Cagayan de Oro

The Philippines can be visited visa-free for up to 30 days by citizens of all European Union member states, all ASEAN member states, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Malaysia, Israel, the UAE and most countries in Latin America. A valid return or onward ticket and a passport that is valid upon entry and for at least six months beyond the period of stay are required to enter the Philippines. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

Getting around Cagayan de Oro is straightforward, with most people taking a taxi, jeepney or a motorela. White and yellow coloured taxis are seen almost everywhere around the city. Always insist on using the meter. The more adventurous forms of transport are the Jeepneys — brightly coloured ex-army vehicles — motorelas, which are a type of covered motorcycle. Always have coins with you to pay as drivers do not always have much change.

The simplest but not always the fastest way to get around is by taxi. Always check the meter has been set or a price has been fixed. Some taxi’s are unlicensed and in a bad state of repair and these should be avoided. The best app for summoning a taxi in the Philippines is Grab.

In the Philippines, the postal system operates through PHLPost, which manages mail delivery and services across the archipelago. For travellers in Cagayan de Oro, postal services are easily accessible at post offices and postal kiosks, ideal for sending postcards and parcels. Rates are reasonable, and services are reliable, though delivery times can vary, especially for international mail.