How to rent a car in Cebu

For a self-drive rental you need a valid driver's license and one government ID. Foreign visitors can drive on a valid foreign license for up to 90 days from arrival; after that a Philippine license is required. Rental businesses set their own minimum age and may ask for a security deposit, so read the listing's policies before you book.

On 13C you upload your license and ID once to your account. The rental business sees them only for bookings you make with them, and you don't have to send photos over chat.

Cebu City, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu traffic is dense and parking is scarce, so many visitors choose a car with a driver for city days and self-drive for trips south (Moalboal, Oslob) or north (Bantayan, Malapascua ferries). Listings on 13C say whether a car is offered self-drive, with a driver, or both, and show the driver fee per day when there is one. See self-drive versus with-driver rentals.

The airport is on Mactan Island, in Lapu-Lapu City, about 30 to 60 minutes from Cebu City depending on traffic. Rental businesses on 13C list their pickup locations and delivery areas on their store page; a car marked Delivery available can usually be brought to you, and the delivery fee is shown on the car's page. Confirm the meeting point, your flight number and what happens if the flight is late in the chat before pickup. 13C does not run an airport counter; you meet the rental business itself.

1. Find a car. Search by place, dates and type on Find a car. Each car page shows the rate, deposit, mileage and minimum rental length the business has set.
2. Ask first if you need to. Message the business from the car page about delivery, drivers or anything unclear.
3. Request the booking. Choose your dates and how you'll pay. The business reviews the request and confirms it. Some businesses ask for a down payment to hold the dates.
4. Review and sign the rental agreement. The agreement is generated from the booking and the business's policies, and you sign it on your phone. You can read a sample agreement any time.
5. Pick up the car. The business checks your license and ID, collects any payment or deposit as agreed, and walks around the car with you. See what to check before accepting the car.

Payment goes to the rental business, not to 13C, using the methods the business accepts (for example cash, GCash, Maya, bank transfer or card). 13C charges renters nothing.

Businesses set a daily rate and may set lower weekly (7+ days) and monthly (30+ days) rates. Watch for the mileage limit and the excess-kilometre fee, the security deposit and when it's refunded, fuel policy (most ask you to return with the same level), late-return charges and the cancellation policy. All of these are on the car page and the store's Policies section.