15 PHILIPPINES Scams, Rip Offs & Tourist Traps (Watch Before You Go To Manila in 2024) !

[@kristinhannah001]

Great tips, Kuya!!! As Filipinos, we don't also want people to get scammed or robbed. It helps to be informed & being cautious. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, you'll be okay!

[@VasiliosChrisant]

The advice Jay is giving is great, and do not forget, this advice is applicable to all countries!

[@melluzi]

Illegal gambling, suspicious street food and fake dating apps are not common in Europe at least. There are other scams though.

[@frankward8003]

While in the Philippines, only drink bottled water, hot coffee, hot tea, or beer..don't drink the ice tea, fruit drinks or eat the ice in drinks....don't eat fruit that you havn't peeled yourself at the buffets at the hotels or restaurants....brush your teeth with bottled water...dispite Manila supposely have the best water quialty, I've gotten travelers diarrhea the last few times I've been there...the last time was from brushing my teeth with the tap water. Travelers diarrhea is a serious issue when traveling to hot humid countrys and it will ruin your vacation...so be smart

[@dongshengdi773]

There are no scammers in the Philippines. They're all Christians .

[@BelusTraveller]

Great points

[@jhonyvivas7903]

How about the fruit juices or tap water in the resorts? Is it still bad?

[@frankward8003]

@jhonyvivas7903 Don't drink the fruit juices or any drink with ice in it..only drink bottled water, hot coffee, hot tea, or beer to be safe..brush your teeth with bottled water...the locals are immune from what is in the water there, but foreigners are not...trust me, you will get sick with diarrhea if you drink the water there...it's not worth the risk on your vacation...you will be miserable if you get travelers diarrhea

[@jhonyvivas7903]

@@frankward8003 Thank you so much!! Your answer is very helpful!

[@johnmcaulay8448]

Scam 1 - Make sure it's a girl, and don't get a big surprise.

[@frankiefernandez9225]

True🤣🤣🤣

[@emilyacana341]

In Singapore whatever you purchase is chargeable 9% tax called GST.

[@Jaycation]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Jaycation]

Good to know

[@relskirod1016]

😅😅😅 good one

[@PhillyP75]

The taxi scamming in Manila was so bad… especially around the airport!!

[@gottalovethephilippines5417]

My Filipina partner and I were there earlier this year, none of the taxis we used in Manila would turn there meter on, even though we insisted. It’s Grab for us.

[@videobrains]

Even the locals avoid regular taxis in MetroManila, as drivers usually charge exorbitantly, specially during the Christmas season when shoppers are carrying lots of gifts, and during rush hour. I haven't taken a regular taxi in decades, and hear countless complaints from friends who do. I prefer "Grab" cars (our version of Uber) because of the tracking. So get the app when you touch down. Don't get too complacent though. There have been a few bad cases over the years. But they are usually resolved by either the company or by police the moment news media get wind of the story.

[@georgeallen7667]

It is why I only fly into Cebu and never Manila. If I have to go to Manila, I hire a private driver for the day Biggest ripoff ever.

[@TheJinashura]

The cabs are scum bags

[@paulmotoadventure6234]

Never ride the yellow taxi at the airport

[@user-oo3lh1ls4r]

You give the best advice kababayan. Some of these foreigner vloggers are dishonest and telling everybody that Philippines is safe and honest but its a click bate.

[@Jaycation]

Thanks, just keeping it real! I want tourists to have a great time but to also be aware of the unfortunate side of the PH

[@travelescapesOFFICIAL]

Very informative! This is the first video KZbin showed me of yours. It's very well done!

[@antoniominev6278]

better than some us expat

[@timf7813]

American here... Just got back from Manila on a month long vacation. My tip would be bring lots of different IDs if you are staying in Air Bnb condos. Lot's of times the guard will make you leave an ID with them while you stay. So to avoid leaving your passport or drivers license just had some other photo ID handy that is less important. Another tip is find the private beach locations at Boracay that aren't on any maps or google. So much nicer than th tourist areas!

[@Jay-King]

I always bring my old expired drivers license for that reason.

