Keeping Safe and Well in the PHILIPPINES
Check our pages for Manila,Subic Bay, Puerto Galera, Boracay,Bohol,Cebu, Angeles City, and Palawan in our DESTINATIONS section for more detailed information
When tourists and expats travel to the Philippines it is important that they remember they are visiting a different culture and a poor country by Western standards. So saftey and health should be a major consideration before you even board the flight to these beautiful islands.
Correct Health Insurance , some knowledge of the areas you might be visiting, and taking any medications you might need with you are important issues to be addressed.
We also deal on this website, in this section, with wearing of jewellery, and staying safe during a night out should you wish to frequent the many Philippine bars and clubs while you are in Manila, Angeles or elsewhere.
Most of the things you need to do can be done BEFORE you arrive in the Philippines through the internet. There are many forums such as the CEBU BRITCLUB and others that we have links to form our USEFUL LINKS
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The Philippines has areas such as Subic Bay, Manila, and Angeles City that are very Westernised , but still care must be taken regarding your saftey and health.
Before you fly its a good idea to check out the goverment run websites for upto date information regarding travelling to the Philippines, but please be aware that any Goverment site leans more towards caution , so our advice is to digest the information given then double check it with website and forums that are run my people living and working in the Philippines. These are usually are strong barometer of where to go and what to do or not as the case may be.
Health Protection Agency
National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)
Please go to the following
website for details and to register: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/Locate/
Health
*As with any holiday abroad, make sure you have upto date travel insurance. Click the link below for details of Travel Insurance from our partners J.S. Insurance.
*All medicines and medical treatment is charged for so its important that you are comprehensivley insured and you take any mediceine you may need with you.
*Make sure all your immunisations are up to date . Your doctor will tell you what is required for the Philippines. Some medication , ie anti malaria treatments, are required to be started 1 week before you arrive in the Philippines. and continued 4 weeks after you arrive home. Some people advise that if you are staying in the Cities and not considering venturing out into the provinces then anti – malaria medication is not required. My view is….. better be safe than sorry.
*Take basic medications and first aid kit, your local chemist will advise.
* DON’T drink tap water, always use bottled water to clean teeth , drink etc.
*Keep covered as much as possible at night , mosquitoes have no mercy, especially when visiting the provinces.
*English is the 2nd language in the Philippines and all Chemists speak and understand English should you need help with medications.
*Hospitals and doctors are mostly of a very high standard , but operate ( excuse the pun) a little differently than at home.
Besides Malaria , one the most serious illness’s you can contract is called Dengue Fever which can have serious consequences. It is spread by mosquitoes but it tends to be prevalent where there is static and stagnant water as in old tyres left outside and filled with water, small pools , etc. which are the breeding ground for this type of mosquito.
NATURE
Generally the Philippines is a very safe place to trek and swim but some precautions are always the best taken.
Remember that many areas of the Philippines is wild vegetation, and desolate. so be aware that the indigenous species of various reptiles that can be poisonous and care must also be taken when swimming . There is only a very small risk of injury but again , common sense is always best used when trekking or swimming . Before you venture into the provinces be aware of what you might come into contact with and always follow advice from your guides.
Many tourists go island hopping and as you are a long way from medical help always ask your boatman about any precautions you should take when swimming or exploring.
SAFTEY
Staying safe in the Philippines is mostly about common sense but there are some things you can do based on my and other regular travellers to the Philippines experiences.
GENERAL ;-
Take photo copy of your passport and travel details/ insurance etc and keep in safe place.
Use safety deposit boxes for valuables where provided in Hotels etc.
When you arrive at the airport you will be inundated with offers of taxis. I recommend you use the official airport taxi service located just outside the main terminal. They are a little more expensive but safer, especially if this is your first time in the Philippines.
SAFTEY IN THE CITIES and TOWNS :-
•Refrain from wearing jewellery ( remember Philippines is a poor country. Don’t put temptation into robbers way by flashing your wealth in front of them.
•When using ATM’s try to find one that is situated inside a purpose made lockable room with access from the exterior of the bank ( These tend to be open 24hrs). Failing that try to find one inside a mall or with a security guard standing by the atm.. Always be aware of people around you as you withdraw and as you walk away. ATM scams are prevalent in the Philippines as in other countries ( false keypads, cameras to see your pins etc etc so be alert .
•If driving in the Philippines be aware that you are an easy target for police needing a few quid. They will trump up some false offence and its been known that they will then radio to comrades and within minutes you are stopped again.
•Stay where possible to main highways especially if walking at night
•Use a Daybag( hangs on front of your body ) as opposed to rucksack type on your back. A money belt around your waist is also a good idea.
•Only use metered taxis and INSIST they turn it on.Threaten to get out and get another taxi if they refuse.They might say they will take you for a set figure ‘because of traffic sir’ don’t fall for it ,you will end up paying a lot more.
•Beware of scams in the malls and cafes/bars. where someone approaches you and pretends that they know you from the hotel . They may say they work there. Very soon they will ask for money for something ’important’. This can also include Westerners saying they have lost their money, been stolen etc.
•Never give out your room number , hotel etc. unless you are sure the person is official.
•Do your research on locality of hotels, bars etc where you might be staying/ visiting some are in safer areas than others
•Stay away from bars , clubs etc where the clientele are mainly Filippino, or if you want to experience the local ambience just take more care. Drunken local men and Westerners sometimes don’t mix very well.
•WE WILL BE GIVING INFO ON LOCALITY OF HOTELS , BAR ETC ON THIS WEBSITE SOON.
•When in your room always be aware who wants to enter when you are there or if you get any phone calls direct to your room from strangers , report this to the reception immediately.
•If you are looking for some female company, NEVER accept offers from either men offering girls or girls offering themselves on the streets. If you dont get mugged , you might get a visit from an official/ policeman claiming you are a rapist or she is underage. Contracting an inpleasant and /or dangerous desease is aloso a distinct possibilty. This will cost you a lot of money and time in order to get yourself out of this situation.
•NEVER entertain a girl under 18 . 18 is the legal age of consent in the Philippines NOT 16 as in the UK .The punishment for men with underage girls is very serious. If in doubt about the girls age. LEAVE IT.
•If using an internet café to correspond with home, and especially to check bank accounts etc , It has been known for unscrupulous operators to have software installed on certain computers that can remember you passwords etc. Try to make sure YOU choose the terminal to use NOT the owner. Try to use different cafes each time you access the internet. Be aware of people around you when working on the computer.
NOW YOU HAVE READ ALL THESE POINTS ABOVE. I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT 99% OF FILIPPINOS ARE HONEST, TRUSTWORTHY AND KIND. I ONLY MENTION THESE TIPS SO THAT YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS OR TROUBLE TO SPOIL IT, AND LEARN BY MY EXPERIENCE’S AND THAT OF OTHERS.
