SURVIVING PHILIPPINES: Tips for visitors
By tryxiness
@tryxiness (4544)
Philippines
December 25, 2007 8:53pm CST
So basically, that's what I am going to ask you guys. I came across a friend's blog where she wrote about surviving manila. Anyways, I guess, since Manila is sort of synonymous with Philippines, then I can say that maybe it's useful to have manila as point of reference in this survival tip.
So here are my tips:
1)Smile. People here smile a lot. So there's nothing wrong to just smile.
2) Filipinos are pretty nice and hospitable. Just do not be arrogant just because your color is different from us.
3)When you get into a cab make sure that you text your friends of the cab's details (iff. you have friends here).
4) Always put your backpacks infront of you (for security).
5) It is always safe to ask the security guards for direction.
6) Bring loose change with you always...
--
That's what I can think of for now, so if you have any tips, pls. share. :)
2 people like this
8 responses
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
26 Dec 07
We can always add the following...
1. Refrain from using expensive clothing and jewelry...
2. Do not flaunt money, especially dollars around...
3. Always go out with someone who know the places or knows which jeep or taxi to use...
4. Always be polite... or watch your manners...
5. Remember that what is accepted in your country might not be accepted in the Philippines... so it is nice to be knowledgeable about the customs and traditions...
1 person likes this
@tryxiness (4544)
• Philippines
26 Dec 07
Thank you this is so great and helpful. About your last tip, this thing is important... very important. :)
@Ohara_1983 (4117)
• Kuwait
26 Dec 07
Wow, that will be the new tips, you can say if you have friend let them to come & pick you up in the airport, so the cab will not make you run thousand times & you pay a million pesos he he he he he
1 person likes this
@tryxiness (4544)
• Philippines
26 Dec 07
Harhar. Ahmm, it is also important to somehow be familiarized with the taxi fare ranges. Weird eh. :)
@erminiasanjose (1588)
• Philippines
26 Dec 07
Very good. People should always be careful wherever they are. As it is said there is always a snake in a forest. Generally Filipinos are good but of course not all of us and that is true with other races and countries.
1 person likes this
@jimbelle (485)
• Philippines
25 Jan 08
Philippines is a favorite destination of a a lot of people who would like to have a good time. "Pinoys' are warm, fun loving and friendly people. Generally our country is peaceful except for isolated cases in problematic areas- which also occur in other Asean countries. For the precaution we take - is perhaps the same as travelling in other places perhaps the difference is our traffic is quite heavy during peak hours. Tourist should avoid travelling during peak hours and it would be wise to have a guide or a friend always. Keep valuable document in safe place.
@bonoveuxgits (99)
• Philippines
14 Jan 08
1. Don't look up like your looking for aircraft or something.
2. Walk fast - when you are some place where people should not be there (population:0 or in dark places) OR some place where a LOT of people are there (market).
3. Money should be placed in two or three places.
4. Money should be in peso.
5. You should have coins.
6. Don't leave your things unattended.
7. Get taxi details before hopping in.
8. Always check your things before hopping out.
9. Keep ticket for inspection.
10. Relax. Act naturally. Like tryxiness said: Smile :D
@allan5d (120)
• Philippines
9 May 08
in the philippines, you just have to become streetsmart and you will be fine here. be friendly and courteous to everyone and respect women and elderly.
@gorgeousdreamer (1034)
• Philippines
26 Dec 07
Oh, you forgot to mention this.
Always bring an extra money. Not exact. At least if you get lost you still have a money to pay for the cab. Money is very important when you are traveling. You can also bring a map.
@iceblade007 (232)
• Philippines
27 Dec 07
Yup... some kind of tips for the foreign visitors.. actually, Philippines is truly a remarkable tourist spot... And anyone wanting to visit here should i say... must have a MAP! Yes.. you must know where you are and where your going.. These days you really can't trust anybody (especially strangers).. there are so many scumbags here so you must think smart... or you'll end up broke. Be attentive as people today are different from the 70's or 80's... ^_^ peace out!
