- Home
-
Guide
Makati, Philippines π΅π
#584
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Makati is a bustling city within Metro Manila, known as the financial hub of the Philippines. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 600,000 people. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for higher speeds in coworking spaces. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP); 1 USD β 57 PHP. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
π Power | 220V, 60Hz, with Type A, B, and C sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Smart and Globe, offering various prepaid plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like BPI and BDO are widely used, with ATMs available throughout the city. |
π Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels, serviced apartments, to budget-friendly hostels available on platforms like Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, as well as mobile payment options like GCash. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies provide a variety of short-term rental options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The FortBudget and Z Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Makati Central Business District (CBD) is perfect for tourists due to its proximity to attractions and amenities. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Poblacion neighborhood is popular among digital nomads for its vibrant atmosphere and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | KMC Solutions offers reliable services and networking opportunities in the CBD. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Curator Coffee offers a cozy environment with excellent WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetup groups and events are regularly held through platforms like Meetup.com, often in the CBD. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Makati Expats' on Facebook host gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in the Philippines. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Lalamove and Grab also offer scooter delivery and rental options. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest major beach is around 1.5 hours away in Batangas. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific is a well-known low-cost carrier in the region. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines offer international flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major highways include South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) for easy access to nearby areas. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 provides rapid transit in Makati. |
π Public Transport Passes | Stored value cards for the MRT/BRT services are available for convenience. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and van services connect Makati with neighboring provinces and cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Makati Medical Center is a top-rated facility with various specializations. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Manila offers classes appealing to all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold's Gym are available with multiple locations. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Services like Quick Wash and Wash & Fold are prevalent. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are the most commonly used for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Adobo and Sinigang are traditional dishes you shouldn't miss. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Green Pastures and The Vegetarian Kitchen offer great plant-based meals. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Fruitas and CafΓ© Mary Grace are popular for desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Legazpi Sunday Market provide local produce and artisan foods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are leading e-commerce platforms in the Philippines. |
π Grocery Delivery | Online grocery deliveries are available through services like HappyFresh. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Poblacion and BGC are well-known nightlife districts. |
π» Local Brewery | The Craft Brew has great local craft beer options. |
π· Wine Bars | The Bottle Shop is a popular wine and spirits venue. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found at various night markets like Mercato Centrale. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Wildflour CafΓ© and Salvatore Cuomo serve diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Ayala Triangle Gardens and Ayala Museum are key attractions. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Ayala Museum showcases Filipino art and culture. |
π° Historical Sites | The Nuestra SeΓ±ora de Gracia Church is significant and beautiful. |
π Religious Sites | St. Andrew the Apostle Church offers a serene visit. |
π Annual Events | The Makati Art Festival provides exposure to local artists and crafts. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Poblacion is known for its rich culture and vibrant nightlife. |
π Theater Venues | The Mind Museum also hosts various cultural events and shows. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Legazpi Active Park located within Makati hosts weekend markets. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like 19 East and Saguijo. |
π¨ Street Art | Various murals can be found scattered throughout Poblacion. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Maya Kitchen offers a variety of Filipino cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Silverlens Gallery during exhibitions showcases contemporary art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Philippine Stock Exchange Tower is a prominent landmark. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Makati celebrates its heritage with various festivals showcasing Filipino traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | People visit La Mesa Eco Park for relaxation and nature. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Mount Pulag National Park is a little over 5 hours away, ideal for those seeking adventure. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ayala Triangle Gardens has walking paths and green spaces. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The rooftops in Makati offer amazing city views, like at The Palmtree Villas. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center provides spaces for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | No designated bonfire spots but some resorts near Batangas may allow. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Courier services like LBC and JRS Express are reliable for delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops are conveniently found in malls like Greenbelt. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Several recreational centers like UP Town Center have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Institutes like Berlitz offer language classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Ayala Museum's library is a quiet place for study and resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Makati Park near Makati Hall hosts community events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Places like Game Over and The Zone offer gaming facilities. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | SOLAIRE Resort & Casino is a well-known venue for entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 200,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = PHP 8,000,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 150,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = PHP 6,000,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 180,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = PHP 10,800,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 140,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = PHP 8,400,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 150,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = PHP 12,000,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 120,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = PHP 9,600,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on income earned worldwide. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 12%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Yes, there is an annual property tax. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax imposed on income generated outside of the Philippines. |