How dangerous is it for an american to visit the philippines?

Question

On the US Embassy home page it warns against Americans traveling to the country for safety concerns due to terrorists and all. Is it as bad as they make it out to be...particularly in the areas of Cebu and Cagayan De Oro?

Answer 1

I just answered your other question and I thought I'd put in my two cents for this one also. Yes it is dangerous. Yeah, there are a lot of shootings and muggings etc. in the major cities in the US. But the main difference is in the US you don't have a target on your back. In the Phillipines, you'll stick out like a sore thumb. And the locals will assume you're rich (which you probably are thanks to the exchange rate.) So, yeah, it's more dangerous than any place you can go to in the US. Add in the political kidnappings and you have a pretty big problem. It's been over 5 years since I've lived there, but if I recall correctly Cebu is a tourist spot. So, if you stay close to the big hotels and inside the guarded areas, you SHOULD be okay. (This isn't gauranteed due to the high level of corruption.) One other thing to remember is that the police aren't always your friend. Just so I don't scare you too much. I've seen White people live in the Phillipines for many years and not run into any problems. (I don't mean to be a racist, but the fact is White people are assumed to be richer and hence a bigger target.) I'd say out of the people I know, it's about 50-50 whether or not they've had their houses broken into or mugged or kidnapped etc. Definitely a lot more dangerous than Arizona.

PS.
I just read my message and some of the ones below me and I realized how one-sided my reply was. There are a lot of people in the Phillipines who are very nice and friendly. And there's bunch of people who will just adore you because you're America. The weird thing is the good people are very good. But the few bad apples really ruin the bunch here. Remember to not let your guard down and be careful at all times.

Answer 2

it's dangerous everywhere in the world if you project a high profile of yourself, especially if you're to meet an already married woman. And the woman you wish to marry, are you compatible, will the two of you be an asset to each other, or she'll marry you just to get a better life in the states and leave you if she find greener pastures?
There are lot of caucasians here, or everywhere, like those mormon missionaries, they don't get troubled. I myself is chinese rich looking, but i don't get troubled,. Just blend with the crowd, project low profile, learn to adapt. But if the place you're headed already knows about you, well, be prepared for the unexpected.The friendly groups of your fiancee will see you as a figure, such as well known actor,but the part of her husband can do anything unimaginable to you. Make sure you're not going into a trap, a black widow spider type.Always have a rendezvous far away cebu or cagayan de oro, and have alternative plans if you indeed cross a trap.

Answer 3

I live in Cebu and am british.Cebu is perfectly safe.There are hundreds of americans living here peacefully.Cagayan De Oro is on the island of Mindanao.I recently visited there,some foreigners do live there but the UK government advises against all travel on Mindanao.Stick to Cebu and you will have a great time.Good luck.You might want to ask residents here about there experiences by joining the yahoo!group..Cebu City Today..Pleanty of guys there will be happy to asnswer your questions.You can email [e-mail]

Answer 4

not dangerous at all, if you use your common sense, otherwise you would be in trouble no matter where you went. I'm 26 I will be going to the Philippines next month on the 18th for the second time. I was just there in April 23 to may 3. And I did not have a problem, the people are extremely friendly, unless you are hostile with them. So I recommend going there, you will have tons of fun, there is so much to do. One month is not enough, try about 3 months. Good times bro. I'm a white boy what does that tell you, hopefully you will see that you will fine.

Answer 5

The Philippines maintains very close links to the US and Americans are held in much higher esteem than most other countries.

That said, parts of the Philippines are dangerous for all westerners, particularly in the Muslim areas of the Southern Philippines and a number of pockets of insurgency across the Philippines.

My advice would be to stick to the typical Tourist areas such as Peurto Gallera, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, and Southern Luzon and you will be fine.

Answer 6

not at all. very safe. most of the apprehension is travelling to the southern island. i live in the south (davao city). there are a lot of american and foreign visitors in davao (cagayan de oro should be ok too). like all countries, make sure to be aware of your surroundings. keep that tourist antenna up.

no worries in davao. i've had american or foreign friends visit practically every year. they go to the beach hike on the trails, shop and go out at night. not a big deal.

of course, you'll hear different from filipinos up north (around manila) who haven't ventured south of the malls.

have a US air force friend retiring in a small town in southeastern part of the country.by the way, my mom's american and lives in the phil.

Answer 7

It is as dangerous as you make it. What kind of a traveler are you? Gold Rolex watch, heavy gold necklace, Hawaiian shirt, shorts and sandals, camera around your neck and face buried in a guide book to after hours massage parlors and an attitude that you are the great Bwana who can kick all the little people around? You won't last long. Be discrete, don't stand out, be pleasant and always be aware of your surroundings and you can have a very pleasant time. Check with the US Embassy in Manila for updates on specific areas to avoid.

Answer 8

It is NOT dangerous! The Filipinos are very friendly and hospitable. They speak very good English, too. Travel with friends and in groups and register in the Tourism Agency so that they can provide you with very good tour guides upon request. There are very good beaches especially in the Visayas area of the country. Check out the website of Driftwood Village in Sipalay City in ****** Occidental for a very private and relaxing accomodation. The Swiss owner could attest that the Philippines is safe for foreigners. His neighbors are also foreigners who own other resorts in the locality and have been in the province for many years!

Answer 9

no it is jsut a polital propanga by your state department, but it is safe to travel in the city of cebu and cagayan de oro but do not go to the rural areas., but on its local tourist destination it is safe and sound.

Answer 10

Cebu, Luzon, Visayas are okay. I would not recommend Palawan or the southern islands. Too many muslims waiting to kidnap anybody that doesn't fit in. I've been there a few times and I know it's best to stay away from those two places.