Expat Community > Philippines

BonVoyage
Joined 2014
Posts: 52

Advice for first timer to Angeles

10 years ago

Hi,

In a few weeks I go to Angeles (and maybe Manila) for the first time. I wonder if the old timers have any particular security (or other) advice to give?

I lived in Cebu for 2 years but I think Angeles (and Manila) is different? I found Cebu a little disorganized but not violent. I knew some addicts and often went alone to some of the infamous barangays at night, but was never threatened. Maybe Angeles and Manila are rougher??

I usually just stuff valuables at the bottom of my bag, well strapped in, in my hotel room. That has always worked during 15 yrs abroad.

Hotel cleaning in my Cebu hotel changed staff without me knowing and I was careless and had left PHP 4000 just hidden under clothes once. It was stolen. I called the police and naturally hotel relations went sour. So that was my error in a way.

PHP 1000 was pick pocketed once in a jeepney. After that I learnt to never let anyone cover your pocket with a bag or whatever. They also tried a few times after that. Trying to make the foreigner seem intolerant by not allowing other's bags in his lap. But I have managed to keep them away and no more pick pocketing. Also use belt bag now.

In case of any robbery you must naturally just let them take your stuff.

Will Angeles and Manila be rougher than Cebu? Is it ok to walk around after dark, at least in areas where there are other people? Have hotel staff tried to go through closed bags when they clean the room? I usually stay in $18-25 hotel rooms.

What are the tricks to be expected there?

(I don't like hotel safes in rooms or "fake shoeshine bottles" for storage of valuables)

Thanks for any advice on Angeles.

I haven't really found out transportation from Ninoy Aquino International Airport yet either. I arrive late and will try to find early bus. PHP 5000 taxi is stiff. There seems to be a bus terminal near NAIA (easy taxi distance) called Pasay with buses to Angeles?

Is there any hotel to be recommended in Angeles around 18-25 (or 30) USD per night

Thanks

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

Additional Information:

Visit our Philippines Index for a Full List

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Philippines

Advice for first timer to Angeles

Login