October 15, 2026

First time in Cebu? Tips before you go

A white passenger ferry docked at a pier in Cebu under a cloudy sky

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.

The bright arrivals hall of Mactan-Cebu International Airport — The arrivals hall at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Photo: Wide Awake!, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

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.

A bank ATM standing in a small room inside SM City Cebu mall — ATMs are easy to find inside Cebu's big malls. Photo: PaulGorduiz106, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

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.

A covered bus stop on Geonzon Street in Cebu City with a white taxi passing — A city bus stop on Geonzon Street, Cebu City. Photo: Wide Awake!, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

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.

Worshippers sitting on wooden pews inside Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral — Inside Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral: keep voices low and dress modestly. Photo: LMP 2001, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

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).

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From Tourist Booklet: https://touristbooklet.com/first-time-in-cebu-tips/. Last updated 28 October 2026. Prices and times change, so check before you go.