[@SS-yv9cq]

Philippines and scams should be synonyms.

[@Lordtariq4233]

Yeah, met a girl online and thinking she can hook me in for love. She tried scamming money by saying she’s dying of cancer stage 3 and lacking money for hospital services. I said if you’re really dying don’t spend time on line rather spend time with family. Accept your faith, live on he remaining days of your life with your fams.

[@jerrolwhite6842]

@@Lordtariq4233 🥹Savage. Flawless victory!!!

[@darkshadow955]

“She take my money…ohhhh she’s a golddigger”

[@loganz]

Not really a scam, but if you book a tour where a driver takes you around to different tourist sites, double check if your tour rate includes entry to those places you're visiting or if you need to pay for it yourself.

[@Jaycation]

Great tip! Definitely something tourists should watch out for though… def a tourist trap! Thanks

[@dongshengdi773]

@@Jaycation never pay more than $40 for a happy ending

[@HyunAYuchi]

There are two more scams at airports in the Philippines that i know of, and 2 others in the streets: 1. When you have your bags at the x-ray, a guy will steal your bag as it comes out of the x-ray machine, if you're not looking, and quickly walk away. Airport cameras will suddenly not work, or will take a week before they are shown to you. 2. Tanim-Bala. Airport officials will put/plant a bullet in your bag, and flag you. They'll arrest you and ask you for alot of money to let you go free and not go to jail for carrying bullets that they have planted. 3. There are cops that will plant a packet of meth inside your car when you open the window (they'll just chuck it in). And they'll inspect your car and find that packet of meth that they put inside your car, and ask for a lot of money in exchange for letting you go. 4. Kidnapping cases for rich foreigners and businessmen spike up months before elections.. i'm not saying that corrupt officials kidnap rich foreigners and businessmen to extort money from them so that the corrupt officials have money to run for elections, but yeah :) Also, RCBC Massacre, when corrupt officials send their goons to rob a bank so that they have money to burn for elections :)

[@PeteParv]

@@HyunAYuchi so what's the solution with corrupt police? Negotiate a lower rate and pay up?

[@HyunAYuchi]

@@PeteParv More independent oversight (e.g., body cams, more CCTV directed at police, non-contact apprehension, no evidence no arrest, no uniform/ID/Badge no arrest, non police investigators checking up on police actions, possibility of planting evidence, corruption, etc.)

[@kinichi20]

Great tips but these scams are everywhere, not just in the Philippines

[@jarihult]

Good advices and tips for avoiding most of the rip offs🤔😎Thank you for sharing Jay🙂👍!!!

[@Jaycation]

Thanks Jari

[@mariodiaz4694]

There’s so many places you can go that will not rip you off like BRAZIL ,SPAIN ,FRANCE ,ITALY ,DUBAI 😂

[@boyetluansing2657]

The best thing to do is have a Filipino relative or buddy with you. Do not be scared of what you’re hearing on this video. Philippines is a friendly country if you’re not a show off or an attitude person. Know how to communicate with a smile in the Philippines.

[@georgeallen7667]

Not everyone has that available. You are as a lamb to a lion being an import or Kano. The people can be kind, very kind. But they WILL take advantage of you. Just go to the public markets

[@dinnes3375]

WOW! So well described and balanced. Thanks!

[@Jaycation]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words

[@momcation9786]

Awesome! Highly informational video. It’s helpful for tourists to have an enjoyable vacation experience not only in the Ph but anywhere else in the world! Thank you Jaycation for the effort!

[@Jaycation]

Gotta be in the know!

[@cecilwampler8733]

The hand scale for the luggage is a new one for me. I didn't even know that thing existed. I just ordered one from aliexpress. Great info.

[@Jaycation]

Nice! The hand scale comes in huge

[@philipbennison6541]

It's okay until your baggage is over 23 kilos. Can you lift 23+ kilos with one hand?

[@cecilwampler8733]

@@philipbennison6541 Yeah, but wow, that would be a large bag. I usually travel with one small carry on and a personal bag.

[@vicaz9378]

Great pointer! I was there several times and I love it! Keep up the good work, dude!!!

