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Expat Exchange - The Essential Guide to Davao 2024
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Davao City, Philippines


The Essential Guide to Davao

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Our Guide to Davao: Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Plus, Tips on Making Connections with the Locals and Finding Fun Recreational Activities

Welcome to Davao! If you're planning to move to Davao, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Davao has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Davao.

Davao is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for both tourists and locals. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and stunning mountain views. It is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Philippine Eagle Center, the Davao Museum, and the Davao Crocodile Park. For those looking for a more active experience, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in Davao is bustling and diverse. Some of the most popular restaurants include the Italian-inspired La Piazza, the seafood-focused La Palapa, and the traditional Filipino restaurant, Kusina Uno. For a more upscale experience, there are several high-end restaurants, such as the French-inspired La Maison and the Japanese-inspired Sushiya. For a night out, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, such as the popular Club Mango and the lively Club X.

Davao is also home to a variety of recreational activities. For those looking for a more active experience, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking in the nearby Mount Apo National Park, mountain biking in the Davao City Bike Park, and kayaking in the Davao River. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of beaches to explore, such as the white sand beaches of Samal Island and the black sand beaches of Talikud Island. For a more cultural experience, there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore, such as the Davao Museum of History and the Davao Museum of Contemporary Art.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Davao: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Diving, rotary, NGO like tree planting or animals or street children. Church groups," said one expat living in Davao.

"Expats in Davao often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, and sailing. Expats can also join local running clubs, book clubs, and language exchange groups. Other ways that expats meet people in Davao include attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art shows. Expats can also meet people by attending church services, joining a gym, or volunteering with a local charity," wrote a member in Davao.

"Visit high-end malls such as Abrezza or SM Lanang that are frequented by foreigners and wealthier Filipinos," commented one expat who made the move to Davao.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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"Socializing, eating, drinking, living a nice and happy life in and surrounded by nature," commented an expat living in Davao.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Davao is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its friendly locals, low cost of living, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore. The city is also well-connected, with reliable internet access and plenty of coworking spaces. Additionally, the city is close to some of the country's most beautiful beaches, making it a great place to relax and unwind. All in all, Davao is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a comfortable and affordable place to live and work," said an expat in Davao.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Davao City, Philippines

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