General Info

For those of you interested in personal safety from airport scams, you may want to read the latest Philippine newspapers senate hearings on the syndicates, including the police of course, operating at the Manila airport. It makes awful reading. Very little has been done to address the problem with the police and security staff. Again, best plastic wrap all zippered bags, otherwise use Samsonite style zipper-less bags. Also watch your pockets as you go through so-called security at the airport in case a scammer slips in something illegal into your pockets. This also applies to any clothing you are required to put through the X-ray machines.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1799146]Visit a bank during business hours. At night buy mints or gum at a convenience store. Pay with a large note.

Tough to answer because there are many variables; where you eat and where you party will determine how much you need, right? The FRs have barfine and ST / LT costs so you can figure that out on your own. I almost always go out with a girl from a dating site, so don't need worry about a barfine. At night I usually ride a taxi unless it's a short trip and I'll take a jeep. Taxis will run you between p100-p200. When I dine out the meal for two will run from p300 (Chic-boy) to p800 (Army Navy Burger) to p6000 (Top of the Citi). I usually drink at Filipino bars so that's affordable, can be less than p40 per beer, but I prefer to drink rum or vodka and order a bottle plus mixer. They hold the unconsumed for a next visit. When I go to a nightclub I get a table so there's the consumable table charge. The cheapest I've paid is p2000 but it can go much higher. Again, the nightclub will hold any unconsumed spirits for the next visit.

Yes and no. Stores burn through small notes quickly - you don't want to be weighed down by a pocketful of coins. If you ask to break a p500 note for p50 and p20 notes that may be asking too much. To make sure I have plenty of small notes I rarely pay the exact amount in a store; keep using large notes and soon enough you have a collection of small ones. This is more important in the provinces than in the big city.

When I go out during the day I usually have a minimum of p1000 on me. I know I'll stop by a coffee shop and that will be p200. Have lunch on my own and that's p150-p300. At night I'll carry p5000+ unless it's just grabbing a bite to eat, the cinema, and a post-film drink or two.[/QUOTE]There is a constant battle for smaller denominated bank notes. I suggest you ask your hotel reception to give you change before you go out.

[QUOTE=Sxxxx;1798782]Yeh, I got a hundred 50's and hundred 20's at same time. Handy.

As I am a high roller, didn't mention those smaller denominations before, LOL.

Dropping those tips creates good kharma. Came back to me in AC when I left a bag with $2,500 valuable item inside. Trike driver returned bag and contents to me. Had him few times before. Good vibes from me, in the past, got that bag back to me, I reckon. Miracle a trike driver would be so honest. Had to be the positive vibes I had sent out to him on previous occasions, read: "tip" , LOL.

Change for tips, yeh, I agree.[/QUOTE]Like a diamond, one carat in a 100 tons of dirt.

[QUOTE=Fastpiston;1800235]There is a constant battle for smaller denominated bank notes. I suggest you ask your hotel reception to give you change before you go out.[/QUOTE]Oh, they will be the last one to give you change. I find places say "I don't have change" when they do. They are just protecting their valuable supply. Hutsori is right, keep presenting larger bills when purchasing. I collect change that way too. Don't let folks see your smaller denominations. If they see them, they will not accept your larger ones. This "no change" situation was pathetic years ago, better nowadays, but still can be a problem. Still, one has to remain vigilant, otherwise they might back you into a corner with 'no change' story. High rollers do not need change, do they? "Keep the change" prevails amongst the high rollers. If in Angeles, Norma's seem to always have a generous supply of change, when you exchange your foreign currency for Pesos. Even money changers will tell you they don't have change, LOL.

[QUOTE=Fastpiston;1800233]For those of you interested in personal safety from airport scams, you may want to read the latest Philippine newspapers senate hearings on the syndicates, including the police of course, operating at the Manila airport. It makes awful reading. Very little has been done to address the problem with the police and security staff. Again, best plastic wrap all zippered bags, otherwise use Samsonite style zipper-less bags. Also watch your pockets as you go through so-called security at the airport in case a scammer slips in something illegal into your pockets. This also applies to any clothing you are required to put through the X-ray machines.[/QUOTE]I have been reading this as I always like a good laugh LOL.

Am not sure why you are surprised as many of us who live in the country know nothing will be done despite them choosing the wrong guy (the 20 yo missionary man!) parents even had a go at NAIA I a press conference and threatened all sorts of law suits etc. (that will take 10 years t reach the courts LOL).

