Philippines Traveler guide

Talkative taxi drivers

Some taxi drivers might be very nice and talkative, few cases were reported where a taxi driver was curious about a visitor's itinerary in the Philippines and once he learned that you are about to travel...
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Filled under: Warnings
Transportation
taxi drivers
travel agencies

Coron

Diving in the Barracuda Lake includes a steep climb up the razor sharp limestone cliff with your scuba gear on. The hike is about a kilometer long, and watch out the wooden handles are not that safe...
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Filled under: Warnings
Itineraries
coron
Barracuda lake
sea urchins

Siargao Cloud 9

I had fun surfing last weekend in Siargao. To those of you planning to get there you have to wear rubber surfing boots because you will need to walk in some rocky reefs. It pays to bring a first aid kit...
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Filled under: Itineraries
Warnings
Siargao
surfing
siargao cloud 9

Public Urinals

There are numerous pink urinals scattered in Manila, and as much as it is tempting to take a leak there (especially when you REALLY got to go), it's advisable to stick to the cleaner Johns in the...
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Filled under: Warnings
Health
public toilet of men
pink urinals

Watch your step!

Watch your step when walking around crowded streets, you might step on nasty things like spit or pee (in the corners of walls and pillars.)  The handrails found in train stations and public stairs...
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Filled under: Warnings
Health
Transportation
walking around
dirt in Manila

Commute in Manila

While hopping on a cab may make your life as a commuter in Manila easier, watch out some cab drivers will not set the meter back. Meters should start 30 PHP in the city. Taking cabs in rush hours (7-10am...
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Filled under: Warnings
Transportation
commuting in Manila
taxis
taxi fare
taxi rip off
rush hour taxi rate

Lanyu Island's Odd Burglars

Tuck your valuables and food out of sight, even inside the lodge.  There have been numerous reports about animals (e.g. goats) ransacking tourists' bags.
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Filled under: Accommodation
Warnings
burglars
safety in the lodgin
animals in Lanyu

Keeping mosquitoes at bay

When visiting the rural areas, keep an insect repellant handy to prevent those irritating disease-causing mosquito bites.
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Filled under: Health
Warnings
mosquitoes
insect repellants

Don't bring Philippine money at your departure

Taking PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country is prohibited.
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Filled under: Warnings
Philippines
money

Antique pieces must have certification

If you are to bring out antique pieces, traditional sculptures and works of art from the country, be sure that they are accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum or else they will be confiscated...
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Filled under: Warnings
Philippines
antique pieces
traditional scupltur
art works

Taxis in Manila

Be wary of taxi drivers who doens't reset the taxi meter. This is rampant so be sure to keep on your guard or else you'll pay more than what is due. The taxi meter starts at 30 pesos around the city...
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Filled under: Warnings
Transportation
taxis in Manila
taxi in the Philippi

Dealing with street beggars

The streets are almost always full of persistent beggars.  Some of them stay in one place while some actually roam around and try to catch attention by knocking on vehicles' windshields or poke you...
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Filled under: Warnings
beggars

A warning to shutterbugs

Metro Manila may offer a whole lot of photo-worthy sights, but trigger-happy photographers are advised to refrain from showing their camera, especially in the streets of Manila and Quezon City. ...
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Filled under: Warnings
cameras
taking photos outsid

Foreign currency exchanges

There are a lot of Foreign Exchange centers in the country, even in streets.  However, it would be wiser to have your foreign money converted in Banks and the Exchange centers in malls.  They...
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Filled under: Warnings
money exchange

Rule of the Thumb

When going to places like Divisoria or Recto, be sure to handle your valuabes well and be on guard for snatchers who prowl  around the area. It pays to be cautious than be sorry.
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Filled under: Warnings

Commuting

Whenever commuting by bus, jeepney, or mega-taxi, you should always be mindful of your possessions (bags, jewelry, cellphones, etc.).  Thieves are rampant, especially in Manila, and some even go...
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Filled under: Transportation
Warnings
public transport
metro in Manila
dangers of public tr
Thieves
pickpockets

Don'tdrink tap water

Tap water is not drinkable in the coutry, always buy bottled water!
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Filled under: Warnings
Health
water
tap water
don