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Some scams

South-Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Philippines

Taxi overcharging and theft are common risks in the Philippines, especially in busy city areas. Watch for drivers refusing the meter, bag snatchers, pickpockets and distractions such as dropped coins or spilled drinks. Keep valuables out of sight and settle disputes calmly.
  1. 1 TaxisVery commonTaxi drivers refusing the meterThe driver bypasses the meter and demands a higher fare. The demand can be double the metered fare.Major cities, especially during peak hours 1Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonTaxi driver claims to have no changeThe driver claims to have no change so that you leave a larger tip. Morning requests for coins can also be a normal practice, so the request alone does not prove a scam.Taxis in cities 2Read
  3. 3 TheftCommonPickpocketingA thief takes money, a phone or other valuables from your pockets or bag without you noticing.Crowded or rough areas of large cities 3Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonBag snatching, including by motorcycle ridersA thief grabs your bag and escapes. Motorcycle riders, especially pairs riding together, may pull a victim along the road while taking the bag.City streets and crowded areas 2Read
  5. 5 TheftCommonHold-up robberyA robber threatens you and demands your money or valuables.Crowded or rough areas of large cities 3Read
  6. 6 TheftCommonBasag-kotse parked-car theftThieves smash a car window and take belongings left inside. A guarded parking area does not remove the risk.Parked cars, including guarded parking areas 2Read
  7. 7 Changing moneyCommonCounterfeit banknotesFake notes enter circulation and may be passed to you during a cash transaction. Notes of ₱100 and above are common targets, but fake ₱20 and ₱50 notes also appear.Cash transactions, especially in small shops 2Read
  8. 8 On the streetCommonBudol-budol confidence scamVictims are persuaded to follow a robber's demands and give up valuables. Accounts describe this as hypnosis; do not assume that a thief needs any special power to manipulate someone.Manila 1Read
  9. 9 TheftCommonStaged drink spill in a restaurantSomeone stages a beverage spill to distract you while belongings are stolen.RestaurantsRead
  10. 10 TheftOccasionalLaglag-barya coin-dropping distractionSomeone drops money to draw your attention. An accomplice uses the distraction to steal from your bag or wallet.Busy sidewalks 2Read
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalChewing-gum distraction on a busUsed chewing gum is deliberately stuck to a bus seat as part of a distraction theft.Bus seatsRead
  12. 12 Fake officialsOccasionalCorrupt officialsSome officials may misuse their position for personal gain. Airport conditions have improved, but corruption has been reported. No specific payment trick is described.Some police encounters; past problems also noted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport 2Read
  13. 13 Other tricksOccasionalTargeted kidnapping and hostage takingCriminals or armed groups seize people and hold them hostage, sometimes for ransom. Ethnic Chinese people and visitors from China are specifically noted as targets of ransom kidnappings. Paying does not guarantee release.Manila 2Read
  14. 14 TheftOccasionalArmed piracy and theft at seaArmed pirates in high-speed boats stop vessels, take valuables and hold people hostage. Foreigners have been killed.The Sulu Sea, coastal areas of Palawan Island, the Celebes Sea and waters near Mindanao 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • ManilaBudol-budol is described as common around Manila, though foreigners are rarely targeted.
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Metro ManilaPast problems included corrupt officials. Conditions have improved greatly.
  • Sulu ArchipelagoArmed groups have kidnapped foreign tourists and held people hostage.
  • MindanaoThe area is highlighted for armed-group activity, kidnapping and risks in nearby waters.
  • Sulu SeaArmed pirates may steal valuables and take people hostage.
  • Coastal areas of Palawan IslandNearby boat travel is highlighted for armed piracy.
  • Celebes SeaArmed piracy and hostage taking are highlighted risks.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree to use the meter before the ride begins.
  • Carry coins and small notes for the fare.
  • With an app booking, check the driver and vehicle against the booking details.
  • Keep a receipt or trip record.

Money

  • Carry useful small notes and coins.
  • Keep large amounts of cash out of sight.
  • Check notes when receiving change.
  • Ask for a receipt when shopping.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
  • Keep bags away from passing traffic.
  • Secure your belongings before helping with dropped coins or cleaning a spill.
  • Take valuables out of parked cars, even in guarded parking areas.
  • Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, phones or cameras.

Nights out

  • Keep your belongings secure while drinking.
  • Leave an argument before it becomes a fight.
  • Speak calmly and avoid shouting or insults.
  • Avoid going out alone after dark.

Police and officials

  • Ask for an explanation and receipt for an unclear payment demand.
  • Verify doubtful requests through an official counter or supervisor.
  • Stay calm during a disagreement.
  • Keep a factual record of an incident when safe.

What travellers say about Philippines

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How likely am I to encounter a scam in the Philippines?

Taxi overcharging is a common problem. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and robbery are also common risks in busy or rough city areas. Stay alert without assuming every friendly approach is a scam.

What should I do if a taxi driver refuses the meter?

Decline the ride before setting off. If already travelling, ask to stop somewhere safe and public. Keep the vehicle details if you need to complain.

How do I avoid the taxi no-change trick?

Carry coins and small notes. Check whether the driver can change a large note before handing it over. Morning requests for coins can be normal.

Where should I watch for pickpockets?

Be especially careful in crowded or rough areas of large cities. Keep your bag closed and your phone and wallet out of easy reach.

What should I do if motorcycle riders grab my bag?

Let go if holding on could drag you or cause injury. Do not chase them. Get to safety and report the theft.

Are dropped coins or spilled drinks a warning sign?

They can be. Dropped coins, staged restaurant spills and gum on bus seats are described as distractions used during theft. Secure your belongings before helping or cleaning up.

Can I leave a bag in a guarded car park?

Take valuables with you. Basag-kotse smash-and-grab theft happens even in guarded parking areas.

Should I check small banknotes for counterfeits?

Yes. Notes of ₱100 and above are common targets, but fake ₱20 and ₱50 notes also appear, especially in small shops.

What is budol-budol?

It is a confidence scam in which victims follow a robber's demands and give up valuables. It is described as common around Manila, but foreigners are rarely targeted. Walk away from unusual requests involving money.

Are any boat routes a serious theft risk?

Armed piracy is highlighted in the Sulu Sea, coastal areas of Palawan Island, the Celebes Sea and waters near Mindanao. Avoid the named high-risk routes. Pirates may take valuables and hold people hostage.

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