When To Visit Cebu is best from December to May when the weather turns dry. It is coolest from December to February, hottest from March to May. Temperature can rise higher than 100F in the summer. The rainy season begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movement.

Local Time Philippine standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime

Language Cebuano is the native tongue. English and Tagalog are commonly understood and spoken.

Getting There An international destination with flights from Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong arriving almost daily, Cebu is home to the Mactan International Airport.  Cebu is just a short flight - an hour - away from Manila by plane or 22 hours by boat.  It is an ideal jump-off point for other tourist attractions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, links Manila to 14 cities in eight countries. Together with Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific, PAL plies the air routes of principal cities and towns all over the country. Asian Spirit services the missionary routes.
 

Departure Fees Travellers are requested to pay an airport tax of P550 when departing from Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. If departing from Cebu City, the airport tax is P400, while in Davao, it is P220 and P100 for local departures from all airports. Travellers are advised to check with their agents on this issue before departure as the fees are subject to change.

Note: The international airports have adequate traveller friendly facilities: tourist information and assistance centres, duty-free and souvenir shops, car rental services, banks and automated teller machines, postal service, national and international direct dial telephone booths, medical clinics and baggage deposit areas.

Entry Formalities Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors with valid passport may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits must be obtained from Philippines embassies and consulates within your own country before departure.

A foreign spouse and children of a Filipino passport holder, or a previous citizen of the Philippines living abroad, when travelling together, will be automatically granted a Balikbayan visa for 12 months upon arrival in the Philippines.

Visa Extensions Extensions of Stay Visitors intending to extend their stay from 21 days to 59 days should contact the Immigration Office (Commission on Immigration and Deportation; CID), Magallenes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, and its offices in Angeles, Cebu City and San Fernando (La Union). Upon arrival at the Immigration Office, all you have to do is present your extension application and passport to the various immigration officials with which these documents will remain with the Immigration Office (Regular Service) for processing. Fees for a 38-days visa extension vary in cost depending on whether the application for extension by the visitor was filed before or after the 21 days limit. If you are planning to apply for a visa extension, do remember not to dress in shorts and flip-flops (thongs) or else you can expect to be refused service.

Airport Transfers Unless you have someone to pick you up at the airport, there are only two options available: Hotel limousine and car-shuttle services can arranged with the hotel representative at the Hotel Reservation Counter in the Arrival Area or needs to be requested via ourselves, Hotel Travel Network, at the time of booking your hotel accommodation.

A Taxi Coupon System enables the visitor to use un-metered, air-conditioned taxis without having to haggle over prices. Avis Royal Class have counters at the Arrival Area. Upon paying the fare for a specific destination, you will be issued a coupon and escorted to the curb outside the arrival area until your taxicab arrives.

Seaports bustle with the comings and goings of major cruise liners but are not as popular arrival vehicles and more information on this and other forms of transport can be found on our Transport pages.

Customs Regulations To facilitate customs examination, visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before disembarking. Visitors are allowed to bring in the following items duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes, jewellery and toiletries, 400 cigarettes (total) or two tins/packets of tobacco and two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than one litre each.

Health Regulations A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers coming from infected areas. Travellers with infectious diseases are subject to quarantine. Children under one year of age are subject to isolation when necessary. Therefore immunizing oneself and having proof of immunization is important and should be presented to the health authorities if and when required.

Malaria Warning The threat of malaria is present the whole year round below 600m in altitude except in urban areas where the malevolent falciparum strain is present and believed to be highly resistant to chloroquine. Please talk to your local doctor for Malaria advice. From our own point of view, it is not advisable to take any precautionary measures as if you do contract the disease it is harder to diagnose if you are already taking a preventative medication. Therefore locals advise not to take anything and IF you get the disease only then take the cure. The best form of prevention is to wear a mosquito repellent all the time and avoid wearing dark coloured clothing…mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours.

Dengue Fever is another mosquito borne ailment that is rife in the Philippines. Here there are no prophylactics to stop your chances of getting sick and the best way to prevent contracting the disease is to cover yourself in some form of mosquito repellent before venturing out at night.

