Cebu may be small, but it has everything you need. In addition to countless islands to hop and waters to dive in, it also boasts a wealth of historical sites to explore. Before diving into the fun, this Cebu cheat sheet will help you get to know this little island better. Covering currency, visas, and transportation—all in one go!
(Photo by James Connolly on Unsplash / Siquijor Island is also a popular nearby destination for visitors to Cebu)
Cebu SnorkelingCebu Quick Facts
Location
Cebu Island is located in the southeastern part of the main Philippine island, and Cebu City is also the second-largest city in the Philippines. The main airport is Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Lapu-Lapu City, about a 30-minute drive from Cebu City.
Climate
Cebu enjoys summer-like weather all year round. No matter when you visit, you can confidently enjoy the sunshine and beaches. The months from November to May are drier and cooler, with temperatures still reaching the mid-30s at noon but cooler in the mornings and evenings—making it an ideal time to visit. From June to October, it is hotter and rainier, with a higher chance of typhoons.
(Photo by
The Philippines shares the same time zone as Taiwan, so there’s no time difference to worry about!
Currency
Cebu uses the Philippine Peso (PHP), with an exchange rate of approximately 1 NTD = 0.6 PHP (based on the exchange rate on 1/15). You can exchange enough US dollars before your trip, and there are currency exchange services available at Cebu Airport and in the city. The best rates are usually found at department store Money Exchangers.
(Photo by Shutterstock)?Voltage ?The voltage in the Philippines is 240V. Most phone and laptop chargers are compatible, but if you need them for other purposes, remember to bring an adapter!
There are two ways to apply for a Philippine visa:
# Paper Visa
Allows entry for up to 59 days, costing NT$1,200. Suitable for study abroad stays of over one month. Minors under 15 must use a paper visa.
# E-Visa
Allows multiple entries for up to 30 days, costing NT$1,100. Suitable for short-term travel or study abroad stays of under one month.
*
# E-visa
Allows multiple entries to the Philippines for up to 30 days, NT$1,100, suitable for short-term tourism or study abroad of less than one month.
*Link to the Philippine e-visa application website(It has a Traditional Chinese interface)
Tax
# Airport tax
When departing from Cebu, you must pay an airport departure tax of 850?. The terminal fee counter can be found next to the airport check-in counters. After collecting your boarding pass and checking in your luggage, you can proceed to the counter to pay.
# Island entry tax
When traveling to island nations, island-hopping itineraries are inevitable. Most islands in the Philippines have an entry tax, usually ranging between 100 and 400?. If you’re using a local travel agency, it’s recommended to compare prices to avoid overpaying.
Internet
Don’t expect great Wi-Fi in hotels or guesthouses in Cebu — the internet here is generally poor. It’s advisable to activate international roaming before your trip or buy a prepaid SIM card. Small kiosks selling various durations of SIM cards can be found near the airport entrance. However, internet in downtown Cebu is decent, but in more remote areas like Oslob or Kawasan Falls, the signal may be weak. But hey, no need to be glued to your phone while traveling — take in the beautiful scenery around you instead.
★ Recommended Attractions:SM Mall
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Transportation
Since there are only a few main roads in Cebu and they are very narrow, traffic jams occur day and night!!! So if you're traveling between city attractions or to/from the airport and the city, it's best to allow double the estimated travel time just to be safe.
Jeepney
The jeepney is the most common mode of public transport. It’s a hop-on, hop-off vehicle, and you’ll often see colorful jeeps weaving through traffic in Cebu. Locals sometimes even hop on right from the road.
Jeepneys mainly operate between major attractions such as malls and ports. The fare, usually around 7?pesos one way, is displayed on the side or back of the vehicle. In addition to using Google Maps, you can also use the apps CebuJeepney Map or Go with Jeepney in Cebu to plan your route.
Taxi
Taxis in Cebu are super cheap!!! Even taking a taxi from the airport to the city center, even with a two-hour traffic jam, will only cost around 250?pesos (less than NT$200), so whether you’re going out for food or shopping, feel free to take one. But remember, always take a white taxi, and make sure to say “By Meter” when getting in — that means the fare will be calculated by the meter.
Ferry
When visiting Cebu, Bohol is usually included in the itinerary. The main way to get to Bohol and other nearby islands is by ferry. The ferry ride takes about 90 minutes, and the fare is around 500?pesos. Luggage check-in service is available (approximately 50–80?pesos per piece). Foreign passengers must present their passport to purchase a ticket, as it’s a real-name system. It’s recommended to arrive at the port about 30 minutes early to buy your ticket.
There are three main ferry companies:
Ocean Jet
Weesam Express
Super Cat
★ Recommended Attractions:Oslob Whale Shark Sanctuary
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The cost of living in Cebu is truly shockingly low. Although it’s not a very large island, it still offers you plenty of space to relax and unwind while having fun. After reading this comprehensive Cebu travel guide that covers all the essential info about the island, don’t you think it’s time to plan your Cebu trip this year? Quickly gather your family, best friends, or siblings and take action now!
By Hsu An | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team
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