[siamesecat64]

I am sheduled to land at MNL at 6.20 p.m. and take off for CEB at 8.30 p.m. where I will arrive at 9.45 p.m. Is it safe, both, spend a couple of hours in Manila Airport and moving from Cebu Airport to the city at that time. If requested, do you think the hotel will send some one to pick me up at the airport? Are taxi drivers reliables? More in general, are the Philippines a safe country? (Obviously with common sense; for exapmle, I would like to take my laptop with me, what do you think?)

Thank You again,

siamesecat64

[Mr. Lee]

siamesecat64, on 10 June 2010 - 01:34 PM, said:

I am sheduled to land at MNL at 6.20 p.m. and take off for CEB at 8.30 p.m. where I will arrive at 9.45 p.m. Is it safe, both, spend a couple of hours in Manila Airport and moving from Cebu Airport to the city at that time. If requested, do you think the hotel will send some one to pick me up at the airport? Are taxi drivers reliables? More in general, are the Philippines a safe country? (Obviously with common sense; for exapmle, I would like to take my laptop with me, what do you think?)

Thank You again,

siamesecat64

First if you take the Cebu interactive map I provided and put you mouse on it and pull it around to find the circle then you can look from there where things are in that area.

Next, yes the airports are safe IMO and although you have to leave the Manila international terminal to go to the domestic terminal, you would still be in the airport and there are plenty of security guards and police around even at that time of night.

As far as Cebu there are airport taxis and my advice would be to get some pesos ahead of time at Manila airport or before you leave. There is a money changer right in Manila airport terminal and if you use the airport taxis then it will cost you a little more than a regular taxi but a hotel shuttle might be even more. I think the rate would be about p400 for an airport yellow taxi to get to the Mango or circle area, whereas in a white regular taxi it would be less than p200 but since you are new to Cebu it is probably best to not try to play around walking out of the airport to get one and they can also try to take advantage of a new person and overcharge you as well, so best to just take the airport taxi or if the hotel would be less then go for that.

As far as safe, if you are not flashy then you should be safe but do not walk the side streets at night, as you would hopefully not do in any new city, at least until you know your way around. 

[siamesecat64]

@ Mr. Lee

As far as safe, if you are not flashy then you should be safe but do not walk the side streets at night, as you would hopefully not do in any new city, at least until you know your way around.


What do you mean for "flashy"?

I do not wear any jewelry, I do not even wear a watch, but I wear eyeglasses. My clothes are neat but (normally) not from fancy brands.

I am not particularly tall (1.71 m about 5ft 7"), but I am VERY FAT. My hair style is crewcut.

[Mr. Lee]

siamesecat64, on 10 June 2010 - 02:56 PM, said:

@ Mr. Lee

As far as safe, if you are not flashy then you should be safe but do not walk the side streets at night, as you would hopefully not do in any new city, at least until you know your way around.


What do you mean for "flashy"?

I do not wear any jewelry, I do not even wear a watch, but I wear eyeglasses. My clothes are neat but (normally) not from fancy brands.

I am not particularly tall (1.71 m about 5ft 7"), but I am VERY FAT. My hair style is crewcut.

By Flashy I mean too much jewelry such as chains with large gold coins or diamond rings or possibly a real Rolex watch. You should be OK based on what you just posted. My wife and I try to dress to fit when in the Philippines. Many foreigners wear shorts and flip flops, I wear shoes, active wear shirt and blue jeans and many Filipinos you see walking around malls will be dressed in blue jeans and t-shirts. 

[siamesecat64]

@ Mr. Lee

Many foreigners wear shorts and flip flops, I wear shoes, active wear shirt and blue jeans and many Filipinos you see walking around malls will be dressed in blue jeans and t-shirts.


My style is more Polo-shirt and Bermuda-pants with yacht style shoes without socks. The main reason for that is that here in Thailand my size is very difficult to find so I must relate to tailors, but a tailor made pair of jeans... sounds a bit ridiculous, not to say snobbish.