[@ScaredHamshee]

Thanks Jay for being real

[@Jaycation]

Just want people to have a nice trip!

[@GilbertBeltran-t2i]

Scams not only happened to the foreigner but to the local either. It is particularly if they notice you look like an ignorant person coming from the province.

[@Jaycation]

💯💯💯 can happen to anybody

[@scottking869]

@@GilbertBeltran-t2i yeah if you dont speak local dielect they will charge you more

[@tinaynay16]

Jay! Thank you for doing this. Every time people ask me if the Philippines is a good destination to go to. My usual advice is for them to go straight to the islands. The big city is scary.

[@shanehayes9349]

Great info bro! My wife is Filipina and I'm part so ob course we know the Philippines. However, we went last year again, and I've never been to Boracay so we went. Meh...it was kinda annoying because the whole time on the beach people were hounding us to buy something. I def enjoyed Palawan, Coron much more! BTW...I'm from SD too, but live in Dallas, TX now. Ang galing mo pare! Keep up the great work! Ingat!

[@willan7241]

Scams are all over the world. It is important to be on top of it. I got a Grab the last time we were there. Thanks for the video.

[@13ktostay]

Your advice for giving to people begging should be clarified. It is illegal to give money to people begging in the Philippines, and if caught, you can be fined.

[@georgecullen759]

@@13ktostay true, a law passed during Marcos in the early 80's I believe.

[@TheCAG1976]

Yes! This is what I was told. Not to give money to anyone begging because of this. I felt bad when an old man came up to my window when my fiancé and I were at the terminal, about to travel to Mati City, but I shook my head and had to ignore him.

[@mojomojo5779]

@@TheCAG1976 I’ve been here 11 years. Give to beggars if you want. No body cares. I have never heard of anyone fined. Most everyone is struggling or poor and relate to beggars

[@mauriciolee7349]

Thank Jay for this DETAILED & UP-to-DATE video about scams in the Phitliipines as it is released in April, 2024.

[@guysocoollike]

Going there tomorrow and really appreciate the help brother. Grab is the main thing. Gotta avoid them taxis everywhere

[@BeowolfNindoJournal]

💯 on grab. Uber's rival before they beat Uber.

[@guysocoollike]

Also, if you're in Makati and a very young kid comes up to you and ask for food or money, be stonehearted and move on. Hear me out: I was standing outside Filling station, and this kid, she couldn't be more than 6, comes up and straight hugs me crying. I asked a local to translate and tell her I won't give her any money but since she said she's hungry I can get her a hot meal at the 711(Yes, they have huge hot meals options there). I took her to the 711 right across the street and suddenly, there were 5 of them, and they start grabbing lots of stuff. I'm talking Toys, Snacks.. I told the guard I'm only gonna get her the 2 hotdogs. But I realized a woman came in and was pointing and instructing them what to get and when I looked at her she had the "Got busted look" and looked away... Anyways, by the time I got to the counter, there it at least 25 items on the counter, including ladies pads. The cashier politely asked me if I'm buying and I said Yea, only these 2 hotdogs😂. The lady looked pissed off. Moral is, none of the kids are lone homeless and just walk away. And if pushed into such a situation, follow my lead and let them grab whatever they want and at the end just pay for the 2 hot dogs.

[@richardcortez9903]

Appreciate the info brother love the channel keep the videos coming

[@Jaycation]

More to come! I appreciate it

[@brianbarton777]

Thank you for the details of scams and ripoffs. Great video

[@SeanKaleponi]

Good tips Jaycation. I liked getting the fake jerseys and shirts. And good advice on not getting fake shoes since that could actually hurt your feet.. Also, I never thought about the drinks and how it could get spiked. Very valuable information all around. Although if the food looked good and the vendor may not be licensed. I might just take a chance. Lol. But I can say that you at least warned us😁Glad you have safe travels in 🇵🇭

[@Jaycation]

Thanks bro! I bought Jordan 11s there as a kid once and they hurt my feet so bad! I also got a louis vuitton suitcase that broke right as i got home haha lessons learned. I hope you get to visit the philippines someday my friend. Cant wait to finally release the Hawaii Series next month! I got carried away with the Philippines and wanted to finish that first before i got back to Hawaii. Lol talk soon!

