Tourists Travel Safe in Cebu
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Loading...Cebu is very friendly place, and most tourist don’t have any safety issues
International tourists should avoid travelling to certain parts of Mindanao, including Western and Central Mindanao and the Sulu Islands and unless you have a good reason to, we wouldn’t recommend travelling to those parts
Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago have on-going terrorist activity with clashes between the military and insurgent groups
Power Output in the Philippines
The Electricity in the Philippines is 220V, with a frequency of 50hz to 60hz, its recommended you avoid packing high wattage electric appliances, unless the output and frequency is the same. You will be at risk of causing injury or fire, especially appliances that have an heating element, for example ironing and hair appliances, travel kettle, waffle maker, hot plate and lamps
Avoid Mosquitoes in Cebu
If you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outdoors or camping, or in Cebu for a prolonged period, including hotel, hostel or apartment rooms, you may be exposed to mosquitoes, to lessen the chances of mosquito bites, we recommend you purchase a solar powered buzz UV insect blue light or plug-in UV blue light stand lamp (both can purchased locally in Cebu), and including the more conventional bug net for outdoor use, insect repellent containing deet, or hanging bug strip, we wouldn’t recommend small travel plug-in UV lights or sonar plug-in for pest control, we’ve found those types to be ineffective, to lessen the chances of a mosquitoes bite, discard unused water or secure with cap, avoid camping near water or swamp areas, cover up or wear socks, mosquitoes more often will bite you on the ankles or back of the legs, or more tender areas, and this will irritate you more.
Unsecured WIFI Zones in Cebu
Online Banking
Avoid using shared WIFI internet or unsecured WIFI networks while using online banking especially in coffee shops, shopping center-malls, hotels and other public places that have unsecured WIFI networks, there are cyber criminals
who have sophisticated software that can hack your online banking
ATM Machine Fraud and Credit Card Fraud in Cebu
This is done by using a card reader that can capture the data in the magnetic strip of a card one bold move done by these criminals includes installing a card reader right on top of the ATM’s card slot
Use ATM machine inside the banks branch during business hours in Cebu
Don’t use banking ATM machine at night while alone in unfamiliar places in Cebu
Credit Card-Not-Present Fraud in Cebu
This is the most common kind of fraud, occurs when the cardholder’s information is stolen and used illegally without the physical presence of the card, this kind of fraud usually occurs online, and may be the result of so-called “phishing” emails sent by fraudsters impersonating credible institutions to steal personal or financial information via a contaminated link
Credit Card-Present-Fraud in Cebu
This is less common today, but it’s still worth watching out for, It often takes the form of “skimming” – when a dishonest seller swipes a consumer’s credit card into a device that stores the information, once that data is collected it is used to make a purchase or the consumer’s account is charged
Shopping at Stores in Cebu
Most stores in Cebu ask for ID when purchasing and swiping with credit and debit cards, however some stores continue to enter your details manually into there payment system as well, this is a security issue because your card details are not always hidden when the store clerk process your payment and anyone could easily see your card number, expire date and security number on the itemized payment screen at checkout especially in major grocery stores and supermarkets
Socializing and Night Clubs in Cebu and Manila
Stay with your group or be vigilant by yourself and don’t accept free drinks off strangers anytime and especially at unfamiliar places, never invite strangers or people you’ve just met back to your hotel and don’t accept any invitations from a stranger to join them at there house party or hotel, leave expensive jewelry and gadgets in a secure place at the hotel, remember if you get excessively intoxicated your judgment is affected, never share a car or taxi with strangers
Visiting Attractions in Cebu
Be vigilant when visiting major attractions, minor crimes such as theft is reported, although it’s fair to say that most tourist don’t have any issues
Homeless Families, Street Children, Excessive Begging and Disadvantaged Families in Cebu
