Whether a solo traveler or with your family, one of the most important things to prepare is handling money while in the Philippines.
Worry no more! Cebu has convenient ways to exchange currency, use your Japanese credit cards, or even enjoy cashless payments like GCash, PayMaya, Visa, and JCB.
Here’s everything you need to know to spend smart and stress-free in Cebu!
Spending Smart in Cebu
Before traveling, one of the first things to research is the payment methods available at your destination.
Cebu has become more adaptable in payments, whether it is by cash, online payment, or card.
Converting some Yen to Peso would be good for transportation, street foods, and local markets.
A suggested daily cash budget per person could be:
₱2,000–₱3,000 PHP per person (or about ¥5,000–¥7,500)
- Fares for jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis.
- Souvenirs
- Street vendors and small eateries
- Entrance fees to tourist spots
💱 Exchange rate guide: (as of 2025, approximate)
¥1,000 JPY ≈ ₱360 PHP
¥10,000 JPY ≈ ₱3,600 PHP
Rates change daily, so always check the latest before exchanging.
Best and safest places to exchange money in Cebu
There are many trustworthy and have time-worthy places around the city that provide money exchange services.
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport
- SM City
- Ayala Center Cebu
- Money changers around the city, sometimes they offer slightly better rates than malls, but stick to well-known shops for security.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport
For immediate access upon arrival, MCIA offers currency exchange services within the arrival terminals. While rates may be slightly lower than the city centers, the convenience of having your pesos ready for expenses makes it worthwhile.
📍In Terminal 1 you’ll find money changers near the arrival lobby on the ground floor.
📍In Terminal 2 the counters are positioned around the pre-departure (check-in) level or by the international arrivals area.
SM City
Another major hub that also features licensed money exchange counteres near the mall entrances and banking areas.
It’s easily accessible from downtown Cebu and hotels within the North Reclamation Area, providing a safe and convenient lcoation to exchange currency before exploring city’s attractions.
🏪 SM Store Forex Counter (UGF), KEdCo Money Exchanger (across NU Building) , BDO Currency Exchange (Level 1)
🕛 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily
📍 SM City Cebu
Ayala Center Cebu
Ayala Center Cebu is a first-class shopping mall in the city, where it is situated in the Cebu Business Park area.
The mall contains a number of officially recognized money changers and bank branches, which provide very favorable rates.
Besides, the mall is a practical place for both shopping and exchanging money, as the travelers will be able to do their other errands and have dine in one of the restaurants around the mall in a safe and secure environment.
🏪 Western Union (GF), Core Pacific Money Exchange (3rd level),
🕛 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily
📍 Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park, Archbishop Reyes Ave. Cebu City
Other Money Changers
Alcohor Money Forex Changer
Located on the third floor of Elizabeth Mall, this money changer’s great 4.7-star rating and constant acknowledgement for providing very favorable rates, particularly for Euro and other key currencies while giving a quick and easy experience.
🕛 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM Daily
📍 Elizabeth Mall, Natalio B. Bacalso Ave, Cebu City
Portside Money Changer
On the Wellness Center’s ground floor at Newtown Boulevard 8, this highly-rated money changer is very much appreciated by customers for their competitive rates which mostly surpass the airport’s charges.
Thanks to its hassle-free face-to-face transactions and dependable hotel delivery services that cover the three cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, the money changer has already been a priority for tourists who want safe, quick and cost-effective currency exchange.
🕛 24/7
📍 Mactan Circumferenctial Road, The Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
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Cebu keeps on making travelers’ lives much easier and more intelligent thanks to its dependable money exchange places, modern bank systems, and numerous ways of paying.
The development of the city’s tourism infrastructures is giving the assurance to tourists, especially Japanese, that they will be able to handle their finances securely and conveniently during their visits to the best places in Cebu.
To get more travel insights, reliable guides, and tips on how to get around in Cebu and other places, visit CSP Cebu, your trustworthy companion for intelligent, smooth, and stress-free travel experiences in the Philippines.
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