Rabies Warning There is a risk of rabies in the Philippines. It is vital to seek immediate medical treatment if bitten by any animal.

Bilharzia Warning Visitors are advised against swimming in fresh still water as the disease called Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present (flowing water though is generally fine). However, it is quite safe to swim in swimming pools that are chlorinated and the ocean.

Where to stay Numerous forms of accommodation have sprouted all over the province from world-class hotels and resorts to modest hostels. During the peak summer season, it's best to make your reservations early.

Electrical Appliances Most areas in Cebu are supplied with 220 volts, 60 cycles. A plug with 2 flat parallel prongs is the norm.

Money The Philippine currency is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers. Major foreign credit cards may be accepted only at major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient amount of change in small bills or coins. Use the Currency Converter to check the exchange rate that corresponds to your local currency.

Currency Regulations Visitors carrying more than US$3,000 are requested to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter situated at the customs area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. Keep all exchange receipts for record purposes. Visitors entering the Philippines are permitted to carry up to 5,000 pesos in banknotes. Departing passengers may not take out more than P1,000 in local currency.

Travellers Cheques In Cebu, traveller's cheques can be easily cashed however, they can pose a bit of a problem in the provinces. Most major international credit cards like Amex, MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa are widely recognized and accepted by many hotels, restaurants and shops in the Philippines. Expect to receive a lower rate of exchange of between 5 and 10%. Tip: Avoid exchanging currencies with street moneychangers unless you want to be ripped off.

Credit Cards International credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are widely accepted in major establishments in and outside Cebu. Cirrus, Visa, and Mastercard also provide cash advance service in selected automated teller machines (ATM's) scattered in the bigger cities.

Business Hours Banks are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday; Government agencies and offices from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; Private firms from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 9am to 12noon Saturday and shops from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Most department stores stay open on Sundays and holidays.

Tipping Bellhops expect a tip, as do waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, beauticians, and porters. Most hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge on top of the government tax. Tipping 15% of the bill appropriate if no service charge is included. P5 to P10 for bellboys, porters and like.

Public Transport Getting around Cebu one may take a colourful jeepney or a bus. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are popular in outlying areas and in the suburbs, quiet notably within Mactan Island. Taxicabs are widely available. For more info on transport in Cebu check out our Transport pages.
 

Communication Facilities The country has international direct dial phone (IDD) and facsimile service, cell-phone sites, internet and e-mail facilities, and worldwide express delivery service. The postal system is efficient. Most national dailies are in English. There are five commercial-run, one government-run and one religious-run national television stations. Cable TV is available in many hotels. Foreign publications are sold at major hotels, malls, and bookstores in Cebu and key cities. WARNING: Using a cell phone at petrol stations while filling your vehicle up with fuel is banned throughout the Philippines.

Foreign publications are sold at major hotels, malls, and bookstores in Cebu and key cities.

Mobile Phone Network Analog and GSM cellular phone companies operate in the Philippines.

Toilet Tip Pack tissue paper in your purse as public toilets almost never have any.

Water Visitors are advised to drink bottled or boiled water. Tap water in the hotel/s is potable.

 

generic Etiquette Filipinos are friendly people. They’re courteous, hospitable nature is extended to all visitors except, of course, for those with bad intentions. On the other hand, there are quite a few things that you should observe in order to experience the friendliness and warmth of the Filipinos. Listed below are a few pointers on the dos and don'ts of the country's social etiquette:

• Don't get paranoid or annoyed if people stare at you because they find you interesting and want to take a good look at you
• Don't be punctual if you are asked to attend a social function. You would be considered a polite guest if you arrived at least 30 minutes later than the arranged time.
• Do greet the elderly if they are present at any social function as a show of respect to them.
• Do taste a bit of the food being offered. If you like it, don't forget to leave some food on the plate to show you've had a lot.
• Do remember to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
• Don't remain quiet in the company of Filipinos unless you want to show them that you are unhappy, bored or dislike somebody's presence.

