city culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hibbard Avenue hosts art shops and studios. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Dumaguete has various local theaters including the DUMABOS theater. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Dumaguete Public Market is perfect for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events frequently occur at various bars around The Boulevard. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas near Silliman University feature impressive murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available through local venues like Homestyle Cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Dumaguete has galleries featuring local talent; ask locals for current exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The city hall and old water tank are architectural highlights. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Dumaguete is known for its history of educational values and cultural icons. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Twin Lakes Natural Park offers scenic landscapes and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Cuernos de Negros National Park is nearby for exploration. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal boulevard provides scenic cycling and walking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Balanan Lake offers stunning views and tranquility. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The forests near Valencia are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops around downtown can repair electronics and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish and local dialect classes available through university affiliations. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Silliman University Library is open to the public for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Several cafes like Game Hub have gaming areas. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Dumaguete does not have large casinos; nearby Cebu has options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 45,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 1,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 1,680,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 2,800,000) |
| 🏡 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 | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, similar compliance requirements. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% on property transactions. |