should i be scared of going to the philippines for the first time? what should i expect?

Question

i've heard different stories from different people.....

Answer 1

My brother is married to a philipino. She goes over all the time to visit her family. My brother will not go because he says its very dangerous for white people there.

Answer 2

It depends on where your going in the Philippines. Most places are perfectly fine, but you should avoid Mindanao due to terrorist activity there. You can have a great time there or a terrible one. Just know what to expect. Here are a few tips:

1) Expect to see lots of poverty, and realize you can't help all these people.

2) Avoid carrying a purse especially in market places, as this is a target for thieves. If you have to carry one then keep your money in your pocket.

3) Don't carry your passport or credit cards on you. Leave them in your hotel safe or relatives whichever pertains to you.

4) Stay alert of your surroundings, and never travel alone. This is especially important since this is your first time.

Now, I know you may be a little worried because of the things I listed, but try not to worry to much. Its just common sense advise which I would give you even if you were visiting Washington D.C.

Answer 3

I have been to the Philippines many times with no real problems and with no real reason to feel threatened.
The only time I was scared was three or four years ago when I went to Manila even though the Australian Government strongly recommended against travelling there. It was unnerving to be the only white fella on the plane but once I arrived I could not see any reason for alarm.
In short, the Philippines is probably more safer than the US and, like in the US, THERE ARE PLACES YOU SHOULD NOT GO TO AND THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO.
1/ At night try not to travel alone,
2/ Do not flash money or wear extravagant amounts of jewellery,
3/ Be aware of pick-pockets especially at markets and also sometimes on jeepneys,
4/ Eat at established restaurants rather than the street stalls.
THINGS YOU SHOULD DO,
1/ Go shopping-you won't believe the prices,
2/ Haggle at markets,
3/ If using taxis make sure to agree on the fare first but preferrably only use taxi's with "working" meters
4/ Don't just stick to BIG MACS. JOLLY BEE is excellant,
5/ Try the local cuisine its great,
6/ Get to meet the locals-the majority of Filipono's are good people, and most importantly,
7/ DON'T TREAT THE FILIPINO AS A LOWER CLASS OF PERSON BECAUSE THEY AREN'T

Answer 4

nothing to be scared of as long as you go to the city. You wont have a hard time adjusting to Manila. Filipinos speak good english and you will never get lost in translation haha! :)

The people are nice. Very hospitable and friendly. If you like warm weather, then the philippines is best for you. They have great beaches too.

I think its not right to say that philippines is dangerous for white people. There are so many foreigners living in the philippines and everyone is treated equally and with respect.

Answer 5

It is safer than America. I just saw on the news that a store own was murdered in a robbery after he gave them the money. That would not happen in the Philippines. If you flash a lot of cash, in a bad part of town, you may be robbed. You would not be murdered. I have been there several times and no problems. For what would be a normal tip in America, you can be treated like Donald Trump. Check out Lonely Planet web site. They have an excellent book for sale on the Philippines. It is very detailed. It lists hotels, prices, phone numbers, maps, and much more. The book should be available at Borders or a major book store.

Answer 6

You will absolutely adore the philippines.. its nothing like the US ..the people are wonderful and helpful and friendly like no other on earth..there are so many great places to go and see.. The chocolate hills of carmen.. the rice terraces.. Manila is the city I adore. Cebu is wonderful and all of the 7107 islands are awesome. Only about 700 of them are lived on..Be sure to buy some south sea pearls while you are there they are beautiful.. The traffic is horrendous but you can always find a Nissan rental agency with driver for little of nothing for the whole day to babysit you and take care of your every need...

Answer 7

I am english,but have lived in Cebu for two years and travelled widely.The philippines is relatively safe as long as you avoid the southern part of Mindanao where there is ongoing action against muslim terrorists.In general terms the philippines is safer than the US for things like street crime.

Answer 8

You know, everyone tells about all the facts and figures about how safe airplanes are. They are all correct. Talking to you about it until hell freezes over will not do you one bit of good. What you really need to do is grow up, quit whining about how scared you are and get a grip! You are the only one in the entire world who has the power to control your fears. Either go or don't go. Nobody here really gives a damn either way.

Answer 9

Traveling in the Philippines is almost the same as traveling anywhere (in terms of safety). It depends on where you go, the time of day, the specific cultural norms, and your own behavior. Just be alert of your surroundings and avoid putting yourself in precarious situations (i.e. don't go clubbing alone; don't flash money; etc). Other than that, enjoy yourself and all of the wonderful things a "foreign" place can offer you. Having a traveling buddy may provide you some peace of mind...Good Luck!

Answer 10

Why will you be scared? Go to Philippines with an open heart and open mind accepting that it is different country from where you came from, if you do that, then you will have a blast. The people are very nice, the shopping is cheap, the food is glorious and once you made your first trip, it will not be your last, trust me.

Answer 11

there's nothing to be scared about...except that you probably wont be able to cross the streets without having someone stopping the traffic for you, lol. You'll have fun shopping cuz there's lots of shopping malls. Dont forget to bring toilet papers, lots of them, and sunblock. And make sure you get "travel shots" from your doctor so you dont get sick, expect to get lots of mosquito bites!