Do I have to worry about getting killed at the phillipines? Im not phillipino, my girl is taking me?

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The short answer is no you will not be killed or kidnapped.

The long answer is:
I'm white, my wife is from the Philippines. I've been there 4 times and one of those times I had orange and green hair and I didn't seem to get noticed any more with hair like that than I did any other time I went, foreigners just stick out there, period. The people are nice it is true and you can and most likely will have a lot of fun while you are there but, here is some advice. # 1 If you want good food, bring it. Every two months I had to spend $1000 for food just to eat the way I do here and it was not as good. If you want Ranch Doritos, Ranch dressing, Lucky Charms, jalapeños, regular mustard or tomato ketchup bring it your self. Think of the foods you might want ahead of time and don’t plan on being able to use an oven. One of the few things you will recognize easily is the Kraft products. When you buy bread turn it over and look in the package for dead bugs you’ll find them sometimes. # 2 If you have something electrical that you want to run there you will need a $50 electrical converter that you can buy at any mall at ACE unless her family has one. In addition to that no matter how cool something looks in the store if it plugs into the wall you will not be able to use it when you get home so do not but it. # 3 Don’t buy things. Almost everything you’ll see that you can buy is either crap or already broken or will break or will not work anything like the person selling it to you says. Always, ALWAYS test stuff out before you buy it. If the money leaves your hand you will not get it back even if the thing you just bought is broken in half when they hand it to you. If you go to the mall to buy a light bulb, tell someone you want to test it first, no joke. Things almost always come in smaller packages there, something to keep in mind. If you want a set price where you know every one else is getting the same deal as you, go to the malls. Just try to avoid wet market shopping. However, do buy movies while you’re there. You can really rack up on them for an ok price but, test them first. Lastly, if there is something you know you need or want and you have to go to a wet market or something send your girlfriend and don’t be seen with her or they will jack the price up to rip you off. # 4 let your girlfriend carry your money; if someone is going to try to lift money off of you they will assume that you have the money. Someone tried to steal my wallet on the subway when we were jammed up against each other like sardines. I had no way of knowing who did it but, they got nothing for 2 reasons, 1 I’m poor and 2 because the 100P I did have my wife was carrying. # 5 People there are sometimes TOO nice. They would randomly ask me if I was having sex with my fiancée or if I had gotten her pregnant yet, no bull, I had this asked a few times by people we knew from the neighborhood, as well as random people that stopped me on the street to talk about my personal life. Try not to kill the first person that does that to you and just know that if you go there sometimes that is what it is like. # 6 Know your money, I know this seems simple but at times you might get confused, there is nothing like realizing you just bought a $7 pint of ice cream. # 7 Drink bottled water, juice and soda only! No ice either unless it is made from bottled water. Don’t forget fountain drinks have tap water mixed in with them. You don’t really want to get sick and crap all day do you? This reminds me; bring a little toilet paper with you everywhere. For the most part they don’t use it, they wash instead so you will not find it in public bathrooms and sometimes you might find they have not provided anything to wash with either. # 8 Bring something to do on the plane it will take you 24 hours to get there and most of that will be sitting around bored. If you can avoid bringing a carry-on do so, you don’t want to drag it around with you everywhere in the airport for a day. Do however bring deodorant and a full change of clothes. When you know there is only 20 minutes left in your last flight, go change because you’re going to smell. If you can bring a small A/C as one of your 2 check-in bags then do that. Again you will have to buy a converter but, you will be happy you did. Also if you’re staying with her family, pay for the electric bill while you’re there because you will probably triple it, also it would be good of you to give them the A/C. Tell them they can have it, you just want to use it while your there. # 9 Do not, DO NOT travel around the F-ing mall wearing a hiking backpack or in a group of other foreigners. I see these people making themselves big targets and I even want to rob them. # 10 Don’t wear anything you can’t part with, even if you dress like a bum they will think you’re rich because they think that everyone here is just rolling in money. If you dress nice someone might grab your watch, chain, hat or whatever as you ride by in traffic. # 11 Don’t give people money when they ask for it even kids, a lot of them work for syndicates that take the money from them in the end. If you see a boy asking for money that only has one leg most likely someone cut his leg off to make him more pathetic so you’ll give him money. Buy the kids food if you give them anything. Also old women on the street are the safe bet that they just need help and no one is going to profit off them. # 12 Cabs are evil! While you can be robbed on a bus you will always be robbed in a cab but, by the driver. If you get in a cab and they don’t turn the meter on it is because they are just going to name a price at the end. Bring lots of change if you get in a cab they WILL lie to you and they will say they don’t have any change. Even if those two work out for you they will still drive you the long, slow way on purpose. Out of about 10 times that I was forced to use a cab 2 of them didn’t try to over charge me. # 13 Don’t go to Divisoria you’ll get stabbed and robbed. # 14 If you’re at someone’s house and they want you to eat, then eat! They are being nice and if you don’t eat you’re being rude. # 15 If you ever see your girlfriend take someone’s hand in hers and touch their wrist to her forehead you might want to do the same right after her BUT talk it over with her first in the plane she might like the idea or she might think it will creep people out a bit. It will mostly be when you meet, when you’re leaving and after praying. When it is time to bless just go with the flow. If you have a question about it, ask her and watch her for clues. # 16 If you like it, do it a lot. If you like riding the jeepneys or eating at Jollibee do it a lot, you’ll miss it when you can’t do it any more. # 16 Try a few new things while you’re there, you will have more fun. # 17 Think before you act, you’re not at home, just remember that. # 18 If you have the money to go to the nice places like resorts in the Philippines, that is where you would be in danger of being kidnapped but, it is still a slight danger compared to other places around the world. # 19 Go to the movies at least once while you’re there it is great. If you go to the mall of Asia for instance, you’ll stand in line and then you get to buy a ticket for a particular seat like at a stadium. There are the cheap lower half or the more expensive upper half but, compared to here all the tickets are cheap. # 20 when you ride the train, go to the females only car at the front of the train unless being groped to death sounds like fun. # 21 Be aware of your surroundings, think, be safe and just know that there are a lot of little scams that you can lose money in and you should be just fine.

