Getting Around Cebu, Part 2: White Taxis, Premium Taxis and the New Green GSM Electric Taxis

Public transport fares in Cebu were adjusted on 28 September 2026, according to SunStar Cebu. The provisional flag-down rates are:

• Regular (white) taxi: ₱65
• Premium silver taxi service: ₱80
• Premium gold taxi service: ₱95

SunStar adds that the existing charges for every succeeding 300 metres and every two minutes remain unchanged. Airport taxis follow their own, higher flag-down rate, which was ₱115 as of the 19 March 2026 adjustment. Fares in the Philippines are provisional and can change, so check the rate posted in the vehicle.

White taxis are the regular, metered taxis you will see everywhere in the city. The premium silver and gold services have higher flag-down rates, so expect to pay more for a ride. Ask the driver or your hotel which service you are boarding before you set off if the price matters to you.

When you ride:

1. Ask the driver to turn on the meter before moving.
2. Tell them your destination and a landmark, such as a mall or hotel.
3. Keep small bills ready for change.
4. Note the plate number or take a photo of it if you are travelling alone.

You may have noticed new electric taxis around the city. They belong to Green and Smart Mobility (GSM), a Vietnam-based company that uses VinFast electric vehicles. Its official website says passengers can book through the Green GSM app, and it lists a consumer hotline at 02-7777-8080.

There is one important note for travellers. SunStar Cebu reported in January 2026 that GSM was operating in Cebu under a temporary authority issued in November 2025, while its plan to deploy 600 electric taxis in Metro Cebu remained under review. Local taxi operators opposed the plan, and the provincial governor ordered a suspension in December 2025.

Because of this, availability and rules may change. We could not confirm current fares or service coverage, so check the app or call GSM before relying on it for an important trip.

Traffic in Metro Cebu can be heavy at rush hour, and a taxi stuck in traffic keeps the meter running. For short hops of a few kilometres or for areas with limited taxis, consider tricycles or habal-habal, which we cover in Part 4. For cheaper rides along main routes, jeepneys and buses are covered in Part 3.

Previous: Part 1: From Mactan-Cebu Airport to your hotel
Next: Part 3: Jeepneys and city buses

The full "Getting Around Cebu" series:

• Part 1: From Mactan-Cebu Airport to your hotel
• Part 2: White taxis, premium taxis and Green GSM (you are here)
• Part 3: Jeepneys and city buses
• Part 4: Tricycles, habal-habal and ride-hailing
• Part 5: Buses and ferries out of Cebu City

You might also like:

• TOPS Cebu in Busay: Fees, Hours, Shuttle and What to Do
• What to Eat in Pasil, Cebu City