[@dennisb7930]

Thanks for the heads up on it all!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job jay .

[@Jaycation]

Thanks Pertna!

[@bobblebunny219]

Thank Jay Jay, love these videos.

[@Jaycation]

Enjoy vegas my friend!

[@ahom9387]

Very helpful thank u!

[@AARONVZN]

I just got scammed with the clickbait! Wheres that girl at in your video thumbnail? Haha jk. This video was great, hoping to visit the PI next year. Haven’t been since I was 5.

[@daxmac3691]

Jay-man you covered most of them....mostly Manila .....give us some tricks for province. Excellent background scene changing...good production Quality.

[@sarampiting1]

These things happen everywhere around the world, so be cautious wherever you go.

[@JackB_Nimble1]

Ty for this info, my aunt is filipina and has told me many stories similiar to this. My 3yr plan involves hopefully permanently moving to either Thailand or The Philippines!

[@CharlesRosendaal]

Thank you for the Green Hills recommendation! It was a lot of fun and we bought a load of jerseys. My son is the happiest kid 😅

[@Friedbrain11]

Thank you. This is a good vid to give a person the heads up. Good advice sir:)

[@shadowtruck5991]

Expat will realized after.....they married a whole family !!!!

[@jamescaldwell4063]

Terrific Vid dude, well paced and informative. TY.

[@mjp.7765]

Many thanks for tips!!! I’m Filipina but grew up in Europe. Last time I’ve been there was 30 years ago. Now I’ll visit it soon with my teenager daughter and really needed this video. Thanks again

[@nexus-6392]

Every time a see flip teenagers with their parents they look sad and depressed as if they want to erase themselves from this world. How do you make them like that?

[@orlandozambrano8806]

Thanks Jay!

[@Jaycation]

Thanks for watching

[@alexwallace6120]

Thanks !for the good advice .You have to b careful anywhere.

[@Jaycation]

Exactly! Thanks

[@williefufu2985]

Thank you for the advice, I really enjoyed your video, you are a cool cat.

[@EvralTatum-Mcfield-ov2mi]

I learned my lesson regarding the weigh of my bags, and had to pay, $120 for 14 pounds over, got one of these luggage scales, now, before i head to the airport, i already know that is 50 pounds even, in each one, regards from Boston MA!

[@Jaycation]

Good call! It really saves money in the long run.

[@bartonpercival3216]

Yup I did the same thing when leaving Boston going to the Philippines in 2023. I had 2 pieces of checked luggage and weighed it before I left for Logan. Both were exactly 49.5 lbs and when I checked in at my airline counter at Logan Airport, the digital scale showed 49.5lbs on both!!!! 👍

[@juliusgregorio4111]

great info, I will be headed to the Philippines for the first time this January, so I appreciate your nsight. Thanks and safe travels bro!

[@lamartyler8096]

Great video!

[@johnmarlon6916]

That was great. Any suggestions for learning some Tagalog?

[@TimelessCalm88]

great video, very informative! but I have to say, while it's important to be aware of scams, there's also a lot of negativity that can scare tourists away from experiencing the true beauty of the Philippines. maybe we should focus more on the rich culture and hospitality of the people instead?

[@colemant6845]

Great information... THANKS!

[@frankiefernandez9225]

What’s up my Freind 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@Jaycation]

Yooo

[@user-oo3lh1ls4r]

Thanks for the scam info, even our own kababayans or balikbayan filipinos get scammed in the Philippines, especially the airport in Manila. That's the biggest scam airport there.

