Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in City of Calamba, Laguna, Philippines

All Topics about City of Calamba All Cities in Philippines

1. Jeepney Scam

Unscrupulous jeepney drivers overcharging tourists or taking longer routes. Avoid by agreeing on the fare before boarding.

Knowledge of Local Rates: Research common jeepney fares in Calamba to avoid overpayment.
Awareness of Route: Familiarize yourself with popular destinations and their jeepney routes.
Travel during Daytime: Jeepney scams are more common at night or in less crowded areas.

Unlicensed individuals posing as tour guides, offering inflated prices for services. Decline unsolicited offers and check credentials.

Official Licensing: Ask for official licenses before hiring a guide in Calamba.
Reviews and Recommendations: Research tour guides online or ask for recommendations from trusted sources.
Registered Businesses: Check if the guide's business is registered with the local government.

Vendors selling fake branded goods at low prices. Be cautious and purchase from reputable stores.

Knowledge of Branded Goods: Research genuine branded items to avoid purchasing counterfeits.
Shop at Reputable Stores: Purchase items from established, reputable shops in Calamba.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of branded goods with those available online or in other regions to identify potential counterfeits.

Taxis overcharging tourists due to lack of knowledge about local rates. Agree on fare before starting the journey.

Awareness of Local Rates: Research common taxi fares in Calamba to avoid overpayment.
Negotiate Fare before Journey: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey with a taxi driver.
Use Taxi Meters: Ensure taxis use their meters to calculate fares accurately.

Criminals installing skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use secure ATMs and monitor your account regularly.

Secure ATMs: Use well-lit, secure ATMs in busy, well-trafficked areas.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly check your account transactions for any unusual activity.
Cover the PIN Pad: Cover the PIN pad when entering your PIN to prevent potential skimmers from observing.

Pickpockets targeting tourists with valuable mobile devices. Keep your phone hidden and secure.

Awareness of Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Keep Phone Hidden: Keep your phone hidden when not in use to prevent easy targeting by pickpockets.
Use Theft-Proof Cases: Use theft-proof cases or keep a firm grip on your phone to reduce the risk of theft.

Some hotels overcharging tourists for rooms. Compare prices and book in advance.

Price Comparison: Compare prices of accommodations with those available online or in other regions.
Book in Advance: Book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best deals.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of accommodations online to ensure you're getting a fair price.

Vendors selling overpriced or contaminated street food. Only eat from reputable vendors.

Reputable Vendors: Find street food vendors that are busy and popular among locals.
Avoid Eating at Night: Avoid eating street food at night when it might be less safe.
Check for Health Permits: Look for health permits displayed by the vendor to ensure they meet safety standards.

Pedicabs overcharging tourists or taking longer routes. Agree on fare before starting the journey.

Knowledge of Local Rates: Research common pedicab fares in Calamba to avoid overpayment.
Negotiate Fare before Journey: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey with a pedicab driver.
Travel during Daytime: Pedicab scams are more common at night or in less crowded areas.

Some casinos may have unfair gaming practices or offer low-quality services. Research casinos before visiting.

Reputable Casinos: Research the reputation of casinos in Calamba before visiting.
Check Gaming Regulations: Ensure the casino complies with local gaming regulations and standards.
Understand Casino Rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules of games before playing to avoid misunderstandings.

Vendors selling faulty or overpriced SIM cards. Buy from authorized dealers.

Authorized Dealers: Purchase SIM cards only from authorized dealers, such as phone stores or malls.
Check for Registration: Ensure the SIM card is properly registered and activated before use.
Compare Prices: Compare prices of SIM cards with those available online or in other regions.

Ferries overcharging tourists due to lack of knowledge about local rates. Agree on fare before boarding.

Awareness of Local Rates: Research common ferry fares in Calamba to avoid overpayment.
Negotiate Fare before Boarding: Always negotiate the fare before boarding a ferry.
Check for Registration: Ensure the ferry is properly registered and operating legally.

Bars overcharging tourists or serving watered-down drinks. Research bars before visiting.

Reputable Bars: Research the reputation of bars in Calamba before visiting.
Check Drink Prices: Compare drink prices with those available online or in other regions to avoid overpayment.
Avoid Alone at Night: Avoid going to bars alone, especially at night, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Artists overcharging tourists for sketches or paintings. Negotiate the price before commissioning a work.

Knowledge of Fair Prices: Research fair prices for street art in Calamba to avoid overpayment.
Negotiate Price before Commissioning: Always negotiate the price before commissioning a work of art from a street artist.
Check Quality of Work: Assess the quality of the artist's work before agreeing to a commission.

Some tourist spots charging inflated prices for entry or services. Research admission fees before visiting.

Knowledge of Admission Fees: Research common admission fees for tourist spots in Calamba.
Check Operating Hours: Ensure the tourist spot is open during your planned visit.
Avoid Peak Season: Visit tourist spots outside peak season to avoid overcrowding and potential scams.