City in Davao del Sur, Philippines
Davao
Mindanao's big, orderly city: safe, cheap, good food and fruit, with Samal Island and Mount Apo close by. Few nomad amenities, little nightlife by Manila standards, and strict local rules on smoking and alcohol.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$719–1,120Comfortable, one person · ₱45,000–70,000Details
- Value for money89/100Better value than 88% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–MayWarmest: Apr, 31°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledThe city water district says tap water is potable, but most people drink refill-station water; bottled or filtered is the safe choice.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, fruit stalls and small eateries.Details
Where to stay in Davao
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lanang | Malls, condos, restaurants and the easiest long stays |
| Poblacion (Downtown) | Cheap hotels, markets, Magsaysay Park, jeepneys everywhere |
| Matina | Local food, universities, mid-range rentals |
| Buhangin | Quieter residential area near the airport |
Apps that work in Davao
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Cars and motorbikes citywide; best option for the airport |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: Taxis should use the meter. Airport taxis often quote flat rates; use Grab or the airport coupon counter.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, fruit stalls and small eateries. GCash is widely accepted if you have a local SIM.
- 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
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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.