The politicians still claim this is not syndicate and it is not a problem ("isolated" Now the ruling party says it is a scam to discredit the government without really dealing with the offenders. They seem to be scot free and no one know what is being done despite missionary's parents naming 2 security personnel in their news conference.

GE posted a while bac about his pinoy friends suspicions as did I. The fact that the head of NAIA (Pinoys uncles) and the DOTC head (ruling party key man and friend of PNoy) won't resin says it all. They don't care so best people are more vigilant but I think people are now more aware and things will slow down ass everyone is watching everyone. When I was last in T3 recently there were people watching the security guards handle the bags but the main scam is when you enter the terminals from what I read not security checks after.

Now Rody the had a solution which I found amusing especially as the papers printed it. Was do with swallowing the bullets and other things LOL, that s why many pinays I know want him to run LOL.

[QUOTE=Fastpiston;1800237]Like a diamond, one carat in a 100 tons of dirt.[/QUOTE]Correct. Hell, I was lucky. He said if he had stolen it, would have given a bad name to trike drivers, LOL. Sounded like a religious freak, so thank you Virgin Mary and whoever is backing you. Lucky, I was lucky (again). Guys, don't count on trike drivers being honest.

USA Embassy, Manila, Philippines.

Message for USA Citizens: Update on Procedures at Airports in the Philippines.

November 13,2015.

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL USA CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.

The USA Embassy advises all USA Travelers to the Philippines that, when utilizing for-hire or commercial airlines, travelers should be cognizant of any potential prohibited items they have packed within their baggage or are carrying on their person. Possession of any prohibited items (live or spent ammunition, knives of any size, anything resembling a prohibited item, etc.) during security processing at airports may subject the traveler to prosecution and stringent penalties (including fines and imprisonment) by local authorities. We recommend that all USA Travelers check with their airlines to determine if a particular item is allowed for transport. Passengers should also check with the appropriate government authorities in any country they are traveling from, to or transiting through, in order to determine if a particular item is prohibited. All USA Travelers should remember that items allowed for transport under USA Regulations are not necessarily allowable under another country's regulations.

The Philippine authorities are working to maintain a high level of airport security, especially regarding access issues in the Manila international airport. Oversight of the airport has increased and a broader effort to improve security is underway. USA Citizens who have concerns about airport security in the Philippines or who encounter any problems with airport securityare encouraged to contact the Embassy. Hundreds of American travelers arrive and depart the Philippines every day without issue. However, we encourage all USA Citizens to exercise good situational awareness during their travels. USA Citizen travelers should alwaysmaintain positive control of their personal baggage to minimize theft and the introduction of prohibited or contraband items into personal baggage. Additionally, USA Citizen travelers should not accept any baggage or packages for transportation from other individuals.

The Department of State offers additional tips for travelers abroad on our main website. The USA Embassy also reminds all travelers that, while in the Philippines, a USA Citizen is subject to Philippine laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not provide the same protections available in the United States. A USA Citizen in trouble can always call the Embassy at (02) 301-2000 and ask to speak to the American Citizen Services unit during business hours or with the Embassy Duty Officer after duty hours.

[QUOTE=Sxxxx;1800482]Correct. Hell, I was lucky. He said if he had stolen it, would have given a bad name to trike drivers, LOL. Sounded like a religious freak, so thank you Virgin Mary and whoever is backing you. Lucky, I was lucky (again). Guys, don't count on trike drivers being honest.[/QUOTE]I was going back to states coming in from Cebu at the PAL terminal and had to go to T1. I got into a white metered cab where the driver had a rosary hanging off his rear view mirror and wanted $25 for the 5 min and. 5 ML ride. I laughed at him saying he can rip off the next tourist that comes in not me. He laughed and agreed that those rates were for foreigners. I said would Jesus want you to screw over your native brother?? I gave him 60 p with included tip which was worth it seeing I woulda missed my flight waiting on the free shuttle.

PC out.

