Makati, Philippines 🇵🇭
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Makati is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines, known for being a financial hub with numerous skyscrapers and shopping malls. |
| 👥 Population | around 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speed of 25-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD, local banks include BDO, BPI, Metrobank |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A, B, and C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are the most popular providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Online banks like PayMaya, GCash are widely used; physical banks are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, Airbnb, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted through credit/debit cards and e-wallets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management companies are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Fort Hostel offer affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | KMC Solutions and WeWork are popular choices for coworking in Makati. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Curator Coffee and Cocktails provides a cozy atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Event venues like The Hive collaborate with local groups for regular meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Makati Expat Group on Facebook hosts various gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the leading ride-hailing app in Makati. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Lalamove and Angkas offer motorbike rentals and rides. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 2-3 hours away, such as in Batangas. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines cover domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates are some major carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Makati is connected via major expressways: SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and EDSA. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ayala MRT Station services the mass transit needs of commuters. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | MRT and bus cards are available for ease of travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans provide transportation to nearby provinces. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Makati Medical Center is a well-regarded facility for healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YogaPlus and Beyond Yoga offer various classes for those interested. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness have locations in Makati. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Speed Queen are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Adobo and Sinigang are must-try Filipino dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Bar offers a range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | M Bakery is famous for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Power Plant Mall hosts a variety of affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are leading online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | MetroMart and Puregold offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Poblacion is the lively neighborhood for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Katipunan Craft Ales provides locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Depot offers a good selection of wines to try. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Mercato Centrale is known for its street food scene. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi Nori offers various sushi options in the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ayala Triangle Gardens is a green space amidst skyscrapers. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ayala Museum showcases Filipino culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Santiago in nearby Intramuros is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Greenbelt Chapel is a notable place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Makati hosts the Makati Street Meet, a celebration of culture and community. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Poblacion is an emerging cultural district known for its art and food scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Carlos P. Romulo Theater holds various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Legazpi Sunday Market offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Here and There is a popular venue for live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Makati is known for its vibrant street art, especially in Poblacion. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery Place offers cooking classes for Filipino cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 5 showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Makati City Hall features a unique architectural design. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Makati is known for its blend of modernity and traditional Filipino heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Greenbelt Park offers a serene escape in the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | La Mesa Nature Reserve is a great outdoor option. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Makati CBD has pedestrian-friendly walkways. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Ayala Triangle is picturesque, especially at dusk. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center offers birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonifacio High Street has designated areas for public gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express are reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers gadget repair services in Makati. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Makati Sports Club has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cervantes offers Spanish language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Makati Library provides a quiet space for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Makati Sports Club is a hub for various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gaming Zone is a popular spot for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The City of Dreams Manila features a casino within a short ride from Makati. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱140,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱4,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱100,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₱3,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱150,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱9,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱110,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱6,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱160,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱12,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱120,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱9,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation for income earned within the Philippines. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists for overseas subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes vary based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% transaction tax for property purchases. |