Are you looking for that idyllic paradise island that you have been looking for all your life? Then hop on an aircraft and visit Cebu, a sunny tropical island in the middle of the Philippines. Warm all year round, Cebu is one of those few places in the world where business, leisure, home, and nature can mix harmoniously and are just a few minutes away. Locals are extremely friendly and welcoming—it is easy for you to fit right in. It is also one of the fastest growing second-tier cities in Southeast Asia with cutting edge IT companies, huge malls, lively party scenes, tranquil beaches and hidden natural wonders, and convenient living all in one island.

Here are some simple but useful tips for you if you are planning to spend your vacation or even reside here in Cebu.

1. Population and Language
Over 3 million people live in the entire Cebu province. Most, if not all, use Cebuano as the native language. However, you don’t have to worry because most of them understand and speak English, which is widely used in education, business transactions, and everyday conversations. In fact, you may be pleased to know that Cebu has 98% literacy rate. No wonder Cebu is now one of the leading BPO destination in the world.

2. Clothes
As a tropical island, Cebu is quite hot, with summer temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. Wear light colored, lightweight clothing so your skin can breathe. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunglasses and hats, or carry an umbrella. Comfortable sandals and shoes should be worn when going out for a walk. During rainy months from August to February, have a waterproof jacket, raincoat, or poncho handy as Cebu’s rains can be quite heavy.

3. Electrical appliances
Note that most areas in Cebu are powered with 220 volts of electricity at 60 cycle. Appliances usually feature plugs with 2-flat parallel prongs. If you are using a 110-volt appliance, you may need to buy a power converter, which is available in many electrical supply stores in the city. Plug adaptors are also available if your appliance uses a differently configured plug.

4. Currency
The Philippine peso is the currency used across Cebu and the other islands of the Philippines. Most establishments do not readily accept foreign currencies. However, you can exchange currencies at banks and authorized money changers. Many hotels can also change your money to pesos.

Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in the city. However, the Philippines has not yet adapted to the credit card payment system en masse. Thus, it is strongly suggested to have some ready cash, preferably in smaller bills, with you. In rural areas and in the smaller surrounding islands, local currency is the sole medium of exchange.

5. Business hours
Most of Cebu’s commercial banks open at 9 AM and close at 3PM. However, most feature 24-hour Internet banking and ATM services so you can transact at your convenience. Government office open at 8 AM and close at 5 PM. Private companies open at 8 or 9 AM and close at 5 or 6 PM on weekdays, and some open at 9 AM to 12 noon on Saturdays. But with the influx of numerous BPO, IT, and call center companies, many business are now open 24 hours. Department stores, malls, and other shopping establishments operate daily from 10 AM to 9PM. Most hospitality establishments are open 24 hours a day. Restaurants have different opening schedules, so it is best to check their opening and closing times beforehand.

6. Tipping
Beauticians, hairdressers, waiters, bellhops, and baggers do not really expect a tip but would be happy to receive extra cash for good service. Most restaurants and hotels add a service charge of 10% in addition to government tax.

7. Traveling
 Cebu’s extremely easy accessibility is the province’s defining characteristic. You can get to Cebu and around the province in so many ways.

•    By land

-    Car Rentals – the most comfortable but expensive way to get around
-    Taxi – used all around the city. Do not board the taxi if the driver insists on charging you with a fixed fare and not using the meter; it is illegal
-    V-hire – air-conditioned passenger vans that ply longer routes
-    Bus – inexpensive way to go to out of the city and explore more distant towns and villages
-    Jeepney – the most widely used mode of transportation in the Philippines. Rub elbows, squeeze tight, and hang on as the jeepney speeds to its destination. A ride in a jeepney is an adventure in itself.
-    Tricycle – a motorcycle with a side car. Tricycles are used in areas where accessibility is difficult for larger vehicles
-    Habal-habal – only for the brave and adventurous! A habal-habal is just an ordinary motorcycle but can carry up to 4 or even 5 people at any time! Habal-habals are used in mountain villages where even tricycles are loath to tread.
-    Trisikad – human powered bicycle with an attached sidecar. Used to get into interior roads and certain gated communities

•    By Air

-    Aircraft – there are direct international flights to Cebu from various Southeast Asian countries such as Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and scheduled flights to Japan, Qatar, Malaysia, Taiwan, and China. Philippine Airlines is the national flag carrier, but you can opt for budget airlines such as Cebu Pacific. The Mactan International Airport, which is situated in Mactan Island, serves as the hub of international and domestic flights.

•    By sea

-    Ferries – Cebu’s domestic port is the country’s busiest, considering that almost 80% of the country’s passenger vessels are based here. Most passenger vessels are Roll-On/Roll-Off types to maximize their cargo space. Large passenger ferries that can carry 2,000 to 4,000 people ply distant routes such as Manila, Davao, Butuan, or Zamboanga. Medium-sized vessels ply nearer destinations.
-    Fastcraft – If you want to get to your destination in a hurry, you can opt for fast ferries such as Supercat. You can reach neighboring islands such as Bohol, Negros, and Leyte in as little as two hours or less.
-    Barges – lumbering barges are used to transport vehicles and people across channels that divide cities and provinces
-    Banca – wooden motorized outrigger that is used more for leisure and island hopping rather than commercial purposes. Bancas are also used by fishermen to catch the seas bounties. Riding one of these bancas is a must!

Visit Cebu now!