Practical Information in Cagayan de Oro

Formal Name: Cagayan de Oro

Country: Republic of the Philippines

Island: Mindanao Island

Province: Misamis Oriental

Languages: Cebuano (Visayan), Filipino (Tagalog), English, Maranao, Spanish

Size: 488.86 km sq

Population: 553,966

Population Density: 945 people per km sq

Outlets: Two Flat Blades (usual) or Two Round Pins (less often)

Voltage: 220 Volts, 60 Hertz

Time Zone: PST (UTC + 8)

Postal Code: 9000

Country Phone Code: 63

Area Phone Code: 88 (Philcom), 8822 (MisorTel)

Visas: Visitors can obtain a 21 day tourist visa upon arrival if they have a return ticket dated within the 21 day period, and a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of return. You can obtain an extended tourist visa good for 59 days, 3 months, 6 months or 9 months from your local Embassy of the Philippines. You can also apply to extend your visa after you enter the Philippines.

Currency: Philippine Peso

Banking: There are many banks located within Cagayan de Oro that will change US dollars and travelers checks. There are also ATMs available that accept Visa, Master and Cirrus cards (debit or credit) and many major stores and hotels will accept your credit cards. Don't expect small stores or restaurants to take anything except cash. It's also very common to hear that people do not have change, so break your P100 notes into smaller denominations whenever possible.

Tipping: Tipping is not customary in the Philippines.

Airports: Lumbia Airport is located 10 km outside of Cagayan de Oro and operates regular flights to and from Manila and Cebu.

Transportation: Buses to surrounding towns operate out of Cagayan de Oro for between P100-400. Boats sail to Manila, Cebu, Negros, Bohol and other cities from Macabalam Wharf, 5 km outside of Cagayan de Oro. The trip to Manila takes 35 hours and costs P2400. For travel within the city there are taxis, jeepneys and bicycles readily available.

Police: In an emergency you can dial 117. Otherwise dial 726-670 for the regional office.

Hospital: The two largest hospitals can be reached at 722-256/257 and 727-530.

Fire: You can reach the fire department at 723-020.

Embassies: There are no foreign embassies in Cagayan de Oro.

Facts: Cagayan de Oro is the whitewater rafting capital of the Philippines, with courses open throughout the year along the Cagayan de Oro river. If you're driving (or crossing the street!) remember that they drive on the left side of the road. Most of the danger recorded in Mindanao occurs to the south and west of Cagayan de Oro. The city itself is considered safe for travel.