Manila, Philippines 🇵🇭
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and cultural blend. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.78 million in the city proper, over 13 million in the metro area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with some areas offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, with Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Globe and Smart, with prepaid SIM cards available at the airport and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include BPI, BDO, and Metrobank, which facilitate banking for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hostels (like The Circle Hostel), and Airbnb properties. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile wallets like GCash and PayMaya are widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous options, with prices varying significantly based on location. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget-friendly hostels like Our Melting Pot and MNL Boutique Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | TRES, located in Makati, offers flexible working spaces and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Curator Coffee is noted for its remote work-friendly environment and strong Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various professional gatherings and workshops regularly in Manila. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook Groups like Expats in Manila foster community and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular and reliable ride-hailing app in Manila. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | BCycle offers bike rentals around the city, and scooter rentals are also available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Zambales Beach is approximately 2-3 hours away from Manila, accessible via bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific offers budget and international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | NLEX and SLEX are major highways providing access to suburban areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The EDSA MRT is the primary rapid transit system in Metro Manila. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Contactless cards for the MRT and buses, called Beep cards, are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries connect Manila to nearby provinces and tourist spots. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City is renowned for healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga + is a popular studio offering classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry pods are common; services like the Laundry Hub offer convenient options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is the leading food delivery service in Manila. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Adobo, a famous Filipino dish made with meat, vinegar, and soy sauce. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Bar offers a great selection of vegan dishes in a cozy environment. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Custard Shop is well-known for its delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Baclaran Market is popular for affordable clothing and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are the most popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | MetroMart and Honestbee provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Poblacion in Makati is famous for its vibrant nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craftpoint Brewery offers local craft beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Museum at Fort Bonifacio has an extensive selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the streets of Manggahan in Pasig for authentic street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Kanto Freestyle serves well-known international dishes with a twist. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Intramuros, the historic walled city, offers a glimpse of the Philippines' colonial past. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Fine Arts showcases Filipino artistry. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Santiago is a key historical site reflecting the city's Spanish heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feast of the Black Nazarene in January attracts millions of devotees. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, is rich in cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural Center of the Philippines hosts a variety of performances, including ballet and theater. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Greenhills Shopping Center is famous for its tiangge (flea market) offering bargains. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music venues like 19 East provide a platform for local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The walls of BGC are covered with stunning murals from local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary schools like The Centre for Culinary Arts offer cooking classes for tourists. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Sector Gallery and Challenger Space is known for contemporary art exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Manila Cathedral is a symbol of rich historical and architectural significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Jeepney, a local mode of transport, represents Filipino ingenuity and creativity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | La Mesa Ecopark offers green spaces and nature trails within Metro Manila. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Pulag National Park is approximately 250 km away, famous for its sea of clouds. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Manila Baywalk provides scenic views and waterfront walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The sunset at Manila Bay is a breathtaking sight not to be missed. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands in Pulang Lupa are popular for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches in Batangas welcome bonfires during specific seasons. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express are reliable parcel delivery companies operating in Manila. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix and Gadget Repair provide quality tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Different community centers host table tennis meetups and games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Berlitz offers language courses including English and Tagalog. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Filipinas Heritage Library serves as a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Philippine Cultural Center offers various cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Over PH provides a venue for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Resorts World Manila is a major entertainment complex with gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱100,000 per m², with a central studio costing around ₱3,000,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱60,000 per m², with a suburban studio costing around ₱1,800,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱85,000 per m², a central 1-bedroom costs around ₱4,250,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱55,000 per m², suburban 1-bedroom priced at ₱2,750,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱75,000 per m², with a 2-bedroom in the city costing around ₱6,000,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m², suburban 2-bedroom priced at ₱4,000,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for individuals earning above ₱8 million annually. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on a percentage of the property’s zonal value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% Transfer Tax applies on property acquisitions. |