District in Manila, Philippines
Makati
Manila's business district and the easiest place to land: coworking, restaurants, nightlife and top hospitals within a few blocks. Expensive by Philippine standards, and the traffic and heat are relentless.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,440–2,240Comfortable, one person · ₱90,000–140,000Details
- Value for money48/100Better value than 47% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Apr, 33°CDetails
- Air quality22 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2016) · PollutedDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$13–40Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and GCash work in malls, restaurants and bars; keep small bills for jeepneys, markets and street food.Details
Where to stay in Makati
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Poblacion | Bars, restaurants and nightlife; younger crowd |
| Salcedo Village / Legazpi Village | Walkable, cafés, weekend markets, condos |
| Ayala Center / Greenbelt | Malls, hotels, restaurants and offices |
| San Lorenzo Village | Quiet, leafy and residential; mid-range condos |
Apps that work in Makati
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 exist but Grab is easier. Hail from a mall taxi bay rather than the street, and insist on the meter.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and GCash work in malls, restaurants and bars; keep small bills for jeepneys, markets 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
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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.