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 100°F in the summer.
The rainy season begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would somethimes inhibit movement.
Philippine Time:
Philippine standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.
Dress / What to Bring
Wear natural-fibre, 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 called the peso, divided into 100 centavos. Next to the peso, the US dollar enjoys wide acceptance. Most foreign currenies can be easily changed at banks, hotels, and authorized delears. Foreign currency is not readilyh 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. 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 is 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, quite notably within Mactan Island. Taxicabs are widely available.
