Renting A Car In Cebu

A Guide to Renting a Car in Cebu for Tourists and Business Travelers

Welcome to the Philippines' Queen City of the South, where you can explore diverse local attractions and enjoy its rich culture. A perfect destination for holiday trips or business purposes.

As the country's first capital, Cebu has long offered various amenities for its local and international guests, including car rentals. Renting vehicles is one of the most convenient ways of transportation in the metro, giving visitors quality service.

This article will provide driving tips and recommendations when exploring the metro and nearby places using a rented car. An exciting adventure awaits you as you travel around Cebu at your own pace.

Car Rental Options in Cebu

Cebu Airport offers various Car Rental Services, giving you more options that suit your need and budget. The airport's car rental counters are directly located in the Arrivals Area.

If you need to rent a car in Cebu, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport has plenty of options for travelers. Several popular international rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, are available. All of these can be found within the arrivals area inside the airport complex and just outside its gates, with shuttles being provided for free by most vendors.

All car rental companies have various vehicle selections ranging from economy to luxurious four-wheel drives, from manual to automatic transmissions. However, driving or renting SUVs or vans with seven seater capacity or more is a better choice if traveling with family or friends.

Each rental company also offers different rental rates, which is one you should consider when renting in a foreign place. We encourage you to compare rates and better services according to your budget; that is worth the fun and adventure.

See and compare all car rental companies in Cebu

Driving Directions at Cebu Airport

Renting a car, especially a self-drive one, is among the many transport options given in Cebu. Some travelers rent a vehicle for a better traveling experience within the area.

Driving to and from Cebu Airport is just an easy peasy thing with all the provided road directions. However, first-time foreign renters for a self-drive option must take time to study the traffic protocols in the area to avoid unforeseen hassles.

Cebu Airport is located in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, about a few kilometers east of Cebu Island. It can be reached via the M.L. Quezon National Highway and Basak-Marigondon Road, the fastest route you could take. The highway could also take you to local attractions in Mactan Town Center, about a 20-minute drive or 6km from the airport. When heading to Cebu City proper, it would take you about 40- to 45 minutes via the Central Nautical Highway.

In Cebu, you must drive on the right side of the road and strictly follow traffic regulations and signals. The speed limit on most routes in Cebu is 60 kph, depending on specific areas. Also, wearing seatbelts is mandatory.

Driving in Cebu may give you a strange vibe due to unfamiliar protocols, directions, and road signages. Still, it is worth a try on your bucket list. Foreign travelers can use their GPS or online traveling maps for specific directions.

Benefits of Renting a Car in Cebu

Renting a self-drive vehicle may take you to a different level of fun and exploration. It is a one-of-a-kind experience for a wanderer who wants to achieve the utmost travel satisfaction. This transport option can give you freedom and space to explore places at your own pace.

Cebu has public transportation that is somewhat affordable and accessible. However, this mode of transportation can sometimes be confusing due to many public commuters. This is why renting a vehicle is one of the most convenient ways to roam.

Car rental services offer hassle-free transport that could bring you to other locations. Therefore, booking your car online and picking it up from the airport is the best way to save you time and energy.

You could also discover more destinations when you rent a car. Cebu is a massive island with beautiful, jaw-dropping attractions that tourists visit. However, there are still other barely seen sites due to lack of exposure, which public transportation could not reach. Therefore, renting a vehicle is an option for adventurous wanderers who love to go deeper into remote places and hidden gems of the island without time restrictions.

What are the requirements for renting a vehicle in Cebu?

Requirements and identification documents are needed to rent a vehicle in Cebu. Below are some prerequisites to rent a car.

• You must be at least 18 to drive in the Philippines legally. However, the minimum age to rent a car in the country ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the rental car agency. Avis and larger agencies will rent vehicles to those 21 and up, while others won't rent to drivers under 25.
• Have a valid driver's license acquired for at least one year. However, an International Driving Permit is needed when the driver's license card needs to be written in English.
• Renters must have a valid ID such as a Passport or government-issued identification card.
• A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name with sufficient balance to pay the rental fee.
• Most car rental companies require an initial deposit of Php 5,000.00 ($100.00) for cars and Php 7,000.00 ($150.00) for SUVs and vans.
• Renters 21 years old and under must accomplish a Collision Damage Waiver (CWD). In case of an accident, the renter must only pay Php 5,000.00 instead of the total value of the damaged vehicle.