[@Jaycation]

Thanks! Yeah its u fortunate but it does happen a lot in Manila

[@DR-cn4dk]

I forgot where, if it was Cebu? A law that states you cannot give pesos to a beggar. Jailed or a,police fine. Can give food or something. If the person looks under aged. Do Not invite to a restaurant to eat, its best to avoid becasuse a citizen can report you as a possible child sex abuser or trafficking

[@op_jazz]

I got ripped off by the Taxi in Manila, 1900php ride to terminal 4 flat rate was the mistake. The shuttle is free but I was hot. The Taxi driver said I was his first ride in 5 hours so I tipped him, the dispatcher wouldn't give me my 50php change for the rip off she provided. Next I got ripped off on the stopover to Siargao flying ceb pacific. Changed planes but they made me check in my carry on bag that was carried on every plane but that one & charged me 180 php more than the sign says for the cost of checked bags. Siargao also charges you a 20 php environmental fee for transferring planes by making you leave the airport. I could only pay cash no card to check the bag at the desk, the atm there seemed more expensive but I was in a rush so couldn't check. Best bet next time is to take flights with no stopovers. Also I found exchanging my cash in the us for php & Japan yen I got a better rate vs overseas.

[@chagucahyu8947]

Thanks Bro !! These are good tips. I’ll be going to Manila for first time

[@AyooTheoo]

Is it better to change your currency at the Airport or does it even matter where you go? Planning on going in January and hope I dont make any kind of mistakes. lol

[@PhilippinesMyParadise]

Full support and best regards/Ned👍👏👍

[@Jaycation]

Thanks Ned!

[@CyMDtech]

amazing video Jay

[@rosst1]

Good video thanks for your advice. You reference a lot from the USA that I did not understand as I don't live there.

[@Jaycation]

Thanks for watching. Where do u live?

[@rodmarvillanueva4659]

Like your helpful tips! Representing pinoys well!

[@ken.cade5]

Valuable information. Thanks.

[@lgmnowkondo938]

you're good at this...good video.

[@liezelvevang5306]

Scam is not all over Asia it's also in Europe so as Western world

[@jqight740]

And South America too like Colombia 🇨🇴

[@chrissyp930]

Scams are everywhere

[@vaeldsable]

Life is a scam.

[@brianandlynphilippines]

Humans are scammers. Part of the problem of some humans is an absolute intolerance of reality and making things safer and better by admitting fault.

[@adden2242]

Some Taxi scams also begin in the airport when you arrive! damn!!

[@leonidasspyropoulos849]

Awesome video, thank you.

[@nickriley4609]

I got scammed 700 pesos from the baggage grabbers at the airport so yeah I can confirm that... NEVER let anybody touch your baggage period..they try to take it out of your hand or lay hands on you in any way Philippines law does allow you to use reasonable Force. The best way is to be recording with your phone when you walk out of the airport if they try to blackmail you and say you did this you did that..like no bro I got it all on camera 😅

[@marinomaranion5757]

Thanks! I feel better prepared now. ❤

[@Jestpaxt]

Good tips Jay!

[@fenderbend3r]

So sad talaga, kaya ang tagal ng improvement ng pinas kc daming scammers. I wish government will give people work like work for all and not just for young ones. That way less crime and less scams.

[@leaalegre8773]

Thank you for sharing.

[@tibeklucio3418]

Good video . Always I empathized is be sure how drinks are prepared and as much as possible get the one sealed with a cover and ope it yourself .

[@josephirving5861]

I noticed in some malls, prices are not marked on the products. So the shop has 2 prices. A lower prices for Filipinos and a higher price for foreigners.

[@yvonneacosta2539]

Thanks for the heads up on scams. Alot is true anywhere you go, even your own hometown. Just use some common sense.

[@Jaycation]

💯💯💯

[@NeilMacedo]

Relationship scams can work for Men as well, I’ve been getting a lot of Filipino men asking for money

[@Jaycation]

Dont fall for it bro!

[@NeilMacedo]

@@Jaycation I won’t bro

[@Fk74303]

Also you don’t use your credit card…always use cash…..cuz they can swipe more the once and you are gonna be dealing with headache with the bank if you need to dispute it and having your CC cancelled

[@Jaycation]

Where that happen to you? Using my CC was totally fine

[@Fk74303]

@@Jaycation Fyre in Makati (if you know what I’m talking about that bar)

[@Jaycation]

@Fk74303 never heard but i kinda get what type of bar it is lol

[@DarkOmenX]

very helpful, planning to visit Philippines in near future excellent tips!

