First time in Cebu? Tips before you go
Cebu is one of the friendliest and easiest places to travel in the Philippines. A little planning makes it even smoother. Here are the things we wish every first-time visitor knew.
Before you fly
- Fill in the free eTravel form online shortly before you arrive in the Philippines. Use only the official government website. It is free, so skip any site that asks for a fee.
- Get travel insurance that covers water activities like snorkelling, diving and canyoneering.
- Tell your bank you are travelling, so your cards keep working.
Money
- The currency is the Philippine peso (₱). Cards work in malls, hotels and bigger restaurants in the city.
- Bring cash for the provinces and islands. ATMs can be few, and many small places only take cash.
- Keep small bills for jeepneys, tricycles, entrance and environmental fees.
Phone and internet
- Buy a local SIM or eSIM from Globe or Smart at the airport or in a mall. SIMs must be registered, so have your passport ready.
- Signal can be weak on small islands and in the mountains. Download offline maps before you go.
On the road and on the water
- Agree on prices first for habal-habal, tricycles and boats.
- Book ferries early around holidays, and keep a spare day in case the weather cancels a trip.
- Wear a life vest on boats if you are not a strong swimmer, and a helmet on motorbikes.
Respect and island manners
- Cover your shoulders and knees in churches.
- Never touch coral, turtles or sharks, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Take your trash back with you. Many places charge a small environmental fee that helps keep them clean.
- Learn a few words of Cebuano: "Salamat" means thank you. English is widely spoken too.
Stay safe and healthy
Drink bottled or refilled drinking water, stay in the shade in the middle of the day and keep an eye on your bag in crowded places. The emergency number in the Philippines is 911.
Ready to plan? Start with our destination guides and ready-made itineraries.
Photo: "Lite Ferry 1" by Kingprince2424, via Wikimedia Commons, released into the public domain (CC0).
