The Philippines is a wonderful place for a vacation, but like
all other places it pays to take precautions against theft.
Here you will find a list of things you can do to make your
holiday both enjoyable and safe.
How to be Street
Smart
1. The main rule is this: stay alert to your surroundings!
2. Don't walk down alleys or through parks at night.
3. Do not wear flashy jewelry.
4. Carry everyday items in a plastic bag, not an expensive
looking briefcase or purse.
5. If you carry a purse, loop the strap over your shoulder, not
around your neck.
6. Beware of someone who approaches you in the street and holds
out a newspaper as if offering it for sale. The newspaper is
simply a shield for his hand that will reach under the paper
and empty your shirt pocket.
7. Never get staggering drunk.
8. Walk confidently as if you know where you are going, not as
if you are lost.
9. Don't keep all your valuables in one place - spread them
about. For example, your cash in one pocket, your keys in
another pocket, and your cell phone in a secure belt case.
After a while these things will become second nature.
How to Handle Money
Safely
Never flash large sums of money around. It sounds obvious, but
it is amazing how many people disregard this advice. For
example, when you receive a bill in a restaurant the temptation
is to take a large wad of cash and count it out on the table.
Don't!
Before asking for the bill take out your cash and count off the
approximate amount under the table. Then put the rest back into
your pocket.
This raises another point - don't carry a wallet. Wallets are
too bulky and too obvious. If you are a male, carry your cash
in your left trouser pocket, NEVER in your hip pocket. And to
make the notes less obvious arrange them in a set order.
Place the high denomination notes on top and the lowest
denomination notes (like 20 peso notes) at the bottom. Then
fold the notes so the small 20 peso notes are on the outside
and the high denomination notes are inside. Then, when you take
the wad out of your pocket, only the small denomination notes
will be visible.
How to Avoid
Hustlers
Here, as in other parts of the world, you will find hustlers -
or rather, hustlers will find you! Hustlers prey on foreigners.
They are also very good salesmen. They have various approaches,
all aimed at separating you from your money. Here are just a
few:
"Hi, I remember you from xxx Hotel."
"Hi, remember me? I used to work at the xxx Hotel."
"Hi, you're from (name a country)." When you reply telling them
where you are from they will respond, "Yes, my sister lives
there. You may know her."
The point of these openings is to either get you into a
tricycle or to have a drink.
DON'T!
NEVER get into a tricycle unless you have hired it!
NEVER accept a drink from a stranger! Don't be rude, just
refuse the drink politely, and thank him for the offer.
Warning - be very careful not to confuse genuine Filipino
hospitality with hustling!
After reading this you may think that the Philippines is a
dangerous place. It is not! In fact the Philippines is
inhabited by some of the most friendly and hospitable people in
the world. Go out and enjoy yourself! Just remember - the best
prevention is precaution.
The author has lived in Asia for over 44
years and has never been robbed or
conned.
Allan Miller
7 March 2009
Copyright © 2009 Allan
Miller
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