Once I arrived at NAIA 3 at 10.00 pm from Cebu being the late flight. I went to departure level to catch an incoming taxi for Pasay. And found long queue of riders for their taxi. I was in hurry to make my ride since my girl was waiting for me in my hotel lounge since from one hour. She arrived after a long ride from Laguna and was not interested to go back. It was annoying and what to do moment. Than the securities guided me to ride a taxi parked aside their post. I asked the driver does it in meter and he replied yes. Ok fine, and when the security pointed the phone numbers shown on the back door if there any complain against the taxi, the bell rang in my head. But I accepted the challenge, sine I had no choice. After some time I asked again the driver where is the meter!! Since there was no sign of meter in dash board, instead of that he shows some meters blinking numbers, what I have no idea. And I failed to understand what the old bug speaking out with his teeth less mouth. Soon I realized m going to be mugged and I need to have my initiative. Immediately I stopped the taxi and luckily the car stopped in front of a gas station. I decided to stand on my feet strong and the pain was I had only 500/1000 php bills in my wallet. I asked the driver to give me 400 php and showed him 500 php bills. I refused to hand over my bill first and finally one by one he handed 350 php. But I stand strong and at last reluctantly he handed to me my asking money and we exchanged the bills. I observed all along the bargain time gas station boys and boys with trike observing us. Might be they had a silent role as the catalyst to solve the issue in less effort, but was not enough to accept their request to have a trike for my destination in late night.

Finally I catch a running taxi for my destination and paid only 100 php more.

[QUOTE=Pcpc1688;1801098]I was going back to states coming in from Cebu at the PAL terminal and had to go to T1. I got into a white metered cab where the driver had a rosary hanging off his rear view mirror and wanted $25 for the 5 min and. 5 ML ride. I laughed at him saying he can rip off the next tourist that comes in not me. He laughed and agreed that those rates were for foreigners. I said would Jesus want you to screw over your native brother?? I gave him 60 p with included tip which was worth it seeing I woulda missed my flight waiting on the free shuttle.

PC out.[/QUOTE]A lot of Filipinos really think scamming a foreigner is OK as it is redistribution of wealth.

[QUOTE=Fastpiston;1803874]A lot of Filipinos really think scamming a foreigner is OK as it is redistribution of wealth.[/QUOTE]There are hundreds of cities in the world that allow their taxi companies to rip off the locals and tourist when ever they can.

Take a trip to Italy but keep a hand on your wallet 24/7 from all service types.

[QUOTE=Pcpc1688;1801098]I was going back to states coming in from Cebu at the PAL terminal and had to go to T1. I got into a white metered cab where the driver had a rosary hanging off his rear view mirror and wanted $25 for the 5 min and. 5 ML ride. I laughed at him saying he can rip off the next tourist that comes in not me. He laughed and agreed that those rates were for foreigners. I said would Jesus want you to screw over your native brother?? I gave him 60 p with included tip which was worth it seeing I woulda missed my flight waiting on the free shuttle.

PC out.[/QUOTE]Just a tip for avoiding the NAIA taxi rip offs; take Uber. I know there's allegedly a ban on Uber drivers picking up at the airport, but it's largely ignored. My new tactic is to summon an Uber car as soon as I receive a cell signal on landing, and before the doors even open. In my recent experience it's never taken more than about 5 minutes for the Uber car to arrive at my location and the fees are quite reasonable. You can thus totally avoid the lines, the scam artists and the fear.

GE.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1803904]Just a tip for avoiding the NAIA taxi rip offs; take Uber. I know there's allegedly a ban on Uber drivers picking up at the airport, but it's largely ignored. My new tactic is to summon an Uber car as soon as I receive a cell signal on landing, and before the doors even open. In my recent experience it's never taken more than about 5 minutes for the Uber car to arrive at my location and the fees are quite reasonable. You can thus totally avoid the lines, the scam artists and the fear.

GE.[/QUOTE]GE.

I have done that upon arrival when I'm staying just not going to connect as some new Uber drivers are totally lost at NAIA LOL.

PC out.

[QUOTE=Pcpc1688;1803922]GE.

I have done that upon arrival when I'm staying just not going to connect as some new Uber drivers are totally lost at NAIA LOL.

PC out.[/QUOTE]I forgot to mention that I communicate with the driver as soon as I know he's in the way. I text, and sometimes I call. So far, it's worked.

GE.

[QUOTE=Fastpiston;1803874]A lot of Filipinos really think scamming a foreigner is OK as it is redistribution of wealth.[/QUOTE]To tell the truth it is not only Phi but any tourist place. Good thing now is you have Internet and can find out beforehand what is cost for anything so that you cannot be ripped off. However at the end of the day you do end up paying more than locals.

Few years ago I took my Chinese GF shopping. She liked a outfit and I asked for the cost. They told me $30 US. My girl whispered in my year saying she can get it for under $15. We walked away. Next day she went alone and got it for about $13. After that I usually give money to the girl to go shopping alone.

Some countries charge one fee for nationals and another fee for foreigners to visit a landmark or museum etc. IMHO it should be the same. Right there is a rip off by government no less.