Iloilo City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#586
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Iloilo City is the capital of the province of Iloilo, located on Panay Island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 458,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, but can vary by provider and location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not recommended to drink directly; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, offering prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like BDO, Metrobank, and RCBC are commonly available, alongside digital banking options. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals across the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many establishments and digital wallets like GCash are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental listings provide a variety of short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as The Mansion and Courtyard by Marriott are available for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Iloilo Business Park and the Riverside area are popular for tourists due to accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Jaro and Arevalo are recommended for longer stays, providing a blend of local life and modern amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Project Iloilo in Mandurriao is well-known for its facilities and community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Prince in Mandurriao is a popular spot among freelancers with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups for digital nomads are held in various cafes and coworking spaces; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Iloilo Expats Facebook Group organizes regular gatherings and events to connect. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the primary app for ride-hailing services in Iloilo City. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | E-bike rentals are available at various shops—check out Iloilo Bikes for options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Guimaras Island, just a 15-20 minute boat ride away, boasts beautiful beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines serves regional routes effectively from Iloilo International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer flights to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways like the Iloilo-Antique road makes regional travel convenient. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The city does not have a train service; jeepneys and buses are the main forms of public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes, but jeepney rides typically cost between 8-15 PHP. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans connect Iloilo City to nearby provinces; Ceres Liner is a popular bus company. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Paul's Hospital Iloilo is a well-regarded facility for healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Iloilo Wellness Spa and Yoga Studio offers wellness activities and classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold's Gym provide good facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry City offers affordable and convenient cleaning services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is the top choice for food delivery services in Iloilo City. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | La Paz Batchoy is a must-try local noodle soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Soul Food Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Biscocho Haus is known for its delightful local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Iloilo Central Market offers a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular e-commerce platforms in the country. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery can be arranged via Metro Supermarket's online services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Smallville, located in Mandurriao, is popular for nightlife, full of bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Iloilo Craft Brewery offers local craft beers and tasting opportunities. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The wine bar at Hotel Del Rio provides a selection of wines in a relaxed setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls at Esplanade Park serve delicious local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pancake House and Italianni's serve popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Iloilo is known for the historic Molo Church and the impressive San Jose de Placer Church. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Philippine Economic History showcases the region's cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Jaro Cathedral and the original site of the old Provincial Jail are significant historical landmarks. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The beautiful Biscocho House is notable for its architecture and grandeur. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Dinagyang Festival held every January is a famous cultural festival featuring street dancing and activities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Calle Real district is known for its Spanish-era buildings and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Iloilo Cultural Center hosts various music, theater performances, and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Iloilo Central Market provides an authentic experience of local commerce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various live music venues can be found, especially in the Smallville area. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Esplanade area features some beautiful murals and street art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn local cuisine through classes at the Culinary Institute of the Philippines Iloilo. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Sunburst Park Gallery showcases local artists and their works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa Mariquit and the Old Iloilo City Hall provide glimpses into the city's colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Paraw Regatta Festival celebrates the region's heritage and sailing traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Guimaras Island is a perfect escape with stunning beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Malumpati Cold Spring and the nearby Sicogon Island are prime spots for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Iloilo River Esplanade is ideal for leisurely bike rides and walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Villa Arevalo clifftop offers stunning vistas of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various wetlands and coastal areas around Iloilo are perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Areas of the Guimaras beaches are designated for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide reliable parcel delivery services in the region. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many mobile repair shops exist, particularly in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have ping pong tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering English and Filipino language courses can be found through various local universities. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Iloilo City Library offers study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Community Center in Jaro is active in hosting events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various internet cafes provide gaming options, popular among the local youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Iloilo City has several small casinos and gaming establishments for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱38,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱1,520,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,700,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,100,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱42,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱3,360,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱32,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,560,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residency status and applies to worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries, requires adherence to local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value, typically around 2% in Iloilo. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The Philippines offers Non-Quota immigrant visas for certain countries, allowing digital nomads to stay longer with minimum tax obligations. |