District in Manila, Philippines
BGC
Manila's planned business district: clean, walkable by Manila standards, full of malls, cafés, gyms and condos. Best for nomads wanting comfort; it's expensive for the Philippines and a little sterile.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,440–2,240Comfortable, one person · ₱90,000–140,000Details
- Value for money42/100Better value than 41% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Apr, 33°CDetails
- Air quality23 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2016) · PollutedDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$16–40Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in malls, cafés and chains.Details
Where to stay in BGC
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bonifacio High Street | Cafés, shops, restaurants and the most walkable core |
| Uptown Bonifacio | Newer condos, offices and quieter streets |
| Fort Victoria / Burgos Circle | Bars, restaurants and nightlife close to residences |
| Serendra / McKinley West | Quiet residential streets and cheaper long-stay condos |
Apps that work in BGC
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: Metered taxis are available but some drivers refuse short trips; use Grab or the taxi queue. Hotels can book vans.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in malls, cafés and chains. Keep cash for taxis, small eateries, tipping and street food.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to BGC solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in BGC meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.