Apps students need in the Philippines
Install these apps before you travel and register with your number: they make getting around, paying, ordering food and staying connected in Cebu much easier. The buttons open each app’s official Google Play and App Store page.
Grab
Rides and food delivery
Book a car or order food. Enter your address to see the services available nearby. The fare is shown before you confirm, and you can pay in cash or by card depending on the options in your account.
Official website
Google Maps
Maps and navigation
Save your school, housing and nearest hospital before you arrive, and download the Cebu map for offline use. Share your live location with someone you trust when traveling at night.
Official website
Angkas
Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle taxi rides in covered areas of Metro Cebu. Useful for short trips and rush hour; a helmet is provided. Avoid it with large luggage or in heavy rain.
Official website
MOVE IT
Motorcycle taxi
Book a motorcycle taxi in Cebu. Check coverage and the fare in the app before confirming.
Official website
GCash
Digital wallet
A widely used digital wallet in the Philippines. Check account and verification requirements for your number and documents before relying on it, and keep some cash as backup.
Official website
Maya
Digital wallet
Another digital wallet accepted by many shops. Account requirements for foreign nationals may differ; check them in the app.
Official website
foodpanda
Food delivery
Order food delivery. Check your address and confirm ingredients with the restaurant, especially if you need halal food.
Official website
GlobeOne
Mobile data
If you use a Globe SIM, the app lets you top up, buy data promos and track usage.
Smart
Mobile data
If you use a Smart SIM, the app lets you top up and buy promos. Register the SIM as required by Philippine SIM registration rules.
Check the publisher before installing and never share your OTP code. Some services need a Philippine number or identity verification. Logos belong to their owners and are shown only to identify the apps.
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