What are the payment options for renting a car in Cebu?

Having enough cash or credit lines on your credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Megalink, etc., could pay your car rental fees. However, it is best to check your chosen car rental company's accepted mode of payment to serve you better.

Always be on guard upon paying your car rental fees, as some car rental companies may charge additional transaction expenses and undisclosed insurance policies. Therefore, it is essential to read the company's terms and conditions before handing out the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions when Renting a Car in Cebu

What is the minimum age restriction to rent a car in Cebu?

The minimum age to rent a car in the Philippines is 18. However, they must strictly comply with the rules and regulations of the car rental company. They must sign the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Generally speaking, a renter should be at least 21 years old. Please refer to the guidelines set by the car rental company.

How much is the deposit when renting a car in Cebu?

The initial car rental deposit ranges from Php 3,000 to Php 7,000, depending upon your chosen car rental company.

Is car rental insurance and protection policy needed in renting a car in Cebu?

No. Car Rental Insurance is not necessary when renting a vehicle in Cebu due to the provided Third Party Liability (TPL) included in the cost of the car. However, some car rental companies would allow you to purchase added protection policies to ease your mind in case of any untoward incident. Below are the following protection policies available from other car rental companies.

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Zero Deductible Protection (ZDP)
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Theft Protection (TP)
• Enterprise Protection Package (EPP)

For further details about these protection policies, please contact or ask your chosen car rental agency.

What is the maximum number of days of renting a car in Cebu?

Typically, renters can rent a car for seven days. However, they can always negotiate this matter with their selected car rental company.

Can I return the rented vehicle after hours?

"After-hours returns" are allowed in most car rental companies in Cebu. However, you must notify any staff from your chosen car rental company for specific instructions.

What should first-timers do when driving in Cebu?

If you plan to travel and rent a self-drive vehicle in Cebu, here are some valuable tips for local and foreign first-time drivers.

Follow traffic rules. Traffic lights and signals are provided in Cebu. Therefore, you must follow these signal lights to avoid vehicular road accidents.

Do not use your mobile phone while driving. It is not advisable to use phones while driving, even when you're stuck in traffic. Stay alert and always on guard when on the road.

Do not drink and drive. Again, stay sober and alert at all times when you are on the road. Do not ingest alcoholic beverages in your system, and drive a car afterward. Drunk drivers are prone to road mishaps.

Watch out for pedestrian lanes and intersections. Taking this as one of your top priorities while driving in Cebu would be best. Respect pedestrians crossing the street.

Be patient. Cebu, especially in nearby metropolitan areas, have a lot of public transportation, such as jeepney, buses, and taxis, which most likely causes slow traffic and road congestion. You may also encounter impatient drivers; if they can't be considerate, be the bigger person instead.

What are the parking and traffic laws in Cebu?

Please take note of parking and traffic regulations in Cebu. There are imposed policies regarding street parking and implements the traffic discipline zone plan. Therefore, you should park at designated parking areas and strictly observe traffic rules to avoid penalties. Traffic regulations in Cebu are also the same with other provinces and cities in the Philippines.

However, it differs upon how each area would implement the said rules. Please refer below for some enforced parking and traffic operations in Cebu. All drivers are advised to familiarize the city's road regulations to avoid fines and sanctions.

• Clamping of Illegally Parked Vehicles
• Towing Operations
• Impounding Operations
• Anti-Smoke Belching Operations
• Trisikad Operations
• Motorcycle for Hire Operations
• Task Force Franchise
• Anti-dispatching Operations
• Anti-jaywalking Operations
• Night Patrol
• Overnight Parking Operations

To see more about traffic regulations in Cebu.

More details about parking and parking options in Cebu.

What to do if the traffic police stop you in Cebu?

When a traffic enforcer or the police flag you, staying calm and maintaining your composure is better. Usually, people who are called out by an enforcer feel a bit uneasy, scared, or angry. However, it must be understood that they are just doing their job to protect people's road safety. It is still adequate for you to observe and follow what needs to be done when stopped by them. Below are some tips you should do when you are flagged down by a traffic enforcer in Cebu.

