Useful Links for Your Stay
Essential Links for Your Study Abroad in the Philippines
We have curated a list of essential websites to ensure a comfortable and smooth experience in Dumaguete—the safe, vibrant "University Town" of the Philippines.
Whether you are considering Cebu but looking for a safer, high-cost-performance alternative, or planning a family or senior study program, please use these resources for your travel preparation!
🛂 1. Immigration & Official Resources
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※This is the **mandatory** official site for entering the Philippines. Please complete your registration before departure.
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※Check official information regarding visa extensions, WEG (for minors under 15), and other legal requirements.
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※Official source for travel advisories and diplomatic updates in the Philippines.
✈️ 2. Flight Bookings (Access to Dumaguete)
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B&D Recommended Trip.com※Our owner's top pick! The app is user-friendly, and unlike other comparison sites, it clearly shows "checked baggage included" options for LCCs, making it the most reliable for international students.
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※Major airlines for domestic flights to Dumaguete via Manila or Cebu.
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※Great for comparing prices. Agoda often features exclusive promo prices for budget carriers like Cebu Pacific.
💸 3. Smart Money Management & Transfers
Currency exchange rates at local shops in Dumaguete can be unfavorable. For the best cost-performance, we highly recommend the following transfer services!
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This is the most popular and cost-effective method for our students to receive living expenses in the Philippines.
【Convenient Transfer Flow via App/Web】
- ① Register an account on the Western Union website or app in your home country.
- ② Set the delivery method to "Cash Pickup (Philippines)."
- ③ Transfer funds from your local bank account or card.
- ④ Within minutes to hours, you can pick up cash at thousands of partner locations (pawnshops/exchange centers) across Dumaguete!
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※While less convenient for daily cash in Dumaguete, Wise is an excellent way to pay your "Tuition Fees" directly to our school's bank account with low mid-market exchange rates.
🏨 4. Accommodation, Tours & Ferries
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Hotel Bookings (Pre/Post stay or Family visits)
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Activities & Ferry Bookings※Convenient apps to book weekend tours or ferry tickets (like OceanJet to Cebu) in advance.
📱 5. Essential Apps & Local Info
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※Stay updated on local climate and the best timing for currency transfers.
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Best for Tricycles Maxim (Ride-hailing)Maxim is currently the most reliable app for booking Tricycles in the Dumaguete and Sibulan area. While the fares are typically slightly higher than Grab, it has a much larger network of active drivers, ensuring you can find a ride quickly even during busy hours.⚠️ Important Note on Registration:
Maxim only supports phone numbers from specific countries. If your home country's phone number is not available for registration, you will need to purchase a **Philippine SIM card** after arrival to use this service.
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Budget Friendly Grab (Ride-hailing & Delivery)Grab is the major platform in the Philippines and generally offers the lowest fares for both cars and tricycles. However, please be aware that it has become increasingly difficult to book tricycles via Grab in Dumaguete recently. It remains highly recommended for food delivery and airport car transfers.💡 Tip:
Grab supports most international phone numbers, allowing you to complete your registration before leaving your home country.
📖 6. Official B&D Study Abroad Blogs
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A humorous manga blog by Kiku-yan, the owner of B&D! It depicts the real daily life of an entrepreneur in the Philippines—perfect for a quick break between your intensive one-on-one lessons!
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A comprehensive guide on travel routes to Cebu and how to spend your weekends. While prices may vary slightly over time, it remains an excellent resource for sightseeing information.
📝 【2026 Latest】eTravel Registration Guide
To enter the Philippines, you **must** register with **"eTravel"** within 72 hours before your arrival. The application is entirely in English. Please follow the steps below to ensure a smooth entry.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Access the official website (etravel.gov.ph).
Click on **"Click here to Sign In"**.
First-time users should select **"Create an account"**. Enter your email address and verify it using the 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) sent to you.
Set your password. Ensure it includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Keep it in a safe place.
