City of Manila Tourist Traps

  Pedicabs in Manila- Beware!
by theguardianangel
 
  • Pedicabs in Manila- Beware!
      Pedicabs in Manila- Beware!
    by theguardianangel
  • the yellow cab
      the yellow cab
    by theguardianangel
  • Ordinary taxi
      Ordinary taxi
    by theguardianangel
  • Jaz, our negotiator
      Jaz, our negotiator
    by dovalyn
  • Can't figure out which one. I'll take them all!
      Can't figure out which one. I'll take...
    by dovalyn
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Taxis around the Metro

by theguardianangel

Honestly, I don’t like taking Taxis around Metro Manila because of inconsiderate and inconsistent fares! Taxis from the airports (yellow or ordinary) see the passengers (locals, tourists,foreigners) like walking dollars and are fond of tips.For example, when the taxi meter reflects an amount of 170Php, let’s say you don’t have that exact cash on your pocket, so you handed him a 200Php. Two things might happen, One- he’ll confirm if you have exact cash and he’ll say, he doesn’t have change for you, so you’ll just get off the taxi and give the 30Php as a tip and Second- He’ll just wait for you to get off his cab until you realize that your supposed to be 30Php change was already a tip. That’s what really happens here but in the provinces, the taxi drivers aren’t that greedy. They gave your change and if you give more than the amount you’re supposed to pay, they got ashamed and insist to...

Tip Photo
Pedicabs around Binondo: expensive than taxis!

by theguardianangel

Don't ride the pedicabs even if they offer you a ride, at first the pedicab drivers will offer you cheap fare but once you arrived in the destination, they will ask for a different amount of fare, larger than the initial offer. This happened to my friend and I when we took the ride from Jose Abad St, Near the Divisoria Market, going to Chinatown. It was the day before the Chinese New Year celebration and my friend, Laurice, got tired of walking and said not to walk anymore. So, we decided to ride a pedicab instead, so we can atleast experience the public vehicles around.I heard many stories that the pedicabs around this area got a lot of tourists fooled. Sometimes, I'm so hard headed... and want to try things though I did learned about the awful experiences from people who tried it. Sometimes, I just want to try it myself, so I can attest to what others say... and now, it happened. Like,...

Tip Photo
Horse Cart

by stimix

Beware of those Horse cart operators offering cheap round trip from Rizal park to Intranomous, Binondo, Quiapo & back to Rizal park.We heard they told us only US$5 per trip but at the end of the rip wanted US$50!!...I disagreed and only pay US$20.

Foregner price? for god's sake..

by im_jiyoung

I don't know if I should call this "tourist trap", but I somekinda feel bad about this,, so I am writing about it.. I know when we go abroad and travel some other countries, sometimes I get over charged, and if it's not too bad, I should take it like.. it's the way it is.. but.. sometimes.. it's kinda not really understandable, and sometimes makes me mad.. In PI, I came across a lot of mements that made me hate the beautiful country, and usually it was because of the "foregner prices"Visiting Pi, I felt kinda obliged to get to know the country, and the history. I loved being there, and I wanted to know it better. so I decided to visit Ayala Museum. the first time I went there, it was closed. I went all the way from Malate, and got lost couple of times, and walked throught the crowded, confusing shopping mall, keep asking where the damn museum was, and it was closed. that's alright. the...

Taxis in Manila - beware!!!!

by chuksingh

Check immediately to see if they use a meter. If they don't wanna use the meter, just get out. I have had a few situations where the driver doesn't wanna use the meter and suggests an overpriced payment. Luckily, i knew the price range to go to my destination. Maybe also consider that paying 20-40 pesos more might not B much in another country currency (if ur a foreigner), but may B helpful to them. More importantly it could B less hassle for u if u have to get somewhere in a hurry. i don't know any other alternative to get to the airport than by taxi from where i stay.....

Beware means be aware

by JaneCajuguiran

when in Manila, do keep your mind on your valuables. Pickpocket are all around town, as they do in many other cities all over the world. Some pretend to try to befriend and help tourists. If you need help, you'd be better off asking from your front desk staff.The Divisoria is a den of thieves. Great finds are bountiful but so are the advantage-takers. so, like I said, be aware. If you have to go to Divisoria, do go with a local.

holy scam

by zephyrgurl108

when visiting san agustin or manila cathedral, be wary of vendors selling rosary who will pull out dirty tricks just to get your money. some of them will approach you and tell you the rosary is free. DONT ACCEPT no matter what they say. If you do, they will tell you, it's free but you should donate money. And as you take money out of your wallet, they will give you a price! unbelievable? if you do walk away, they will try to put the rosary on your hand, let it drop to the ground if you must. im sure Mother Mary will understand. just avoid the vendors at all cost. do not make eye contact, or smile at them. they can be really tricky and aggressive.

Tourist Attractions

by pringles22

January 9 - Quiapo Fiesta (Black Nazarene) Quiapo, ManilaJanuary 15 - Sto. Niño Fiesta (Tondo) Tondo, ManilaJanuary 19 - Buling Buling ng PandacanPandacan, ManilaFebruary 3 - Liberation of Manila, Manila Chinese New YearBinondo, ManilaJune 12 - Independence DayRizal Park, ManilaJune 24 - Araw ng Maynila (Manila Day) Citywide Manila Film FestivalNovember Feast of Nuestra Señora delos, MalateRemedios, ManilaDecember Feast of Birhen ng LoretoSampaloc, Manila (second Sunday) Source: http://alltravelnetwork.com/philippines/travelinfo/manilainfo.html

Tip Photo
Don't pay those parking attendants

by KernelPanic

If you're parking in front of a restaurant which they own, then by all means you can pay the valet guys or parking attendants. If there are none and some poser just want money, don't give. If you encounter pushy parking attendant posers, then by all means bargain with them. You can just give small change, just say this is all you've got. Usually they will charge you around 20-40Php, go down to half of what they charge. Park your car in the designated area, which is owned by the place you're going.

when exchanging money

by zephyrgurl108

it is preferable to exchange money at the airport, banks or at the mall - they usually have forex there. but if you must go to the little money exchange shops, make sure you have the right amount of money before you leave! there are some money changers who will count your money in front of you and with a sleight of hand can put away some bills. count it again in front of them. dont leave right away.

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Questions and Answers

Redbeanpie profile photo

Q:  I have 7 hours of transit in Manila twice in both ways. So I though of getting to the city for a tour. Kindly recommend the... 

schurman23 profile photo

A: Tour in Manila for seven hours only? If its night just go to resorts world manila. If its daytime you'll just be stuck in traffic going to and from LRT/MRT. If its not... 

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