Cebu Travel Tips
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.
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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Some Do's and Don't's
The most important initial step in efforts
of gaining insights about the local resident is to understand
him in his own setting. The following are just some general
statements intended to help you in your behavior in the local
community:
-
Avoid wearing sandals when attending
special occasions in the local community - wearing shoes
is a sign that the event is important to you
-
Do invite people at least three times.
Local residents are taught that it is proper to refuse
the first time or two. To them, insistence is a clear
sign that the offer or invitations is genuine.
-
Do give the local residents a way out
of the situation so he can save face, thus avoiding embarrassment.
Embarrassing him will cause "hiya" or loss of
face.
-
Don't use the common sign of OK In
the local community, it means money. You may use the new
sign OK. This is the thumbs- up sign which has been commonly
seen on television.
-
Don't use your forefinger upward to
call a local resident-it is considered somewhat degrading.
-
One way of calling is to beckon with
the hand in gentle downward motion. Pssst is another popular
way to get someone's attention. As a rule however, it
is preferred to call the person by name. It is even better
to use nicknames, because these are reserved for close
friends.
-
Smiling is a form of friendship and
a form of greeting.
-
Do show respect for age - use the proper
appellations for elders and relations. Find out right
away what appellations are used in the family.
