Money is one of the easiest things to get right in 세부 — and one of the easiest to quietly overpay on. Here's how to pay smart in 세부, 필리핀: the currency, cards versus cash, what to budget, transport payments and tipping, with the local specifics just an in-app question away.
The currency & how to pay
필리핀 페소 (PHP) — 시장과 시골 지역에서는 현금을 좀 가지고 다니세요. ATM은 도시에서 흔히 볼 수 있습니다. In short, lead with a card that charges no foreign transaction fees for most spending — it gives you the best exchange rate and the most protection — and keep a little local cash for markets, tips and the small places cards don't reach. Whether you're at a shop terminal or an ATM in 세부, always choose to be charged in the local currency, never your home currency: the 'home currency' option builds in a markup that's almost always worse than your card's own rate.
- Lead with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for most spending
- Carry some local cash for markets, tips and small vendors
- Always pay in the local currency in 세부, never your home currency
What things cost in 세부
As a rough guide, plan around 스타일에 따라 하루 USD 30–100 in 세부 — adjust up for boutique hotels and fine dining, down for hostels, street food and free sights. Set a daily number before you go and track it loosely so a few splurges don't quietly blow the budget. Many of the best experiences here — wandering neighborhoods, markets and viewpoints — cost little or nothing.
- Budget guide: 스타일에 따라 하루 USD 30–100
- Set a daily spend for 세부 and track it loosely
- Mix paid highlights with free walks, markets and viewpoints
Getting around & paying for transport
세부 시티와 도시 간 이동은 지프니와 지역 버스가 가장 저렴하며, 미터 택시와 그랩은 시내에서 쉽게 이용할 수 있습니다. 섬 호핑과 세부 남부 지역은 밴이나 페리를 이용해야 하며, 성수기에는 미리 교통편을 예약하세요. Wherever you can, use the official transport payment method — a transit card, pass or contactless tap — rather than paying a premium in cash, and agree fares or use a meter or a rideshare app for taxis to avoid being overcharged.
- Use the official transit card, pass or contactless tap
- Agree the fare or use a meter / rideshare app for taxis
- Keep small change for short rides and tickets
Tipping in 세부
Tipping customs vary a lot between countries, so it's worth knowing the local norm in 필리핀 before you arrive rather than assuming your home habit. As a sensible default, round up or leave a small token for good service where tipping is customary, and never feel pressured where it isn't. For the exact, up-to-date tipping etiquette in 세부 — restaurants, taxis, hotels and guides — just ask Mike in the app.
- Learn the local tipping norm for 필리핀 before you go
- Round up for good service where tipping is customary
- Ask Mike for the exact tipping etiquette in 세부
Money-smart in 세부
A few habits keep more money in your pocket in 세부: withdraw cash from bank ATMs (not airport or tourist-strip exchange kiosks, which have the worst rates), take out larger amounts less often, decline any machine's offer to 'convert' to your home currency, and keep a backup card stored separately in case one is lost or blocked.
- Use bank ATMs, not airport exchange kiosks
- Decline 'home currency' conversion at every ATM and till
- Carry a backup card stored separately from your main wallet
