Cebu City Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Globe Telecom and Intelligent Communications are major providers. SIM cards are at CEB airport kiosks or mall stores.

Acquisition Notes

Activation needs valid ID, like a passport.
Easily purchase SIM cards upon arrival.
Subscribe to data packages (GoSURF/GigaSurf) for connectivity.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, cafes, malls. Mobile 4G/LTE covers urban areas.

Connectivity Pointers

Free Wi-Fi in many public plus retail spots.
4G/LTE coverage in urban areas; spotty in remote spots.
Consider portable Wi-Fi from Solis Wi-Fi.

Language & Translation

Cebuano (Bisaya) is local. Tagalog (Filipino) also understood. English is widely spoken.

Resources

English widely understood in tourist and urban spots.
Consider using eSIM options like Airalo.
Learning phrases with Rosetta Stone is a good idea.

Postal Services

PhilPost is national postal service. Branches in main towns. Slower for overseas mail.

Shipping Options

PhilPost for standard mail.
DHL and FedEx for more rapid international shipping.
Local express couriers like LBC Express for domestic needs.

Essential Phrases

Greetings

Hi
Maayong buntag (Hello)
Maayong gabii (Good night)
Salamat (Thank you)

Common Needs

Palihug (Please)
Oo (Yes)
Dili (No)
Pila? (How much?)

Traveler's Note

English is commonly understood in urban and tourist zones. Basic Cebuano phrases are greatly appreciated by locals.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand usual business hours and holiday impacts during your stay.

Operating Times

Malls 10 AM-9 PM. Supermarkets 8/9 AM-10 PM. Local shops early close.

Banking & ATMs

Banks 9 AM-3/4 PM (Mon-Fri). ATMs widely available 24/7 in malls/stores.

Public Holidays

National and religious holidays affect services; expect crowds at attractions.

Holiday Calendar

Philippines observes numerous public holidays. Banks and government offices close. Malls stay open.

Dates

New Year's Day (Jan 1), Independence Day (Jun 12).
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday (variable).
Sinulog Festival (3rd Sunday Jan) major local event.

Seasonal Adjustments

Some smaller resorts or operators may reduce service during hurricane season (July-September).

Travel Tips

Peak the season for typhoons July-September.
Confirm operating hours in advance.
Be ready for possible transport delays.

Specific Business Hours

Retail & Dining

Malls usually 10 AM - 9 PM.
Supermarkets 8/9 AM - 9/10 PM, some 24/7.
Restaurants vary, relaxed to fine dining schedules.

Services

Banks 9 AM - 3/4 PM (Mon-Fri).
ATMs widespread, usually 24/7.
Pharmacies until late, major chains 24/7.

Plan Ahead

Holiday shutdowns for banks and government offices are common. Look at the timetable for tourist spots; expect crowds during festive periods.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural insights for considerate dealings during your visit.

Greeting Customs

A handshake is common. 'Po' and 'opo' show respect to elders.

Interactions

Formal greetings often involve a handshake.
Mano po gesture: touching elder's hand to forehead.
Informal greetings: nod, smile, 'Hi'.

Attire Guidelines

Dressing modestly is best, especially away from beaches.

Dressing for Occasions

Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
Avoid excessively revealing clothing in public.
Smart casual for business or upscale events.

Dining & Tipping

Guests often offered food first.

Meal Manners

Polite to present food to others first.
Eating with hands (kamayan) acceptable casually.

Photography & Sensitivity

Always seek permission for photos, especially of individuals.

Respectful Practices

Ask permission for photos of people.
Never photograph children without parental consent.
Avoid sensitive topics like local politics.

Considerations

Sensitive Topics

Approach local politics with caution.
Show respect for religious beliefs.
Be discreet about wealth; avoid giving to begging children.

Public Behavior

Excessive public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Avoid supporting child begging; donate to charities.
Do not openly display excessive wealth.

Diversity & Inclusivity

Gender Roles

Society is patriarchal, but women hold significant roles.
Women are busy in business and public life.
Societal acceptance varies across regions.

LGBTQ+ Community

Generally more tolerant than other Asian countries.
More openness in urban areas like Cebu City.
Public displays of affection might attract stares.

Cultural Awareness

Observing local customs fosters positive interactions. Politeness and respect are very much valued.

Accessibility Information

Considerations for travelers with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs.

Infrastructure Overview

Infrastructure for access is generally limited.

Features

Sidewalks uneven, public transport rarely accessible.
Navigating streets often challenging for mobility aids.
Newer and high-end hotels offer accessible rooms.

Attractions & Transport

Many historical sites have stairs. Public transport is difficult.

Getting Around

Modern attractions sometimes accessible; historical sites not as much.
Jeepneys, tricycles, buses are not wheelchair accessible.
Private car hire with a driver offers flexibility.

Specific Needs

Information for visually or hearing-impaired travelers impairments.

Visual Impairments

Tactile paving uncommon on sidewalks.
Audio cues for crossings are rare.
Widespread English assists communication.

Hearing Impairments

Communication strategies and resources for effective travel.

Communication Strategies

Sign language is not universally understood.
Written communication is the most effective method.
Clearly communicate needs when booking services.

Information Search

Research specific establishments and get in touch with local disability organizations for current accessibility information. Online forums for disabled travelers additionally have useful insights.

Cebu City Travel Tips