Jeepneys
The streets of Cebu City are ruled by countless jeepneys which charge around 7 pesos for a ride. Jeepney routes are sometimes difficult to figure out. You can ask the driver or locals for help or simply take the risk and ride the jeepney into the unknown. 7 pesos is only 0,01 € after all.
Beware of pickpockets when riding jeepneys. Cebu City is not as notorious as Manila, but if the locals sitting next to you become too friendly and if there is increased body contact, this is a clear warning sign. Jeepneys are usually packed so you would think that it is normal for other passengers to push their bodies against yours and will not feel anything when they reach into your pocket or cut your backpack.
Taxi
Taxis in Cebu City are much more comfortable than jeepneys and are thus preferred means of transport for 99 % of travellers as well as many locals. The quality and comfort of taxis in Cebu City varies considerably: some cars are brand new and clean, others old and dirty, but most of them air-conditioned.
Make sure that the taxi driver understands where you want to go to and that he turns on the meter. We spent five days in Cebu City and used taxis at least three times a day without any problems. Only one of the drivers did not know where Alpa City Suites Hotel was, so it is advisable to carry your hotel's business card with you.
If you take a taxi at Ayala shopping mall, the security guard hands you over a ticket with the registration number of the taxi you are taking. In case you are not satisfied with the ride, you can file a complaint to a taxi company based on this ticket. Needless to say, taxi drivers who pick you up from Ayala are normally super friendly.
Based on our experience you should not have any problems taking taxis in Cebu City, but in the Philippines there is always a chance to come across a corrupted driver. Show self-confidence when entering a taxi and tell your destination in a way as if you know Cebu City well. Taxi drivers are very good in detecting confused tourists so if you do not act confidently they just might take you for a ride.