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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. |
