Iloilo City, Philippines 🇵🇭
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines known for its cuisine, heritage, and friendly locals. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD, with local banks offering a range of services, including BDO, BPI, and Metrobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are the main mobile providers, with affordable prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks accept cash and cards widely; cash withdrawal facilities are readily available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted in many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites offer short term options throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options such as The Avenue Plaza Hotel and local hostels can be found under ₱800 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tierra Nueva Coworking Space, located in the Jaro area, offers a quiet environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee & Cream in Mandurriao is popular among remote workers for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for entrepreneurship meetups organized by local business groups, often held at various hotels. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Iloilo Expat Community on Facebook for regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the primary ride-hailing app available in Iloilo City. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local hotels and shops; no dedicated scooter rental services known. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Sobo Beach, approximately 45 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate regional flights from Iloilo International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines provide international flights to and from Iloilo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major roads like the Iloilo-Capiz Road and the national highway for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Iloilo City lacks a train system; public transport mainly consists of jeepneys and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes are available; pay-per-ride in jeepneys is common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to nearby cities like Bacolod and Antique. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Paul’s Hospital is one of the top hospitals in Iloilo City, offering comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Iloilo offers classes for all skill levels in a serene setting. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness are popular fitness centers in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat chains like Wash & Dry are widely available for laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are the leading food delivery apps in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | La Paz Batchoy is a must-try noodle soup originally from Iloilo. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Vibes offers a variety of plant-based dishes in a cozy setting. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Biscocho Haus is famous for its delicious pastries and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Iloilo Supermart provides a variety of affordable food options and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer home delivery services via their apps or websites. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Smallville Complex is the vibrant nightlife area with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Iloilo Craft Brewery offers local handcrafted beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar located in the Iloilo Business Park is popular for a variety of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Molo Market features numerous street food vendors selling local favorites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Grill & Bistro offers a mix of Asian and Western dishes in a laid-back setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Iloilo River Esplanade, a picturesque walking path along the river, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art showcases local talents and exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Miagao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nearby and a significant historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Jaro Cathedral is an important religious site with beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Dinagyang Festival, held in January, celebrates the city's patron saint and is famous for vibrant street dancing. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit Calle Real for its rich historical architecture and vibrant local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The University of the Philippines Visayas offers cultural performances and shows throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Iloilo Central Market is an excellent spot for local produce and regional delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Visit Beer Garden for live music from local bands and artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the city, particularly along the Esplanade. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Iloilo Culinary School offers cooking classes focused on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Artistros Gallery showcases works from local artists and hosts exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Iloilo City Hall is a historic site that reflects the city’s architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Paraw Regatta Festival emphasizes the heritage of maritime culture in Iloilo. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Garin Farm in Laoag offers a picturesque escape with gardens and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Antique's Mararison Island is a great spot for nature enthusiasts and is accessible by a short boat ride. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Iloilo River Esplanade features dedicated paths for walking and cycling along the river. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Iloilo River Esplanade offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands of the Iloilo River are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach areas on Guimaras Island permit bonfires at designated sites. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide reliable parcel delivery services in and out of the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iLaboratory offers excellent tech repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports complexes in the city have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language Hub offers English and Filipino language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Iloilo City Public Library is a quiet study place with free access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers often host workshops and activities, open to residents and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes like B3 have arcade games and high-speed internet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Iloilo City Jeopardy offers gaming facilities in a resort-casino setting. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱60,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱1,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱3,300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱38,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱4,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on residency; residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing foreign entity taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Imposed annually based on market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% applies to property purchases. |