Being a Latina you will get less noticed but, still be careful.

My wife did read this. While she said that this IS what I experienced, while I was there in the Philippines, she says I’m too focused on the negative. I asked her if I said anything untrue and she said no but, that I’m still making it sound worse than it really is. I’m not trying to make it sound bad, I’m really just trying to inform you as to what you can run into while there and that this stuff happened to me so, I want to help others avoid the bad things that they can run into. If I were from Britain and going on vacation, I would feel safer in the Philippines than in the U.S.A. so, maybe that is a prospective you could keep in mind.

P.S. my wife did say I exaggerated how hard it is to find tomato ketchup.

yeschef2003

Hehe... It seems like you dont travel much.

You can be killed anywhere. Do you have a better chance of being targeted because you are a foreigner then a local, sure.

Does that mean you will be targeted, no. I have lived and worked in some of the "most dangerous" countries, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and I never had any situation that ended badly for me. Of course, in all those countries situations started to develop that could have ended very badly, but you just have to have some common sense; ie dont go with strangers, don't get involved with something that might even be illegal, dont show money or jewelry.

CHances are if you are going with a Filipino you will be fine. And if you are going to visit your gf's family you will be amazed with the hospitality.

Filipinos are not bad people. Just be smart.

Great Days

The Philippines is a safe country to visit.

Your chances of being physically harmed is much much lower compared to other countries.

I lived in this country for more than 5 decades.

Have a nice day !

CorpRed

I'm a white girl with curly red hair. I lived and worked near Manila for 5 months. So I did stand out a bit. But I made so many friends there. The filipino culture is very warm and hospitiable as a whole. I felt more safe there than I did here. Ask your gf's family about where you should go and shouldn't go.

And with being Latina, you should blend in fairly well. Just dress somewhat conservatively (don't show your middrift), don't dress flashy (don't wear a lot of jewelry), and don't flash your money. Do keep your money secure as well as your purse (keep it in front of you and your money in your front pocket). The biggest crime you'd probably see is a pickpocket. It's a crowded place.

There are so many places you can go. I wouldn't really go to the southern islands. But you can roam to places by yourself and not be bothered. Just like you would in the US, just be aware of your surroundings. Don't take shady taxi's. Stay in pretty populated places... things like that.

But have a great time. I absolutely loved the people there and how warm they are and how welcoming they are. But listen to them. And bring them chocolate. All of my filipino friends love candy.

spykeman

You don't have to be scared coming to our country. Filipinos are generally good people, warm and hospitable. Yes there are some wayward individuals just like anywhere around the world. You really don't need to worry. I'm sure your girlfriend felt the same way you did when she first arrive there..
Your girlfriend must really love you to have invited you here. Come and be part of our family. Trust you girlfriend and enjoy the trip. You will love it here.
Believe me, the first to protect you is your Girlfriend, next her family and relatives, her friends, neighbors and later the community. This is how we relate. We call this 'close family ties'.
You know what? If you do come to the Philippines please visit Batangas Province, you'll be amazed how beautiful our beaches, cultures and traditions are.
If you need a friend to visit please call 0928-270-9891 I will be very honored to tour you in Batangas.
Please come!

clncarplz

You should be safe if you do not go to Mindanao area. Stay close to your PhilippinA friend. Most of Philippinos are nice people. relax & enjoy.

ken_r41

I have read some very good responses from YA membership. Based upon 28 years of expat experience living, working, later marrying and now snow birding to the Philippines it is my experience most foreigners who get in trouble in the Philippines bring on their own problems because they lack common sense or misbehaving. If you use common sense and treat people with respect you should not have any problems.

Since this will be your first trip and you probably have much to learn I highly recommend you join two different Yahoo support forums. (1) Mag Anak (2) Living in the Philippines. By taking the time and do a little reading you will learn allot about the Philippines if you join these groups. the more knowledge you have on the Philippines, the more enjoyable your trip will be. See links below:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LivingInThePhilippines3/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MAG-ANAK/

Ponzoy

if ur visiting ur gf family, they will take care of you, filipino are very hospitable people

do show ur money, or to much jewelry.

dont go on certain places.

ghostie

Ditto to what most of the people here have said. The Philippines is beautiful country and relatively safe for locals and foreigners alike.