Step 2: Register Personal Profile
Create your profile. Once registered, your information can be reused for future trips to the Philippines.
【Reference】How to enter your address in English
Write your address starting from the specific unit/house number to the country.
Example: Unit 101, B&D Apartments, 123 Main St, New York, NY, 10001, USA
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#101 B&D Apartments, 123 Main St, New York, NY, 10001, USA
Write your address starting from the specific unit/house number to the country.
Example: Unit 101, B&D Apartments, 123 Main St, New York, NY, 10001, USA
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#101 B&D Apartments, 123 Main St, New York, NY, 10001, USA
Permanent Country of Residence: Enter your home address following the international format above.
Step 3: New Travel Declaration
After logging in, click **"New Travel Declaration"** and enter your trip details.
- Select **"FOR ME"** (Individual)
- Select **"AIR"** (Travel Type) and **"ARRIVAL"** (Entry)
- **Purpose of Travel:** Select Education/Training/Studies for your enrollment at B&D.
- **Flight Info:** Select your date of arrival, airline, flight number, and arrival airport accurately.
Step 4: Destination, Health & Customs
Enter the details of your stay in the Philippines.
1. Destination Details (School Information)
If you are staying at B&D English School, please use the following details:
If you are staying at B&D English School, please use the following details:
・Classification: Select Residence
・Name of Residence: B&D English School
・Province: NEGROS ORIENTAL
・City/Municipality: SIBULAN
・Address / Village: Purok 1 Aganan
・Contact Number: +63355223514
※You can also find our location on our Access Page.
・Name of Residence: B&D English School
・Province: NEGROS ORIENTAL
・City/Municipality: SIBULAN
・Address / Village: Purok 1 Aganan
・Contact Number: +63355223514
※You can also find our location on our Access Page.
2. Health Declaration
・Health status for the last 30 days: Select No if you have no symptoms like fever.
・Countries visited in the last 30 days: List your home country or any countries you transited through.
・Health status for the last 30 days: Select No if you have no symptoms like fever.
・Countries visited in the last 30 days: List your home country or any countries you transited through.
3. Customs Declaration
Select No for all items unless you are carrying large amounts of cash, firearms, or commercial samples.
Select No for all items unless you are carrying large amounts of cash, firearms, or commercial samples.
IMPORTANT: Take a screenshot of the final "QR Code."
You will be required to present this to Philippine Immigration upon arrival.
❓ FAQ: Travel & Preparation for Philippines
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Q1. Which apps should I install before arriving in the Philippines?We strongly recommend Grab and Maxim. While Grab can be used with international numbers, Maxim is highly effective for Dumaguete's local transport once you have a Philippine SIM card. Also, ensure you complete your eTravel registration 72 hours before arrival.
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Q2. How does B&D ensure a high quality of English education?We focus on moving beyond "Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS)" to achieve "Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP)." Through our unique 1-on-1 "Scaffolding" and intensive "Pattern Practice," students acquire the ability to think and debate logically in English, reaching a level of expression equal to or exceeding their native language.
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Q3. Why is Dumaguete recommended over Cebu for European students?Unlike the noise and pollution often found in Cebu, Dumaguete is recognized by Forbes as one of the best places to live. It offers a safe environment, clean water, and a relaxed atmosphere known as the "City of Gentle People," providing much better cost-performance and security for international students.
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Q4. What is the best way to handle currency exchange?Refer to 3. Money Transfers (Western Union) for the most cost-effective method. We recommend checking the live exchange rate and converting your local currency (USD, EUR, etc.) into Philippine Pesos based on current trends.
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Q5. Are there tourism opportunities during weekends?Absolutely! Dumaguete offers world-class diving and nature access. Check our Sightseeing Guide or Student Life Photos to see how our students spend their holidays in the safest city in the Philippines.
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Q6. Do I need to register for eTravel when leaving the country?As of 2026, eTravel is mandatory for entry but generally not for exit. However, please ensure you check your home country's entry requirements, such as health declarations or customs apps, before your return flight.