Cebu

[sqwakvfr]

After 7 yeas in Chiang Mai I am looking for a new destination.  I am looking for first hand information on Cebu.

 

1) Hotel or serviced apartments in the center of the city. 

2) Are there any good service apartments located close to Ayala Mall?

3) Are there agents in Cebu that I can speak to about Visa’s?  I have done some initial research and it looks like I quality for the SRRV Expanded Courtesy Visa.  I have been on a Thai Retirement Visa (Non Imm OA) for the past 7 years.  

 

In my personal and professional life I have met many Filipinos and Filipinas and I con honestly say I am more compatible with Filipinos than Thais.  

 

Any response would be appreciated.  

[Shop mak]

On 7/23/2023 at 9:40 AM, sqwakvfr said:

1) Hotel or serviced apartments in the center of the city. 

 

2) Are there any good service apartments located close to Ayala Mall?

 

3) Are there agents in Cebu that I can speak to about Visa’s?  I have done some initial research and it looks like I quality for the SRRV Expanded Courtesy Visa.  I have been on a Thai Retirement Visa (Non Imm OA) for the past 7 years.  

 

1) Many foreigners prefer to stay near Ayala Center Cebu. Many hotel in walking distance. Monthly rate start from 30,000 Php.

Some serviced apartments in nearby Mabolo area, 20 minute walk or 60 php taxi ride to from Ayala center.

 

2) Yes, but, some serviced apartments require a 3 months deposit, or a 6-12 months stay. Friends paid 32-36,000 Php per month, or more.

 

https://www.tancorresidential.com/#home

 

https://www.santonisplace.com/

 

There are more in same area, but my knowledge is outdated (pre covid).

 

3) Yes travel agents in Ayala center Cebu, and also in Fuente Circel can assist with SRRV.

Expats I met had all used a agent, the red tape is huge.

SRRV deposit from 5,000 USD (US Army) up to 20,000 USD.

 

I guess you already know that you can stay on tourist visa up to 3 year, a short trip out and return for another 3 years. No bank deposit or insurance required. No need to rush to get a SRRV.

I have friends living there, 9 years on tourist visa (3x3 years), but now get pushed towards SRRV by Immigration.

 

Traffic gridlock in Cebu are horrible 6-10 am and 4-8 pm. Air quality (low quality diesel) is another problem to consider. Cebu cough is famous. Nearest beach at Mactan near the airport. Beaches of quality are owned by hotels and have high entrance fee. Free beaches are rocky and dirty.

 

Expats there will advice you how to open bank account and get a driver license, without SRRV.  Current expat community is very small, post covid.

 

Contact hotels directly for monthly rates. Often less than any booking site.

 

More information on the local forum

https://www.philippines-expats.com/

 

[sqwakvfr]

3 hours ago, Shop mak said:

 

1) Many foreigners prefer to stay near Ayala Center Cebu. Many hotel in walking distance. Monthly rate start from 30,000 Php.

Some serviced apartments in nearby Mabolo area, 20 minute walk or 60 php taxi ride to from Ayala center.

 

2) Yes, but, some serviced apartments require a 3 months deposit, or a 6-12 months stay. Friends paid 32-36,000 Php per month, or more.

 

https://www.tancorresidential.com/#home

 

https://www.santonisplace.com/

 

There are more in same area, but my knowledge is outdated (pre covid).

 

3) Yes travel agents in Ayala center Cebu, and also in Fuente Circel can assist with SRRV.

Expats I met had all used a agent, the red tape is huge.

SRRV deposit from 5,000 USD (US Army) up to 20,000 USD.

 

I guess you already know that you can stay on tourist visa up to 3 year, a short trip out and return for another 3 years. No bank deposit or insurance required. No need to rush to get a SRRV.

I have friends living there, 9 years on tourist visa (3x3 years), but now get pushed towards SRRV by Immigration.

 

Traffic gridlock in Cebu are horrible 6-10 am and 4-8 pm. Air quality (low quality diesel) is another problem to consider. Cebu cough is famous. Nearest beach at Mactan near the airport. Beaches of quality are owned by hotels and have high entrance fee. Free beaches are rocky and dirty.

 

Expats there will advice you how to open bank account and get a driver license, without SRRV.  Current expat community is very small, post covid.

 

Contact hotels directly for monthly rates. Often less than any booking site.

 

More information on the local forum

https://www.philippines-expats.com/

 

Appreciate the current information. 

[kevozman1]

On 10/29/2023 at 5:52 AM, Shop mak said:

 

1) Many foreigners prefer to stay near Ayala Center Cebu. Many hotel in walking distance. Monthly rate start from 30,000 Php.

Some serviced apartments in nearby Mabolo area, 20 minute walk or 60 php taxi ride to from Ayala center.

 

2) Yes, but, some serviced apartments require a 3 months deposit, or a 6-12 months stay. Friends paid 32-36,000 Php per month, or more.

 

https://www.tancorresidential.com/#home

 

https://www.santonisplace.com/

 

There are more in same area, but my knowledge is outdated (pre covid).

 

3) Yes travel agents in Ayala center Cebu, and also in Fuente Circel can assist with SRRV.

Expats I met had all used a agent, the red tape is huge.

SRRV deposit from 5,000 USD (US Army) up to 20,000 USD.

 

I guess you already know that you can stay on tourist visa up to 3 year, a short trip out and return for another 3 years. No bank deposit or insurance required. No need to rush to get a SRRV.

I have friends living there, 9 years on tourist visa (3x3 years), but now get pushed towards SRRV by Immigration.

 

Traffic gridlock in Cebu are horrible 6-10 am and 4-8 pm. Air quality (low quality diesel) is another problem to consider. Cebu cough is famous. Nearest beach at Mactan near the airport. Beaches of quality are owned by hotels and have high entrance fee. Free beaches are rocky and dirty.

 

Expats there will advice you how to open bank account and get a driver license, without SRRV.  Current expat community is very small, post covid.

 

Contact hotels directly for monthly rates. Often less than any booking site.

 

More information on the local forum

https://www.philippines-expats.com/

 

Old comment but for anyone reading NEVER put down a three month deposit. They try this on in the Philippines because they want to take your money. If you think scamming is bad in Thailand, the Philippines is a whole new level. Just be firm with one month deposit or forget it and walk out. Especially in Cebu. Not many people want to say there (well, the Philippines in general tbh) and there are reasons for that. Unless it's die to visas, leaving Thailand for the Philippines is not a good move.