⚡ Quick Safety Tips
- Use Grab exclusively for transportation — regular taxis in Manila frequently have rigged meters or refuse to use them entirely
- In Intramuros and Rizal Park, ignore anyone offering unsolicited tours or 'help' getting somewhere — it invariably leads to a request for money
- Keep phones and valuables completely hidden in crowded areas like Divisoria Market — phone snatching and pickpocketing are extremely common
- Never exchange money on the street — use bank ATMs or licensed exchange offices in shopping malls
The 6 Scams
You land at NAIA and head to a taxi outside. The driver either refuses to use the meter or 'the meter is broken,' quoting you a flat rate of ₱4,000 to your hotel in Makati — a trip that should cost ₱200-300 by meter. Some drivers charge by terminal: the shuttle bus between T1 and T3 is free, but touts have been known to charge ₱4,000 for the five-minute ride.
Red Flags
- Driver quotes flat rate before you state your destination
- Driver says meter is broken or unavailable
- Unlicensed taxi touts approach you before you reach the official queue
How to Avoid
- Use Grab (rideshare app) from the designated Grab pickup zones at each terminal
- Or use the official airport taxi counters inside arrivals where rates are metered
- Never get in a taxi that won't run the meter — walk away
You're approached by a very friendly Filipino who says he studied in your country and is now visiting his family in Manila. He invites you to his aunt's house nearby for some food. The 'aunt' sets up a card game where you're shown a rigged winning streak, bet increasing amounts, and then lose everything in one final hand. The entire family is part of the operation.
Red Flags
- Stranger claims connection to your home country immediately
- Invitation to a private home or apartment within minutes of meeting
- Card game presented as a way to 'help them win money'
How to Avoid
- Never follow a stranger you just met to a private residence
- The 'friendly local with a connection to your home country' opener is the most common Manila scam intro
- If invited anywhere private within minutes of meeting someone, politely decline and leave
You visit Intramuros and decide to take a traditional kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) for a romantic ride through the historic streets. The driver quotes ₱200 for a short loop. Afterward, the bill is ₱1,500 — you're told that's the 'full tour rate' and the ₱200 was just the starting fee. The driver becomes aggressive and bystanders seem to side with him.
Red Flags
- Price quoted verbally without showing a rate card
- Vague description of what the quoted price covers
- Driver initiates the ride before price is fully agreed
How to Avoid
- Ask specifically: 'What is the TOTAL price for the full ride back to this point?'
- Official kalesa rates in Intramuros are posted — look for the tourism board rate card
- Pay only the pre-agreed amount — have exact change ready
You exchange $100 at a money changer in Ermita and the teller counts out a stack of pesos quickly, placing them on the counter. When you get to your hotel and count the bills, you're short by several hundred pesos — the teller palmed some bills during the fast count. This is so common that locals call it the 'quick hand' scam.
Red Flags
- Teller counts money very quickly and hands it over immediately
- Money counted behind a partition or below the counter
- Teller urges you to move aside quickly for the next customer
How to Avoid
- Count every bill yourself, in front of the teller, before leaving the counter
- Use ATMs or hotel exchange desks instead of street money changers
- Say clearly 'I need to count this' and do not be rushed
You're approached by someone who sells you something you believe to be a harmless product. Shortly after, men identifying themselves as police officers stop you and claim you've just purchased illegal drugs. They threaten arrest unless you pay a 'fine' on the spot — often hundreds of US dollars. The 'police' and the seller are working together.
Red Flags
- Strangers approaching you in entertainment districts offering goods
- Police who appear immediately after a street purchase
- Demand for cash 'fine' paid directly to the officer rather than at a station
How to Avoid
- Never buy anything from street sellers in Manila's entertainment districts
- Real Philippine police do not collect cash fines on the street
- If approached, insist on going to the actual police station — scammers will back down
You take a jeepney — the iconic Filipino transport — and hand over a large bill for what should be a ₱15 ride. The conductor gives you change, but you're short by ₱50 or more. When you question it, the conductor speaks rapidly in Tagalog and waves away your concern. First-time visitors who don't know the exact fare are regular targets.
Red Flags
- Conductor gives change very quickly without verifying
- Not knowing the exact fare for the route
- Paying with large bills for small fares
How to Avoid
- Carry exact change for jeepney fares — ask fellow passengers what the fare is before boarding
- The standard minimum fare is ₱13-15 for the first 4km
- Use Grab or the new EDSA Carousel BRT for hassle-free fixed-price travel
🆘 What to Do If You Get Scammed
📋 File a Police Report
Go to the nearest Philippine National Police (PNP) station. Call 911 or 117 (PNP Hotline). Get an official crime report — you'll need this for insurance claims. You can also report online at pnp.gov.ph.
💳 Cancel Your Cards
Call your bank immediately. Most have 24/7 numbers on the back of the card (keep a photo saved separately). Block any suspicious transactions before the thieves use your details.
🛂 Lost Passport?
Contact your nearest embassy or consulate. The US Embassy in Manila is at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila 1000. For emergencies: +63 2-5301-2000.
📱 Track Your Device
If your phone was stolen, use Find My (iPhone) or Find My Device (Android) from another device. Don't confront thieves yourself — share the location with police instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Plan Your Manila Trip?
Now you know what to watch for. Get a custom Manila itinerary with local tips, hidden spots, and restaurant picks — free.
Plan Your Manila Trip →