Travel Talk things that an inexperienced traveller in the Philippines should be wary of

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QUESTION NO. 3:

what are things that an inexperienced traveller in the Philippines

should be Wary of?

Traffic & Taxis definitely do not mix - Geoff Simpson

Like most places the Philippines has its fair share of bad traits....the most important thing to be aware of is the traffic conditions.

If you have to get onward flights from Manila, allow a lot of time to

get to the airport, check with hotels or local friends as to the traffic conditions for your particular route.Wednesdays near

Baclaran traffic grinds to a halt, so if you are staying in the Roxas Blvd area that is where you might come unstuck.

Also be aware of some airport taxis, try to get an "Avis Taxi" or at least a pre paid coupon taxi as some operators overcharge

by tremendous amounts.

More advise would be....pack sunscreen and mosquito repelant....nothing is more likely to disrupt sleep than if you happen to

be in a non airconditioned room and have to battle mosquitos as well.

Also be wary of people smiling at you constantly.......it can be very contagious and may last for several weeks after your return

home.!

I would recommend that you forget about renting a self drive car in Manila and rent one with a driver, the traffic can be very

nerve wracking and will invariably leave you frazzled when the whole point of vacationing is relaxation. Another

recommendation would be: consider using the ferry services when travelling between islands, they are generally very

comfortable , "super ferry" is particularly good. The scenary is great and the journey is so much more civilized than

flying.

to trust or not to trust? - Noel Domingo

An inexperienced traveler in the Philippines should be wary of people who take advantage of tourist (whether Filipino or

non-Filipino tourists). Pick-pockets,sweet talking scammers, unscrupolous hotel workers, taxi drivers etc.

In other words, if a tourist does not have a personal friend or legitimate acquaintance who would take care of him/her or them,

one or they would be better off not trusting anyone who appear nice or too nice for that matter. Always use your common

sense.Do not flash your money.Definitely, no

wearing of any kind of jewelry.Do not loose eye contact with your belongings.Do not let your belongings take a hike without

you tagging along with it.Always ask for ID if they appear to be acting in an official capacity.

Be ware, in any country you go, there will always be people who will try to take advantage of you.

cheaters, beware! - Corina Chang

Inexperienced tourists should wary of being cheated in tourist spots. It is common in anywhere in the world. Second, sanitary

condition should be paid special attention. Don't drink cold drinks in the street, including delicious mango juice!

To post your answer, send e-mail to travelsmart@infophil.com .

gimme toilet paper!!!

For those visiting Manila for the first time,make sure you take with youfirst of all, your regular meidicine, medicine for cough,

colds, diarrhea, cream for mosquito bites and lots of soap and TOILET PAPER!!!!!!Their toilet paper in the Philippines will

melt in your hands before you can use it!

Do not forget about wearing light clothings since the heat becomes unbearable most of the time.Do not wear expensive

jewelries and purses whenever you got out to avoid 'Mando" (mandurukots or Pickpockets).Make copies of your passport

and important travelling documents so it will be easier for your to replace them. one copy you leave at home here in the US,

one copy with you and another copy where ever you are staying in the Philippines for backup purposes.Do not drink the

regular tap Water or you might get Diarrhea.There are lots and lots of bottled water now and you can ask one in any

restaurant.Best bottled water are made by Wilkins and Absolute.These are the safest bottled water!Take note that in most

places there are no hot and cold running water.Most of the major hotels do have them, though. So you need to get used to

taking a bath with cold water and use the "TABO" since some do not have showers.

Whenever you eat out, make sure you take note of the food's temperature.Demand that they serve them to you hot.They are

not too strict about food temperatures in the Philippines.Buy one fo those guide books in book stores about the Philippines so

that you will have some background.

Also on credit cards,they do have ATM machines with either "CIRRUS or PULSE" signs that you can withdraw money from

your US accounts.I think Bank of Philippine Islands is one of them and you can withdraw up to 5,000.00 Pesos per day.Just

be careful when you withdraw and make sure you use well lit and guarded ATM's whenever you withdraw and keep you

receipts so you can reconcile with your bank on charges when you get back here in the States.Good luck!!!!

Bill'S Travel Tips

1.Carry small change in Pesos, Coins and5, 10, 20 and 50 notes.

2.Ask someone about taxi or jeepney, tricycle fares.BEFORE you get in.Pay and walk-away.NEVER ask ?How much??

because theprice goes up. A MOVING Taxi is an HONEST

taxi and a parked taxi is waiting for victim.

3. Never change money on the street nor inside a restaurant.You will lose.

4. Never gamble with Filipinos not pool, cards, chess or any game.Its safer.

5. Never raise your voice at a Filipino.Never call a Filipino ?STUPID?. They are very sensitive about it. If you do get angry

and make the mistake. Please leave the place.Go Away Fast ?You are in more DANGER than you know.

6.Forget aboutthe 2 words ?WHY? and ?SHOULD? or you get constant headache trying to understand.

7.Expect everything to be late and slow.Life stops at LUNCH.Scheduleschange

8.DONT WORRY - BE HAPPY.

To post your answer, send e-mail to travelsmart@infophil.com .