Filipino Quirks First time visitors to the Philippines may find some of the local customs disturbing. The following are a few:

• Filipinos point with their lips not with an outstretched index finger. They pucker their lips and point with them. Therefore don’t be offended by thinking the person is pulling faces at you.

• Getting someone's attention is not done with the voice, it is done using the hissing sound - "Psssssst, which is often used even if they know your name.

• Like most Asian cultures you will see women walking hand in hand or with their arms around each other, and men touching each other in public. This has nothing to do with their sexual orientation and everything to do with the "loving family" nature of these warm tropical people.

Religion The religion of the Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic. Other major denominations include Protestantism, Islam and Filipino independent church groups such as Aglipayan and Iglesia ni Kristo (Church of Christ).

Drug Abuse Possession or usage of prohibited drugs carries a maximum penalty of deasth. In other words…don’t even think about it!

Safety As with any other countries in the world, travellers should always be extra careful.

Safety Travel Tips

• Be wary about over-friendly strangers offering drinks or confectionery as these may be laced with substances that cause drowsiness or unconsciousness. The victim is then robbed.
• There have been attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.
• Visitors who take part in water sports and scuba diving in the Philippines should be aware that rescue services are not always as comprehensive as they might be in other countries.
• Kidnapping is rife throughout the Philippines. Never travel alone unless you have to, and if you do, inform everyone possible of your travel itinerary and accommodation plans.
• Avoid travel off the beaten track and leave travel plans with friends or relatives.
• Most large hotels have an in-room safe or deposit boxes at the front desk. Use these to keep your valuables and important documents safe.
• When moving about, keep an eye on your belongings.
• Don’t display your money or wear too much jewellery. It attracts too much attention.
• Always lock your car if you have one.

Women Travellers generally, Filipinos are solicitous of women travellers' well-being, especially if they are known to be travelling alone. This does not mean that your safety is guaranteed; only that on the whole you should be safe. Do take precautions where necessary and as in many countries, don’t go anywhere, alone at night, such as a dark alleyway or wander around aimlessly as you will be asking for trouble if it happens to be lurking there.

Disabled Travellers Most five-star hotels in Metro Manila and Cebu are equipped with rooms for wheelchair-bound guests. Main floors are provided with ramps and elevators to allow easy access to various outlets. Advance notice, is required by the hotels to confirm the room requirement.

Provincial hotels and resorts have inadequate facilities (in some areas, none at all), and some major destinations require long bus and boat transfers which may inconvenience the traveller. In major shopping districts of Makati and Mandaluyong, elevators and ramps with safety handrails are found along main pathways. Washrooms have large cubicles to accommodate wheelchairs.

Although airlines do provide wheelchairs and walking canes at designated airports, other public conveyances such as buses, jeepneys, boats, and even car rentals do not provide special accessories for wheelchairs.

Overall, the country has yet to provide the disabled with facilities that will make travel less cumbersome.

Natural Disaster Warning Typhoons strike the Philippines during the rainy season usually between July and December and flooding may occur. The Philippines is in an earthquake zone and there are more than 200 volcanoes, most of which are extinct, but there are major eruptions every once in a while so best ask a local before venturing up the sides on one, or you may descend far faster than hoped or not at all.

Travel Warning

In recent years there has been a significant increase in kidnappings in the Philippines, including in popular resorts and there is also a threat from random bombings in various cities. We therefore strongly advise that travellers keep tabs on what the most dangerous areas within the Philippines are at any given time. Do this not only before you arrive, but on arrival too, if planning on visiting various cities or outlying island areas. Some spots are true ‘hot spots for trouble’ while others are as peaceful as a garden on a sunny day but these can change on a day to day, week by week basis. You have been warned. Hotel Travel takes absolutely no responsibility for travellers misfortunes in any of the countries we sell accommodation in and if guests wish to travel to dangerous areas, the responsibility is theirs (the guest's) entirely.