Philippines Expat Forum

BonVoyage
Joined 2014
Posts: 52

9 years ago

Advice for first timer to Angeles

9 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

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