[@jerryfish8273]

Thanks for the tips that makes a big difference traveling there to the Philippines

[@wasabe591]

Thank you for the info!

[@philippines.lapulapu.maribago]

great video

[@Jaycation]

Thank you!

[@Mr_Oh_Wow]

When going on a cruise the luggage handlers want a tip in USA also! Crazy

[@michaelmereday6791]

Nice I'm retiring to Philippines soon. Lol I use to watch you when you did San Diego real cool

[@mikeharris7712]

I do want to say. That I used a luggage porter as we had 30 mins to catch a flight as the previous flight was delayed. The luggage porter got me through check in and security ahead of all the ques and we managed to get our flight on time. I tipped him 50 dollars because he saved us 1 day of Hassel if we missed our flight. So the luggage porters not all bad.

[@floriea2398]

Thank you kuya!!

[@Angenoir444]

Thank you for all the tips, i will need tham all for my solo trip.

[@montecristo2160]

The exit country fee! I was pulled out of the security line randomly at the Cebu Mactan airport and told I had to pay an exit country clearance tax/fee. I believe it was $50-100 USD. Crazy!

[@chuck9112]

My wife would never be caught dead in a bar. I met her online. Almost 10 years married. ❤

[@Eirik_Duke138]

thank you!

[@LiverpoollegendSteve-j5k]

Thanks 🙏 for video

[@aaaa1953]

Taxi scammed me a few times, mostly when i'm in a rush. Might go grab next time. Also got "helped" by a Manila airport security guy I think, he grabbed my luggage and took off then asked for a tip. Had a few good yellow taxi guys though with a meter too. I tipped them extra for honesty.

[@gilbert512]

Boracay I was surprised when I saw two TSA checkpoints close to each other. I was thinking what could I have smuggled in between those to two check points.

[@HKFromAbove]

Your not wrong with airlines. I was on a flight from HK to Davao. I cleared the cabins bags in Hong Kong. And they said they were okay. Got to Manila and as we were approaching the Gate an airport staff pulled us aside and demanded we pay an extra fee for too many bags. Even when I explained these bags were approved in HK they still forced us to pay or face missing our flights. If you are connecting to a domestic flight ensure you get a cabin tag label at check-in to avoid problems.

[@RedWhiteBlue.]

FUN FACT: Locals have been scammed by taxi drivers since forever particularly in Metro Manila. This goes much worse when taking cabs from the airport. As local, I have used Grab or similar and takes only reputable taxi companies, such as MGE, R&E, if ever I needed to hail a cab. However, this situation is much less prevalent or pretty rare in the other big cities like Baguio, Davao, Iloilo, etc.

[@dongshengdi773]

The scam list is from Thailand. Not for Philippines

[@bobarmon3340]

Salamat

[@nicholascherry5962]

When the street kids run up to you at 2-3am after a night of clubbing, and they're begging you to buy them ice cream... One of the most humbling things ever in my life. I happily spent $30 and got all 15 ice creams

[@Angkor_Noble]

5962, I bet you must have felt good. Those hungry kids must have remembered your kindness. Nice.

[@MissBlackFry]

Those kids, their family owns the ice cream business!

[@nicholascherry5962]

@@MissBlackFry 7/11 bro

[@MissBlackFry]

@@nicholascherry5962 their uncle owns the 7/11? Haha jokes

[@joeanderson8839]

Why do they close on Monday? And what are the laws about traveling with prescription medications?

[@billyrubin3108]

I got taxi scammed in Mexico. The drivers quote you a price then charge an inflated price upon arrival.

[@TheJohnnyef9]

I got overcharged on a Kelesa ride from Rizal Park to Intramuros. In the end though the experience was worth it because my girlfriend was nervous about the horse and had never ridden on a horse drawn carriage. The driver was friendly and pointed out landmarks and made jokes so I wasn't mad. I understand the guy had his hustle. Also another smart thing I took note from another youtuber is to take a video for a example on your phone taking note what time your ride is starting because a driver may say a 30min ride costs something and you can refer back to your video and show the time to see if your ride was under or over. Helps show proof.