Dumaguete, Philippines 🇵🇭
#589
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dumaguete is a city located in the province of Negros Oriental, known for its friendly locals and vibrant expat community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 130,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP is approximately 0.018 USD. Banking options include BDO, BPI, and UnionBank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 60Hz. Sockets are Type A, B, and C. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Globe and Smart, with good 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards are accepted, and online banking apps like PayMaya are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include affordable apartments, guesthouses, and homestays via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payment options are increasingly available, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short term rentals are available on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | BackHome Hostel and The Flying Fish Hostel offer budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Rizal Boulevard area is popular, known for its shops, restaurants, and scenic ocean views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around Silliman University and downtown offer a mix of social and working environments. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking@Dumaguete is the leading coworking space, featuring reliable internet and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brewed Awakening is a popular coworking cafe with excellent coffee and ample workspace. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized on platforms like Facebook cater to expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Dumaguete Expats and Remote Workers Facebook Group is active and organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular app for taxis and rides in Dumaguete. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several local shops such as Dumaguete Motorbike Rentals offer affordable daily rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dumaguete's nearby beaches include Dauin Beach, which is only a 20-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are the main regional carriers connecting Dumaguete. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights primarily operate from Dumaguete Airport to Manila and Cebu. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Negros Oriental East Coast Road provides easy travel to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dumaguete does not have train services, reliance is on buses and vans for intercity transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes; travel is mostly by tricycle, jeepney, or rented vehicles. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and vans operate regularly to nearby cities like Valencia and Amlan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Silliman University Medical Center is the top hospital with various medical services and specialists. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Dumaguete offers classes and wellness programs suitable for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness gyms like Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness have good facilities for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Asia provides reliable laundry services with options for pick-up and delivery. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and GrabFood are popular for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the specialty 'Silvanas', a local cookie made of cashew butter. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mamma Mia offers excellent vegetarian dishes along with local options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sharky's is famous for its desserts, including the local delicacy Maja Blanca. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Dumaguete Public Market offers local produce and affordable shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Happy Mart provides grocery delivery services through their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Boulevard area is popular for nightlife, with bars like Hayahay and Cafe Tavera. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gogol Brewery offers local craft beers and is a social hotspot. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Room provides an excellent selection of wines and tasting experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors near the boulevard serve delicious barbecue and local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Ramen Jiro offer popular international options including Japanese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Dumaguete's Rizal Boulevard is a must-see for its scenic views and bustling atmosphere. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Silliman University Anthropology Museum showcases the region's cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral is a significant historical site in Dumaguete. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Dumaguete Cathedral is a beautiful representation of local architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sandurot Festival held every September celebrates local culture and tradition. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area is vibrant with shops and cultural institutions highlighting local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Silliman University Cultural Affairs Committee holds various functions and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Dumaguete Public Market is a hub for local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at various bars, especially along Rizal Boulevard. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Dumaguete embraces urban art, with murals appearing throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Crystal's Cooking Class offers hands-on experience with local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Dumaguete Artist's Gallery showcases local artists and their works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Silliman Hall is a prominent historic building and a symbol of local education. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Dumaguete's local heritage is celebrated through various festivals and community activities. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Dumaguete is near stunning natural attractions like Casaroro Falls, just a short ride away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Cuernos de Negros mountain range is close by, offering lush nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road along Rizal Boulevard is ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Twin Lakes offers beautiful views over the surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby Mt. Talinis is a great spot for birdwatching and hiking. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches along Dumaguete are great for nighttime bonfires, particularly in Dauin. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide reliable parcel delivery services within the Philippines. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Digital Digs offers tech repair for most devices and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Dumaguete Table Tennis Club allows for casual and competitive play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes are available through the Centro Escolar University Dumaguete. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Silliman University Library is a quiet space for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The City Community Center hosts events and activities regularly. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various cafes like Tea & Coffee Cafe offer gaming on consoles and PCs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Dumaguete, but gaming areas exist in nearby towns. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱1,350,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱1,050,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₱2,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱30,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₱1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱38,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱3,040,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate in the Philippines is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Philippines has a territorial taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to foreign-owned businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is typically 1.5% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The Philippines offers tax incentives for qualifying foreign investors, including digital nomads. |