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Read before you go..... Travel warnings.

Discussion in 'Travel Tips and Advice' started by Aromulus, Sep 22, 2010.

  1. Aromulus
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    Aromulus The Don Staff Member

    Unfortunately for all its beauty and friendly people inhabiting those romantic islands, danger lurks quite close.

    Before you leave, or at the planning stage of your trip, please avail yourself of your internet connection to check out the latest government travel warnings for the areas you intend to visit.


    http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/philippines
    http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2190.html
    http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/philippines



    Also make sure that all your shots and jabs required are up to date, as prevention is a hell of a lot better than cure....


    http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/philippines.php
    http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/asia/philippines.shtml


    Don't dismiss it out of hand, the advice given is good and fair.
    The onus is on you to take care of yourself, and while we are at it, a comprehensive travel insurance would be real handy, as Hospitalization costs and air ambulance back to home soil, in case of misfortunes, can be very costly indeed.
  2. Kuya
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    Kuya The Geeky One Staff Member

    Regarding the above, I would like to add:


    • Dress down, do not dress like you are worth a a lot of money.

    • Don’t flash your cash or otherwise draw attention to yourself.

    • Do not text or talk on a mobile phone whilst walking in the street because it can be easily snatched.

    • Keep your valuables hidden! Do not have a necklace showing on the back or your neck that can easily be snatched.

    • Do not wear a bum bag or any other type of bag around your middle that will point you out as a tourist. If you must carry a bag, make sure there is nothing valuable inside such as cash or passport or ensure you have company which will reduce the liklihood of theft.

    • Keep your cash in front pockets that are zipped, Velcro or buttoned. Keep large notes P200 and above separate from small notes P100 and below, This is because you will mostly be using P20 and P50 notes with the occasional P100 note but will rarely need the larger notes except for larger purchases. Then, any potential pick pocket will not know where on your person your main stash of cash is held.

    • If a person says to you that he has never seen an American/British/Western wallet and can he see yours, it is so his accomplice will know where to pick your wallet from.

    • Taxis are plentiful and cheap compared to those in the UK. The most expensive ride of your time in the Philippines could very well be on a jeepney, because of pickpockets. Do not travel on a jeepney unless you are travelling with others or have nothing of value on your person.
  3. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

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    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 19, 2014
  4. oss
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    oss Somewhere Staff Member

    I've seen that one before, magic, hilarious and absolutely true :D
  5. walesrob
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    walesrob Administrator Staff Member

    Also:

    Register with the British Embassy on the LOCATE website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/Locate/ In the event of any major problems like national emergencies, the Embassy can contact you. Also, the link Dom provides, theres regular email updates available with information on travel, health, money and general advice to the country your travelling to.
  6. aposhark
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    aposhark Well-Known Member Lifetime Member

    I have always had one golden rule when walking in streets/roads: If you notice someone heads in your direction, they probably want something, so change your direction to subtly let them know you are streetwise and aware of possible problems.
    It is amazing how people quickly get the message and leave you alone for a different target :D
    • Like Like x 1
  7. KeithAngel
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    KeithAngel 2063 Lifetime Member

    Or head for them :D
  8. guenther
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    guenther Member

    Due to actual "happening" to me ( I lost my wallet, yes, really lost it, not stolen) an additional tip:
    have two wallets, one with cash and one with ID's, Credit cards and other stuff, but no cash, maybe a fat reminder of "Big reward paid to honest finder" or so.

    If somebody finds a wallet with cash in it, he takes the cash and dispose of the rest. Whie if he finds only plastic stuff, he may consider returning it.

    I had all in one ( didn't listen to my own advise, lol) lately, as my Partner insisted i carry a "Man's" walet and not those "kiddie" ones with a chain attached to the pants.
    Well, i paid dearly for it now, running around getting all those ID's and licenses back.

    So buy one kiddie wallet for Cash, with a chain, one can get them in any Department store for almost "nil" and have all the plastc in another one, which one can choose to carry around completely or selctively with only an ATM, the mandatory Immigration Card and maybe a Drivers license.
    btw- this could also be attached with a chain.

    Pickpockets are a different subject, nobody is safe from them, but the Chain wallet with a limited cash amount is ok. Lareg Cash (like after changing money) one can stuff in the usual precautionary way.
    I had an old textile underarm Gun Holster, great way to carry big cash, as thieves are usually very afraid to victimize assumably armed people.
    At Airports this was of course always a big issue, but after discovery of the true purpose of the holster, the guys always nodded appreciately and said "Good Idea".

    (PS- the holster was stolen by a dishonest maid some 15 years ago, she may have though there is a Gun in it, never saw her again, lol. Since i don't have anymore large Cash, i didnt needed one anymore, but would buy one again, if ever i have big cash in my life....sigh)
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2012
  9. guenther
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    guenther Member

    Additional Warning :

    The "newspaper thieves" are seen again, now also in Cebu City:

    They pretend to sell you a newspaper, usually they carry only ONE and try very hard while hustling you with it in front of your face, while the other ones are pickpocketing you.
    They almost always work at night and can not really be mistaken for the rather "lethargic" real newspaper guys, which almost paralysed stand in front of you and carry a whole bunch of their newspapers.

    Also seen :
    Very pretty young ladies in sexy outfit distracting old farts ( i consider myself an old fart, so don't feel offended anyone please) while their "teammates" pickpocket you.
    Note- physical contact is always a "nono", so if one of those pretty lads touches you, she merely does that to take your guide down for the real pickpockets.

    If you see a pretty woman approaching you somewhere along the road, hit it ( i mean the road, not the woman) and get out of there.
    That applies for red light districts too btw...better don't even go there. IMHO
  10. oss
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    oss Somewhere Staff Member

    I am 99.9% of the time in company so it is rarely a problem for me, but going out on my own I agree be very very careful, I tend to leave plastic at home as well as most ID's.

    I do carry my UK driving licence in the pocket of my jeans if we are out late, if we are carrying a bank card it will usually be Ana's, I keep cash split between multiple pockets and try to have only enough for the evening, this has two benefits, first we can't lose to much and second we can't spend too much, I can always turn out my pockets and say time to go home.

    One thing about the Phils that I both like and dislike is the tab system, the fact they will let you order on account all night without ever seeing your money, in the UK you buy a beer you pay for it, not enough cash, tough go home, in the Phils you have to keep a mental accumulator going to be sure you can pay the bill before you leave :) in the old days when I was well off this was not a problem but now I hate having to keep track of the bill all the time.

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