Do a bit of research on travel sites so you can familiarize yourself with the country you are visiting and put your worries to rest. In this case, the Philippines! Maybe grab a copy of the Lonely Planet Philippines as well. It's a pretty good guide book, better than Rough Guides.

Also... Lol @ B!
Hahaha! Most of what he said is true (except for the tomato ketchup -- c'mon, you can find some good stuff in the imported goods section of the grocery). It is funny to read his experiences in the Philippines and find how similar those experiences sound like when I am visiting a different country. Try looking for patis and Lucky Me pancit canton in the US! Heheh. Almost difficult to find.

But yeah, be wary of cab drivers in Manila. Not all will rip you off but you gotta show them that you are firm and assertive and won't be made a fool of -- in a nice way. Cab drivers in Baguio City and Davao City are pretty decent and honest, i'm surprised. Too bad i cannot promote most Manila cab drivers the same way.

** for B -- wow, that was quite a post! But i must tell ya, you gotta see more of the provinces of the Philippines. Malapascua Island in Cebu, Camiguin Island in Misamis Oriental, Davao City in Mindanao, Banaue and Sagada up north, Calamian Islands of Palawan, Catanduanes, Bicol, etc. Not all resorts are super expensive and prone to terrorist kidnappings. That said, i am glad you are enjoying what my country has to offer. Salut!

ericka

if you look at the media, it's exagerated. i mean, crimes happen everywhere in the world. but philippines is a safe place. just be careful in those places where terrorist live - mindanao area. but if you will be in luzon, i believe things are fine.
i took my italian boyfriend to my province which is 6 hours away from manila. and we took a bus. noone wants to drive between us, so we decided to take public transpo.he was a bit scared, but he saw that there are also foreigners in the bus and the trip was safe all the way. and now, he's coming again next week, and we are gonna travel again. he's excited and a bit more relaxed.

skeptic

not unless you are a long fugitive or a terrorist... if not then you don't need to worry.... and don't believe in what others say or even in newspapers or the radio.. they sensationalize too much the news here...

Johny

Nah mate don't listen to them. There are many tourists there at any time of the year and especially if your with your girl then you will be fine as she knows the ways. Just always hold onto your kid because the traffic is nuts and she might get hit by a car. Also don't drink the local water drink the bottled stuff. But regarding the saftey you have very little to worry about.

Coy

The Philippines is a safe place to be.

When it is time for you to go, you have to go wherever on earth you may be.

..???... :]

Philippines is safe, there's nothing to worry about..

and why are you thinking that something will happen to you when you're in the Philippines. The island of the Philippines is so beautiful, you will see a lot of beautiful places. Filipinos are known as kind people. They are fun to be with, they are one of the happiest people in the world. So don't worry, visiting Philippines would be the most memorable moment of your life. I guarantee you that.

enjoy your vacation! and have fun..
stop thinking negatives

Kojak

Your friend loves you.....she would NEVER allow you to be in danger
I am an American.....I LIVE HERE (5 years).... along with thousands of other foreigners

The Philippines is probably SAFER than most countries...... safer than many places in America.....most Filipinos love America and love most Americans
Being latino should be a plus also.....there are strong historical ties to Mexico and the latin culture.....many of the things you will find here will be familiar.... many of the words in the languages here are latin /Spanish.....
Your child will be adored.....the Filipinos love children

Follow your girlfriends lead..... you will be safe and will enjoy a great and fabulous country

B.....Try changing your focus.....If all you look for is $hit......all you will see is $hit

Ollie Oliver

are you bading, lesbobians?!
very scared, very scared! baklas and badings will get you!

FYI: FILIPINO/ FILIPINA - The people

annabelle p

If it's your time, you get killed anywhere at anytime not particularly in the Philippines. But to reassure you, the country is as safe as anywhere else in the world as long as you take good care of yourself and take precautions like not wandering all by yourself. Anyway, your girlfriend is there to guide you to safe places. Have a nice time!

Ashka

i think you got it all wrong... It's perfectly safe for tourist to come to the Philippines... I guess you have greater chances of getting killed in other countries than in the Philippines. Most Filipinos are fond and friendly with foreigners and we are one of the most hospitable people in the whole wide world...

I would just advice you that you shouldn't wear something too flashy and don't bring expensive things while strolling around in the Philippines.. Bad guys only victimize people who they think they can get much from....

kit zz

of course not..

well, i think that would really happen..IF YOU'RE IN THE NEWS..YOU HAVE A BILLION DOLLAR IN YOUR HAND..YOU'RE A VIP..

i think that's enough reason for filipinos to be interested in you!..

i not that mean but i do laugh aloud in your question..lol:D

the italian idol

if youre latino youre safe. pretend you like manny pacquiao and youd be welcome anywhere.

heartburn

just wear your bulletproof vest everyday and your one percent safe.

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