Quick answer: Register on the free official eTravel site (etravel.gov.ph) within the 72 hours before your flight and save the QR code. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport with your passport, or set up an eSIM before you fly. Carry some pesos in cash for islands and small shops, and book your airport pickup ahead for early or late flights.
eTravel registration
Every foreign visitor, children included, completes eTravel before arrival. It replaced the paper arrival card. Use only the official site, etravel.gov.ph, and ignore paid lookalike sites.
- Open etravel.gov.ph within the 72 hours before your flight.
- Enter your passport details, flight number and the address of your first hotel.
- Answer the health and customs questions.
- Save the QR code as a screenshot and keep a printed copy.
- Show the QR code at check-in or at immigration when asked.
Each traveler needs a separate QR code. Rules change from time to time, so check the official site before you fly.
SIM cards and eSIM
Globe and Smart sell tourist SIMs at Mactan-Cebu and other major airports. Philippine law requires SIM registration, and tourists register with a passport. A tourist SIM stays active for 30 days.
An eSIM bought before your trip works the moment you land. Some local eSIMs still ask for passport registration in the app after arrival, so finish that step at the airport while you have wifi.
- Coverage is good in Cebu City, Mactan, Panglao and El Nido town.
- Signal drops on boats, in Kawasan canyon and on parts of Siquijor. Download offline maps.
- Our team answers on WhatsApp, LINE and KakaoTalk, so keep one of those apps working.
Money: cash, ATMs and cards
The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). Hotels, malls and larger restaurants take cards. Small shops, island stalls, tricycles and tips need cash.
- Change a small amount at the airport and the rest at a mall money changer for a better rate.
- Bank ATMs in malls are the safest to use. Most charge a fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often.
- Carry small bills (PHP 20, 50 and 100) for tips, snacks and environmental fees paid on site.
- GCash and Maya QR payments are common, but they need a local number and account.
Our tour prices include entrance and environmental fees listed in your itinerary, so you need cash only for meals not listed, tips and shopping.
Airports for Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and El Nido
| Destination | Airport | Getting to your hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu City and Mactan | Mactan-Cebu International (CEB) | 20 to 60 minutes by car, longer in rush hour |
| Moalboal or Oslob | Mactan-Cebu International (CEB) | About 3 to 4 hours by private van |
| Bohol and Panglao | Bohol-Panglao International (TAG) | 15 to 45 minutes by car, or ferry from Cebu |
| Siquijor | Dumaguete (DGT), or ferry via Cebu or Bohol | Short drive to Dumaguete port, then about 1 hour by ferry |
| El Nido | El Nido Lio (ENI) or Puerto Princesa (PPS) | 20 minutes from Lio, or 5 to 6 hours by van from Puerto Princesa |
See Mactan airport to Oslob and Mactan airport to Moalboal for direct transfers south.
Safety and scams to avoid
- Use the airport taxi queue, Grab, or a pre-booked driver. Skip touts inside the terminal.
- Ask for your tour guide's DOT accreditation ID and get the price in writing before paying.
- Keep your phone in a front pocket in crowds, especially during Sinulog in January.
- Drink bottled or filtered water. Ice in restaurants is usually safe.
Your first day
Most long-haul flights land tired. Keep day one light: hotel, a walk, an early dinner. Start early tours such as Oslob whale sharks on day two or later, since pickup in Cebu City is about 3:00 AM.
For full plans, read the Cebu itinerary guide and the Philippines travel guide.
Private tours for this trip
Prices below come from the same live calculator as the booking page. Exact totals depend on your date, guest count and pickup area.
Related guides
Private tours · Hotel pickup · Pay after confirmation
Book your airport pickup
Send your flight number and hotel. A private driver meets you at arrivals.
Arrival FAQ
Do I need eTravel to enter the Philippines?
Yes. Foreign visitors, children included, register on etravel.gov.ph before arrival and show the QR code when asked. Registration is free on the official site.
When should I fill out eTravel?
Within the 72 hours before your flight. Save the QR code as a screenshot and keep a printed copy.
Can tourists buy a SIM card at Cebu airport?
Yes. Globe and Smart counters at Mactan-Cebu International sell tourist SIMs. Bring your passport for the required registration.
Do I need cash in Cebu?
Yes, some. Cards work in hotels and malls, but small shops, island stalls, tricycles and tips need pesos in cash.
How do I get from Mactan-Cebu airport to my hotel?
Use the official taxi queue, Grab, or a pre-booked private transfer. A private driver is the easiest option for families, late flights and trips south to Oslob or Moalboal.
