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Cebu :
Quick Facts
Population/language:
Cebu Province has a total population of around 3 million. Cebuano
is the native tongue. English and Tagalog are commonly understood
and spoken.
Weather:
Cebu is 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 higher than 100F in the summer. The rainy season begins in
July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movement.
Philippine Time:
Philippine standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.
Dress/What to Bring:
Wear naturalfibre, 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. Pack tissue paper in your purse as public toilets almost never
have any.
The Barong Tagalog is acceptable formal wear for men. Shorts or 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 prongs is the norm.
Money:
The Philippine currency is peso, divided into 100 centavos. 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 to 5pm, Monday to Friday; private firms - 9am to 6pm, Monday
to Friday, 9am to 12noon 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. P5 to P10 for bellboys, porters
and like.
Public Transport:
Getting around Cebu one may take a colorful jeepney or a bus at a
minimal fare Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are popular in
outlaying areas and in the suburbs, quiet notably within Mactan Island.
Taxicabs are widely available.
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