No Need to Step Out of the Vehicle

You can stay inside the vehicle for security reasons and speak to the traffic enforcers from inside. If you are asked to leave your car, you can refuse and stay inside.

Maintain Calmness and Be Courteous

It is normal to get scared or angry when being halted by traffic enforcers without exactly knowing the reasons. The ideal thing is to pull your hand-break and keep calm. When you are in a good disposition, you can handle the situation properly and easily spot if the authority has questionable actions. Remaining calm allows you to convey your dialogue, explain the matter, or prove your point better.

Listen and Communicate appropriately.

Traffic enforcers will have to tell you about your violations. You should listen and take it seriously before giving opinions or explaining your side. One of the common missteps people make is not listening to the authorities and jumping right to a conclusion, which results in argumentative conversations.

What are other alternative transport is available aside from renting a car in Cebu?

For people who do not want to drive or rent a car, transport alternatives such as taxis, buses, and jeepneys are available and accessible in Cebu.

Taxis are accessible all over Cebu, especially in the town centers and near most attraction spots. However, taxis in the metro may be pricey for travelers. Yet, they can assure you to visit unfamiliar places and navigate the metro without second thoughts.

Bus rides are also one of the most utilized public transportation in the area. It is an affordable transfer service with routes covering almost the entire island, including the outskirts of Cebu. However, this transportation can only be accessed at designated bus stops and terminals with fixed schedules.

See more transport options in Cebu.

What are the must-see attractions in Cebu?

Cebu is dubbed as the First and Oldest Capital of the Philippines, home of the Catholic Faith, and the Queen City of the South. With its cultural gems, natural spectacles, and hospitable people, Cebu Island has been a top tourist destination in the Philippines.

Cebu's rich marine diversity is why many adventurous tourists, especially divers, would opt to visit the island. One great attraction is Oslob, Cebu Whale Shark watching where tourists can swim at a distance with the gigantic creature.

Canyoneering in Badian's Kawasan Falls is also a must-try for tourists who love exhilarating activities. It is a water adventure you will remember, suitable for those who want to destress themselves.

Beaches at Bantayan Island,  where beach lovers would surely appreciate pristine crystal clear waters, and white sand, exuding the same beauty as Boracay Island.

Be sure to visit the Temple of Leah, the Taj Mahal of Cebu. Yet, it has a modern structural design of Roman temples. It is located explicitly up the hills of Busay, Cebu City. The seven-story building shelters 24 chambers of massive antique collections, artworks, Chinese pots, and books.

Magellan's Cross is one for the book. It is a must-visit attraction, especially for believers of the catholic faith. This Cross symbolizes the birth of Catholicism in the country.

Pilgrimage at Simala Shrine is currently one of the top tourist spots in Cebu. It is the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, popularly known as Simala Shrine or Cebu's Castle Church. The shrine became famous when more people received news about the miraculous Virgin Mary in the church.

Of course, who would forget the famous Cebu Lechon? Your Cebu trip will only be complete with tasting its trademark pork lechon meat. Its crunchy skin and flavorful, juicy meat makes you crave more.

See more attraction options in and around Cebu.

What are the types of accommodation in Cebu?

As one of the Philippines' top tourist destinations, Cebu has long been prepared for this, offering modern and quality accommodations for its guests.

Cebu province has two highly urbanized cities, Lapu-Lapu and Cebu. It has one chartered city, Mandaue, and six component cities, Talisay, Naga, Carcar, Bogo, Toledo, and Danao. Each town offers various places to stay for a night or more, from extravagant beach resorts with explicit amenities to friendly and affordable abodes for group tours or solo travelers.

Travelers finding a grand and luxurious holiday home may stay in Cebu or Lapu-Lapu's city center. Home rentals, condominiums, Bed n' Breakfasts (BnBs), and apartments are ideal for tourists seeking affordable accommodation to stick to their budget

The average hotel rates in Cebu vary depending on location, season, and amenities. However, most of the province's hotels offer a price ranging from $40 to $150.

It is ideal for travelers to reserve their accommodation beforehand for a convenient trip to Cebu.

See a wide range of hotels available in Cebu.