Cebu City does have a major homeless issue, and most tourists are generous and keen to help, the best way to help is to prepare or buy locally some essential toiletries, clothing items, sandals, powered baby and toddler milk, baby and toddler feeding bottles, diapers, bottled water, uncooked rice, packet noodles, bread and canned foods, you could of course provide a hot meal or drink, specifically to homeless families, most are genuinely very poor and they will appreciate any help, giving money is fine, although be discrete in public places or crowed areas, because you may attract too much attention
Disadvantaged families in Cebu may live or temporarily sleep in slum conditions inside a small room, more often poorly constructed housing without electric or any access to drinking water, most families live or sleep in makeshift shelters, sleep on reclaimed land, live inside abandoned buildings, sleep under bridges, sleep on the floor by store fronts Most families more often live near garbage disposal dumping areas, because they can earn extra income recycling plastic
Most tourists will immediately notice excessive begging or disadvantaged families in Cebu, near to Tourist Hotels, Churches, Tourist Attractions, Main Streets, Public Markets, Pubs, Bars, Eateries, North Reclamation Area (piers, ports and industrial areas), Fuente Osmeña Circle. Street children in groups do somewhat take advantage of tourists, especially at night time along General Maxilom Avenue, just past Mango Square and further on towards Iglesia Ni Cristo Church on General Maxilom Avenue. Don’t venture or convey into unfamiliar areas, because you may find yourself open to petty crime, avoid using banks ATM’s at night in isolated areas anywhere in Cebu
Public Markets in Cebu
Wet and Public Markets in Cebu the Philippines are not wildly visited by The Cebu Tourist, since tourists seem to be intimidated or concerned about safety. Unlike Thailand where Public and Wet Markets are very much a tourist attraction, most major Public Markets in Cebu City are safe to shop at for tourists, and local vendors will make you feel welcome, since Cebuanos are known for there friendliness. However Pasil Fish Market in Cebu City is not recommended for tourists, because crime is reported, and tourists may be a target, most tourists will opt for a tour guide, because there is many unmarked alleyways in this area
Jeepney in Cebu
A Jeepney is the most common and cheap way to travel around Cebu, tourist need to be aware of their surroundings at all times when using them, especially while in heavy traffic, slow traffic and sudden stops, try not to carry all of your valuables in the same place, if you’re traveling with a companion, make sure each of you has some cash and a credit card on hand in case you’re split up, if you’re alone, keep a backup credit or debit card in a separate pouch from the one you’ll be using most often
Taxi in Cebu
App based taxi offer a fixed price or quote, so you know the price before you travel, white taxi and yellow airport taxi are metered by law, it’s illegal for metered taxi to have the meter turned off while in hire mode
The following precautions should be observed while hiring a taxi in Cebu
1. Do not enter a taxi if there is anyone other than the driver inside (excluding Grab App Taxi Share), once inside a taxi, check if the doors can be locked from the inside, otherwise you’re potentially vulnerable when the taxi stops in traffic
2. Ensure that the doors can be opened from the inside and its inside door handlers are functional
3. Request the driver that the meter be used
4. Note the license plate number if you feel the need
Metered Taxi and Grab App Taxi in Cebu Travel Guide
Metered white taxis are everywhere in Cebu City, Grab taxi and grab car available via mobile app to offer fixed-rate fares or quotesAlthough convenient, don’t automatically assume online app based Grab taxi and car are cheaper to hire in Cebu, just because it offers a fixed price or quote, when in fact it’s nearly always more expensive to hire an app based taxi in Cebu, because there are hidden fees not immediately obvious. The more traditional way of hiring or stopping a white taxi in the street or road in Cebu will be cheaper, and especially if your familiar with the route. However it seems the majority of Cebu tourists may prefer or feel more comfortable hiring an app based taxi ride, because the price is fixed or quoted, and since most tourists are not familiar with certain routes around Cebu or don’t want to get into a potential situation where the taxi driver may overcharge on longer journeys. It is however somewhat of myth that taxi drivers in Cebu may try to go the longer route to hike up the fare, when in fact taxi drivers in Cebu will more often find the quickest route, because of traffic congestion. Taxi drivers diverting or finding alternative routes is normal all over Cebu, the driver may convey into a more urban area, in order to avoid Cebu’s infamous congested traffic, although this doesn’t guarantee a less congested route, so don’t be surprised if the driver doesn’t go the way you expected
