Safety Guide for Foreigners in Philippines

Primary Threats to Foreigners

💔 Romance Scams HIGH RISK

The most common threat to male expats. Relationship manipulation leading to property loss, financial exploitation, or extortion. Never put property in a partner's name.

💳 Financial Scams HIGH RISK

Investment schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and "business opportunities" targeting foreigners. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

🚕 Transportation Scams MEDIUM

Overcharging by taxis, rigged meters, and long routes. Use Grab app whenever possible. For taxis, insist on meter or agree on price before boarding.

🏪 Petty Crime MEDIUM

Pickpocketing in crowded areas, bag snatching (especially from motorcycles), and opportunistic theft. Keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings.

🍸 Drink Spiking MEDIUM

Drugged drinks leading to robbery or assault, particularly in entertainment areas. Never leave drinks unattended, avoid accepting drinks from strangers.

🌊 Natural Disasters MEDIUM

Typhoons (June-November), earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Monitor weather alerts, know evacuation routes, have emergency supplies.

Common Scams Targeting Foreigners

🚨 The "Bar Fine" Trap

Friendly locals invite you to a bar where drinks are massively overpriced. You're presented with a bill for thousands and surrounded by security. Always check prices before ordering, avoid "hostess bars" you're led to by strangers.

🚨 ATM Skimming

Card readers attached to ATMs capture your data. Use ATMs inside banks during banking hours. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Monitor your accounts regularly.

🚨 "Police" Extortion

People posing as plainclothes police demanding to see your documents and find "problems." Real police wear uniforms with ID. Ask to go to a police station. Call 117 if suspicious.

🚨 Immigration "Fixers"

Agents offering to "expedite" visa processing for fees. Many are scammers or charge 10x the actual cost. Use official BI channels or reputable attorneys only.

🚨 Charity/Sob Story Scams

Elaborate stories about sick relatives or emergencies requiring immediate financial help. Often recurring requests that escalate. Set firm boundaries or avoid entirely.

Area Safety Overview

Metro Manila Areas

✅ Makati CBD

Well-policed, secure, expat-friendly

✅ BGC (Taguig)

Modern, safe, CCTV coverage

✅ Ortigas Center

Business district, secure

⚠️ Manila (Tourist Areas)

Busy, watch for pickpockets

⚠️ Pasay/NAIA Area

High tourist scam activity

❌ Tondo

Avoid unless with local guide

Outside Metro Manila

✅ Cebu City

Generally safe, tourist-friendly

✅ Davao City

Strict law enforcement, low crime

⚠️ Angeles City

Entertainment district risks

❌ Western Mindanao

Travel advisories in effect

❌ Sulu Archipelago

No-go zone for foreigners

Safety Tips

General Safety

Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency alerts
Keep copies of passport, visa, and ACR in separate locations
Use Grab/taxi apps rather than hailing random cabs
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
Don't walk alone in unfamiliar areas after dark
Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave

Financial Safety

Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
Don't carry large amounts of cash
Never give money to people you've just met
Be skeptical of all investment "opportunities"
Use credit cards at reputable establishments only
Keep emergency funds in a separate account

Relationship Safety

Never put property in a partner's name
Be cautious of rapid relationship escalation
Meet the family before major financial commitments
Keep finances separate until married (and even then)
Be wary of repeated "emergency" money requests

🛡️ Safety Guide for Foreigners