Makati, Philippines 🇵🇭
#584
,
Nomad Score:
72%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Makati is a bustling city within Metro Manila, known as the financial hub of the Philippines. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for higher speeds in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP); 1 USD ≈ 57 PHP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, with Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Smart and Globe, offering various prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BPI and BDO are widely used, with ATMs available throughout the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels, serviced apartments, to budget-friendly hostels available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, as well as mobile payment options like GCash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies provide a variety of short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The FortBudget and Z Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Makati Central Business District (CBD) is perfect for tourists due to its proximity to attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Poblacion neighborhood is popular among digital nomads for its vibrant atmosphere and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | KMC Solutions offers reliable services and networking opportunities in the CBD. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Curator Coffee offers a cozy environment with excellent WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and events are regularly held through platforms like Meetup.com, often in the CBD. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Makati Expats' on Facebook host gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in the Philippines. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Lalamove and Grab also offer scooter delivery and rental options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest major beach is around 1.5 hours away in Batangas. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific is a well-known low-cost carrier in the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines offer international flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) for easy access to nearby areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 provides rapid transit in Makati. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Stored value cards for the MRT/BRT services are available for convenience. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and van services connect Makati with neighboring provinces and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Makati Medical Center is a top-rated facility with various specializations. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Manila offers classes appealing to all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold's Gym are available with multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like Quick Wash and Wash & Fold are prevalent. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are the most commonly used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Adobo and Sinigang are traditional dishes you shouldn't miss. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Green Pastures and The Vegetarian Kitchen offer great plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Fruitas and Café Mary Grace are popular for desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Legazpi Sunday Market provide local produce and artisan foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are leading e-commerce platforms in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery deliveries are available through services like HappyFresh. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Poblacion and BGC are well-known nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Craft Brew has great local craft beer options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Bottle Shop is a popular wine and spirits venue. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found at various night markets like Mercato Centrale. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Wildflour Café and Salvatore Cuomo serve diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ayala Triangle Gardens and Ayala Museum are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ayala Museum showcases Filipino art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is significant and beautiful. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Andrew the Apostle Church offers a serene visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Makati Art Festival provides exposure to local artists and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Poblacion is known for its rich culture and vibrant nightlife. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Mind Museum also hosts various cultural events and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Legazpi Active Park located within Makati hosts weekend markets. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like 19 East and Saguijo. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found scattered throughout Poblacion. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Maya Kitchen offers a variety of Filipino cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Silverlens Gallery during exhibitions showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Philippine Stock Exchange Tower is a prominent landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Makati celebrates its heritage with various festivals showcasing Filipino traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | People visit La Mesa Eco Park for relaxation and nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Pulag National Park is a little over 5 hours away, ideal for those seeking adventure. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ayala Triangle Gardens has walking paths and green spaces. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The rooftops in Makati offer amazing city views, like at The Palmtree Villas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center provides spaces for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | No designated bonfire spots but some resorts near Batangas may allow. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Courier services like LBC and JRS Express are reliable for delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops are conveniently found in malls like Greenbelt. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several recreational centers like UP Town Center have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutes like Berlitz offer language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Ayala Museum's library is a quiet place for study and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Makati Park near Makati Hall hosts community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Places like Game Over and The Zone offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | SOLAIRE Resort & Casino is a well-known venue for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 8,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 150,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 6,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 180,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 10,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 140,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 8,400,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 150,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 12,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 120,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 9,600,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on income earned worldwide. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, there is an annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax imposed on income generated outside of the Philippines. |