To avoid overcharging, choose a white taxi in Cebu that has the price written on the side (i.e. ₱40 + 3.5/2min), and insist the driver use the meter. If you are immediately unhappy with the taxi driver or service, either change cab of it’s safe to do or make a note of the licence plate, although most taxi drivers in Cebu are professional and provide good customer service
Cebu Moped-Ccooter Rental, Cebu, Philippines
Moped-scooter are very popular to rent in Cebu you’ll see them all over Cebu City, islands and urban areas
Cebu Motorcycle-Scooter Ride for Hire, Habal – Habal (Unregulated Paid Ride)
Filipinos use motorcycle-scooter ride for hire, Habal – Habal, because it’s fast and cheap and you’ll see them all over Cebu touting for business, they will carry up to 2 passengers, The Cebu Tourist should generally avoid this type of paid hire in Cebu, because it’s unregulated and have no set tariff, you can be easily be overcharge for what is only a short journey if your not familiar with the route
If you do decide to ride a Habal – Habal in Cebu the estimted fare for 5km or 3 miles is estimated at ₱120.00, for a very short journey of less than 1 mile should cost no more than ₱60.00, although prices will vary depending on the traffic congestion or route
App based Habal – Habal for hire in Cebu by Angkas seem to be more appealing to hire and especially for The Cebu Tourist, since the price is fixed, and you’ll be aware of the price before you ride, it is however somewhat vague if you can call Angkas in Cebu officially regulated and licensed, since the Cebu government have not officially approved or issued drivers with a taxi style license
Contradicting on what I’ve just mentioned, there will however be occasions where a tourist will rely or ride a local Habal – Habal in Cebu, notable towards the entrance of a waterfall attraction path, hot-cold springs, and a inaccessible path usually leading up to a mountainous region, but the price will be cheap and usually fixed by the local Brgy (village) community, you may spot a tariff sign post, usually attached to a tree
Moped-Scooter and Pedal Bicycle Safety in Cebu and the Philippines
Always where a safety helmet on both moped-scooter and pedal bicycles, carry a form of ID while on a moped-scooter, because there are sudden ununiformed police check-points. You may be fined or have the moped-scooter impounded for failing to wear a safety helmet, improper or missing paperwork. Never be tempted to ride, or except a ride if you or the driver are under the influence of alcohol. There are many serious accidents in Cebu and the Philippines caused by drivers speeding, being intoxicated, especially late night on weekends, festivals, socialising or gatherings
There are ongoing road works all over Cebu and the Philippines, especially on main roads leading to bridges. Many road works in Cebu are deep evacuation-construction, with uneven surfaces and sudden stop signs. You may not notice the stop signs, and most safety signs don’t have flashlights or are poorly positioned. Be cautious when attempting to overtake traffic, take extra care during congested traffic conditions, night-time and adverse weather conditions. Always make your self aware of incoming and side traffic, especially buses, Jeepney’s and wide vehicles, because the driver may not immediately notice you, especially if your not paying attention or not familiar with the area
Get Travel Insurance for Travel to Cebu, Philippines
Serious accidents caused by drink driving, are a common occurrence in Cebu, Philippines, especially by younger drivers or inexperienced drivers, the driving standards in Cebu, Philippines is relatively poor or undisciplined, and accidents are more often caused by moped-scooter, illegal drag racing, buses, and Jeepney’s, that’s why it’s imperative you have sufficient travel insurance
Avoid Getting Scammed in Cebu for Private Studio Condo – Apartment Rental
It’s always recommended you view the Studio Condo – Apartment in Cebu City or arrange to meet with the owner or agent in person to view and verify it’s a genuine transaction
Don’t be tempted where suspected owners advertising rental opportunities or posting on social media, at what appears to be good deal or deeply discounted rate, especially Facebook and Instagram for Private Studio Condo – Apartment for Rent in Cebu City and Southeast Asia, be cautious they may be trying to trick into paying for a bogus rental
If a suspected owner or agent ask for a reservation fee or deposit for a private Studio Condo – Apartment in Cebu City, never send money by means of transfer for example Western Union, Bank to Bank or PayPal, genuine owners never ask for prepayment by those method types
