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Manila, Philippines
11 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Manila, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Fraudulent recruitment agencies charge large upfront "processing" or "training" fees for cruise-ship crew jobs that turn out not to exist.
Taxi and ride-hail drivers refuse the meter and quote inflated flat fares, run a fast-ticking meter, or take an indirect route to inflate the fare, especially from the airport and around malls.
Manila card-game scam: a friendly local invites a tourist to a rigged street card game (a three-card monte variant), lets them win a few small rounds to build confidence, then takes a large bet the house is guaranteed to win — accomplices in the crowd block a graceful exit.
NAIA airport touts intercept arrivals before the official yellow-cab queue, charging thousands of pesos for what should be a free inter-terminal shuttle or a short, cheap ride.
ATM skimming devices reported at machines near malls, Intramuros, and major hotels — cloned cards can be used within hours.
Money changers palm out a few notes short, quote outdated conversion rates, or use a faulty calculator and extra "commission fees" to shortchange tourists.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded jeepneys and market areas.
Kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) drivers depart without agreeing a price, then quote an inflated fare at the end and become intimidating if the tourist objects.
"Free" karaoke or bar invitations from friendly strangers that end in a massively inflated bill with intimidation to pay.
Market stalls selling counterfeit branded electronics and goods.
Self-appointed "tour guides" offer to show tourists "unexplored" places, then charge for the unrequested service.
