Cebu's Quick Facts
Philippines
Population/Language
Cebu Province has a total population of more than 3 million. Cebuanois the native tongue. While Filipino is commonly understood and spoken , the English language is widely used in business and education.
Weather
Cebu is the 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 as high as 37oC in the summer. The rainy season begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movement.
Philippines Time
Philippine standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.
Dress/What to bring.
Wear natural-fibre , lightweight clothing. You'll feel more comfortable bring shorts , hat , sunglasses , bathing suit , insect repellent , flashlight , sun block cream , tough shoes for walking , rubber slippers for the beach.
The Barong Tagalog is the acceptable formal wear for men. Shorts and sleeveless shirts should never be worn when visiting churches , mosques or temples.
Electrical Appliances
Most areas in Cebu are supplied with 220 volts, 60 cycles. A plug with 2 flat parallel prongsis the norm.
Money
The Philippine currency is peso , divided into 100centavos. Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currencies can easily be changed at banks , hotels and authorized dealers. Foreign currency is not readily taken by the establishments in Cebu. 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.
Business Hours
Banks - 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday ;
Government agencies and offices - 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday ;
Private Firms - 9am to 12nn Saturday ;
Shops - 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 5 - 15% of the bill appropriate if no service charge is included.
Transportation
The Jeepney is a conventional form of public transport, it is remodelled on the US military jeep extended to accommodate 12 to 18 passengers including the driver. Getting around Cebu on jeepneys is an exciting adventure especially for first time visitors. Jeeney's routes are indicated on the sides of the jeepney by two numbers and a letter or could be seen on the front window screen. The fares range from P6.00 or more depending on the destination. You can travel by other forms of transportation include the bus , taxi , tricycles , chauffer-driven cars or horse and cart. Buses provide service in the city and outbound journeys. The taxis is the most convenient way of getting around Cebu and could be flagged down anywhere. Taxis can be found in the most populars places in Cebu , at most hotels and shopping centers. Taxis could be requested by telephone. Car rental companies have offices around Metro Cebu, in major hotels , and at the airport.
Accommodation
Cebu offers a wide range of accommodation to suit any purpose and budget. First class hotels for the business traveller are mostly situated near Cebu's business district; pension houses for tourists with a tight budget are scattered all over the metropolis; and beach resorts are mostly found in Mactan Island ranging from luxurious to modest. Donot forget to check your valuables before leaving.
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