Tucked in the heart of Cebu Province, Cebu City is a bustling metropolis that serves as the main gateway to the Visayas region. It is the oldest city in the Philippines, dating back to 1565 when Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established it as his base. Today, Cebu City flourishes as the country's top business, finance, and IT-BPO hub, hosting multinational corporations such as Dell, HP, and IBM. It's also a popular destination for culture and history buffs, shopping enthusiasts, and foodies. Cebu City is home to numerous beaches, waterfalls, and luxurious resorts, making it a perfect destination for leisure travelers.
Tips for expats in Cebu City
Visa requirements
Foreign nationals can seek employment in Cebu City under a temporary employment visa. Applicants should visit the Philippines Embassy nearest to their country for visa requirements. Alternatively, they might need to apply for a Special Work Permit (SWP) in the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines. Required documents include a photocopy of the visa, a company agreement, and proof of employment. A residency permit dubbed Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) would expire annually, marking the initial year as a probationary phase. During their stay, expats can acquire a driver's license to operate a vehicle in Cebu City for one year.
Language resources
Cebuano is the predominant local dialect in Cebu City but English encompasses a significant role. A proficiency in English is one of the primary requirements for obtaining many jobs in Cebu City due to its extensive usage in international corporations. Language courses can be taken at the Cebu Academy of Japanese Language Schools or the Center for English Language Teaching (CELT) located in the University of San Carlos.
Cost of living for expats in Cebu City
Housing
Accommodation costs in Cebu City are relatively affordable, depending on the location and the type of dwelling. A shared house room ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 PHP ($40 to $160 USD) per month, while a one-bedroom apartment costs between 8,000 and 14,000 PHP ($160 to $280 USD). For families or individuals preferring larger accommodations, two-bedroom apartments range from 14,000 to 22,000 PHP ($280 to $440 USD), and three-bedroom houses are priced from 22,000 to 33,000 PHP ($440 to $660 USD).
Groceries
Cebu City offers a vast array of malls and supermarkets providing essential items at reasonable prices. Typical grocery bills range from 2,000 to 3,500 PHP ($40 to $70 USD) monthly, depending on personal preferences and consumption patterns. Basic food items like rice, cooking oil, and vegetables are commonly found in local markets too, offering lower price points.
Transportation
Cebu City boasts a decent public transportation system. Jeepneys, multi-purpose vehicles, and cabs are available for transportation. A one-way jeepney ride costs around 8 PHP ($0.16 USD), while a taxi ride ranges from 50 to 150 PHP ($1 to $3 USD) depending on the destination. Alternatively, motorcycle taxis, such as Angkas or GrabRESERV, are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience.
Climate in Cebu City
Cebu City has a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and the revealing presence of two major wet seasons. The dry season lasts from March to May, followed by a pronounced rainy season that extends from June to November. The second rainy season is relatively drier compared to the first and lasts from December to February. The average annual temperature varies from 23.5 to 28.5 degrees Celsius.
Job market in Cebu City
Cebu City is serving as a major employment hub for the country, hosting over 400,00 people working in various industries. Call centers, business process outsourcing (BPO), and Information Technology (IT) industries, such as IBM, Google, and Sitel, are currently driving the job market. The city's rising economic profile also demands a workforce in finance, healthcare, education, and other professional sectors.
Healthcare in Cebu City
Excellent healthcare infrastructure exists in Cebu City due to its status as an established business hub. Both public and private hospitals offer varying levels of medical care. Major healthcare centers include Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, Chong Hua Medical Center, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Health insurance is mandatory for all employees, contributing to an average monthly cost of 1,500 PHP ($30 USD) for health insurance premiums.
Transport in Cebu City
Cebu City has a reliable public transportation system, including jeepneys, multi-purpose vehicles, taxis, and new modes of transportation such as GrabRESERV and Angkas. The city coordinates regular bus services running between key locations such as shopping malls, financial districts, and residential areas. Getting around using public transportation is a cost-effective alternative, with estimated daily expenses not exceeding 150 PHP ($3 USD).
Safety in Cebu City
Criminal incidents are uncommon in Cebu City, concentrated primarily in impoverished areas. Visitors should practice stark awareness of their surroundings, avoiding deserted streets between midnight and early mornings. Violence and theft occur sporadically, and individuals should keep their belongings secure at all times. Sticking to popular tourist destinations and busying streets is advisable.
Neighborhoods in Cebu City
Puerta Marina
Puerta Marina is a prime location for expats due to its proximity to amenities such as gasoline stations, hospitals, and supermarkets. Its scenic view of Cebu Bay and the Mactan Channel makes it an attractive choice for those seeking peace of mind. Transportation is readily available with several jeepney routes and cabs passing by frequently.
Uptown Cebu
Uptown Cebu is an upscale area that showcases international-style architecture with a distinct commercial hub. There are plenty of wellness centers, banks, restaurants, and shops for your convenience. Uptown Cebu also flaunts a fantastic view of the city skyline, particularly at night.
Banilad
Banilad offers a perfect blend of urban and suburban views, attracting expats due to its proximity to essential services like schools, markets, and hospitals. Due to regular heavy traffic, cars and motorcycles are the preferred transportation options.
Capitol Site
Capitol Site is a central business district with numerous financial institutions, government offices, and commercial establishments. Livability is enhanced by two prominent parks, Cebu Taoist Temple and Capitol Park and Other Gardens.
North Reclamation Area
North Reclamation Area is a developing location that offers a mix of urban and rural views. Its seaside location is attractive to aqua-loving enthusiasts. Offices and commercial establishments are still in the growing stages; however, the area's anticipated growth could make it an attractively priced and potentially profitable area for investments.
Attractions in Cebu City
Magellan's Cross
Magellan's Cross, which dates back to 1521, serves as a testament to the spread of Catholicism into the society by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. It stands magnificently in the hope square.
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro is a military defense watchtower built in the 16th century as a part of Spanish king Philip II's defense strategy against the Dutch onslaughts. It's currently close to Plaza Independencia in Cebu City.
Basilica del Santo Niño
Basilica del Santo Niño is a renowned church serving as a holy symbol to Catholics worldwide. The church comprises various galleries displaying Christian history and artifacts. The basilica is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines.
Taoist Temple
Taoist Temple is a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in Banilad, Cebu City. It's the largest in Southeast Asia and widely popular among devotees of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucian beliefs.
Cas reinforce corpus
Cas reinforce corpus is an inextricable part of Cebu City, standing tall as a symbol of Roman Catholicite since the 16th Century. Inside the Casa is a lively mural, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
International Schools in Cebu City
British International School Cebu
Cebu City
British International School Cebu is an international curriculum institution focusing on British literature with an emphasis on extracurricular activities and sports. It offers the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Assessments, and British National Curriculum programs. The foreign curriculum learning materials and teaching standards provide a career-based learning atmosphere for students.
Cambridge International School
Cebu City
Cambridge International School offers a unique curriculum uniting the international standardized curriculum, the American curriculum, and the British curriculum for students. The learning experience benefits greatly from interaction among students from different cultures. There are also opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and fine arts programs.
iAcademy Cebu
Cebu City
iAcademy Cebu provides a different learning experience by integrating entrepreneurial skills to existing learning methods through collaborations with universities across three colleges: De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, and University of Asia and the Pacific. Fees include tuition, textbooks, and lab fees.
