Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taguig City, Philippines

1. Overcharging in Taxis

Avoid overpaying for taxis by using a meter or negotiating the fare beforehand.

Meter Use: Ensure the taxi uses a meter to calculate the fare.
Negotiated Fare: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Registered Taxi: Ride only in registered taxis with a visible logo and license plate.

Avoid receiving counterfeit money by carefully inspecting bills for quality.

Quality Inspection: Inspect the bill's texture, color, and feel.
Use ATMs: Withdraw money from ATMs instead of accepting local currency from strangers.
Check Exchange Rates: Know the current exchange rates to avoid being cheated.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides and stick with recommended ones for a safe and informative experience.

Licensed Guide: Confirm the guide's licensing before hiring them.
Recommendations: Choose guides recommended by trusted sources such as your hotel or tour company.
Research: Research popular tourist spots and plan your itinerary ahead of time.

Protect yourself from ATM scams by using well-lit, secure machines and covering your PIN.

Well-Lit Machines: Choose well-lit ATMs in busy areas to minimize the risk of tampering.
Secure Area: Avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit locations.
Cover Your PIN: Always shield your PIN from prying eyes when entering it.

Protect your data by using trusted internet cafés and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks.

Trusted Cafe: Choose a reputable internet café with good reviews.
Secure Browsing: Use a VPN to encrypt your data while browsing.
Private Connection: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities.

Be cautious when encountering beggars, as some may be part of a scam.

Suspicious Behavior: Look out for beggars who follow you or insist on accompanying you.
Recommended Donations: Donate to reputable organizations instead of giving directly to beggars.
Avoid Alone Areas: Stay in well-populated areas and avoid secluded spots at night.

Protect your belongings from pickpockets by keeping them secure and aware of your surroundings.

Secure Bag: Carry a bag that can be closed securely and zippered.
Awareness: Stay alert to your surroundings and avoid crowded or isolated areas.
Valuables Safety: Keep valuable items hidden and out of sight.

Avoid overpriced or fake goods at night markets by haggling and researching item prices.

Avoid transportation scams by researching routes and fares beforehand.

Research Routes: Know the routes and fares for various forms of transport.
Registered Vehicles: Travel only in registered tricycles, jeepneys, or other vehicles.
Avoid Isolated Rides: Avoid taking isolated rides without others around.

Protect your phone from scams by avoiding unknown numbers and keeping your device secure.

Known Contacts: Only answer calls from known contacts.
Secure Device: Use a secure screen lock and keep your device with you at all times.
Avoid Shady Apps: Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources.

Avoid hotel scams by booking through reputable channels and verifying the hotel's authenticity.

Reputable Booking: Book your hotel through trusted websites or travel agencies.
Authentic Hotel: Verify the hotel's authenticity by checking its online presence and reviews.
Security Deposit: Inspect the hotel room for any damage before check-in to avoid false charges.

Avoid restaurant scams by verifying prices and checking reviews.

Price Verification: Check the menu prices before ordering.
Reputable Restaurant: Choose a reputable restaurant with good reviews.
Avoid Alone Areas: Stay in well-populated areas and avoid secluded spots at night.

Avoid overpriced or fake souvenirs by researching prices and haggling.

Avoid charity scams by verifying the authenticity of organizations and donating responsibly.

Authentic Organizations: Verify the authenticity of charities before making a donation.
Responsible Donations: Donate responsibly by researching the impact and efficiency of organizations.
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods when making donations online.

Avoid foodborne illnesses and scams by researching safe street foods and vendors.

Reputable Vendors: Choose reputable street food vendors with good reviews.
Safe Food Preparation: Look for food that is prepared hygienically and safely.
Avoid Isolated Vendors: Avoid isolated street food vendors, especially at night.