I do also like more formal attires and I have not problems at all wearing a tie, but in a tropical country that is not the best choice especially with my physique...

OK, thanks again

siamesecat64

[Traveler]

siamesecat64, on 10 June 2010 - 01:34 PM, said:

I am sheduled to land at MNL at 6.20 p.m. and take off for CEB at 8.30 p.m. where I will arrive at 9.45 p.m. Is it safe, both, spend a couple of hours in Manila Airport and moving from Cebu Airport to the city at that time. If requested, do you think the hotel will send some one to pick me up at the airport? Are taxi drivers reliables? More in general, are the Philippines a safe country? (Obviously with common sense; for exapmle, I would like to take my laptop with me, what do you think?)

Thank You again,

siamesecat64

it is safe & laptops are usually safe but when I stayed in hotels I did as Lee told me & kept mine in my suitcase or backpack out of site before I checked in & during my stay when I was out of the room or staff came into the room

[siamesecat64]

@ traveler

it is safe & laptops are usually safe but when I stayed in hotels I did as Lee told me & kept mine in my suitcase or backpack out of site before I checked in & during my stay when I was out of the room or staff came into the room


OK, good suggestion; I will put the laptop inside my suitcase at CEB before exit it.

Does it means that it is better not to let the hotel staff or any local in general, know about your electronics and/or belongings in general? Like digital camera, iPod, iPhone etc. There is a real risk of pickpocketing and thieving?

Thank You

siamesecat64

[Jim Sibbick]

siamesecat64, on 10 June 2010 - 10:25 PM, said:

@ traveler

it is safe & laptops are usually safe but when I stayed in hotels I did as Lee told me & kept mine in my suitcase or backpack out of site before I checked in & during my stay when I was out of the room or staff came into the room


OK, good suggestion; I will put the laptop inside my suitcase at CEB before exit it.

Does it means that it is better not to let the hotel staff or any local in general, know about your electronics and/or belongings in general? Like digital camera, iPod, iPhone etc. There is a real risk of pickpocketing and thieving?

Thank You

siamesecat64

I think it will depend where you stay.

When in Cebu City, I stay at the Cebu Century Hotel, I have been staying there off and on since 1995. I leave money, food, camera and other stuff lying around. I have never had anything go missing. When I had a laptop, it was sitting out on the desk the whole time.

I probably wouldn't do that at another hotel.

I hate the taxi drivers in Manila. However, in Cebu City, most of the taxi drivers are honest and relaible. In the odd occasion when the driver won't turn on the meter, I get out and get the next taxi. Even if he agrees to turn on the meter as I am getting out.

Our former driver, Danny Noy, has his own taxi business now. He has proved to be very reliable in the past. He does airport pick ups for a set fee. However it will cost more than a standard white metered taxi and about the same as a yellow airport taxi. If you want some one relaible to get you started in Cebu, my suggestion is you contact him for a quote.
http://www.cebutaxis...taxi_driver.htm

You haven't said what airlines you are flying. If it is Philippine airlines, you won't have to change terminals at all as PAL domestic and international is at the same terminal.


Regards; Jim Sibbick

[Boss Man]

siamesecat64, on 10 June 2010 - 10:25 PM, said:

@ traveler

it is safe & laptops are usually safe but when I stayed in hotels I did as Lee told me & kept mine in my suitcase or backpack out of site before I checked in & during my stay when I was out of the room or staff came into the room


OK, good suggestion; I will put the laptop inside my suitcase at CEB before exit it.

Does it means that it is better not to let the hotel staff or any local in general, know about your electronics and/or belongings in general? Like digital camera, iPod, iPhone etc. There is a real risk of pickpocketing and thieving?

Thank You

siamesecat64

My netbook sat plugged in and in full view for the whole month of March without a problem,I guess anything can happen but personally I don't see a suit case as much security even if its locked. If you do stay at the Water Front hotel I know they have in room safes but it would not fit a laptop.

[Traveler]

siamesecat64, on 10 June 2010 - 10:25 PM, said:

@ traveler

it is safe & laptops are usually safe but when I stayed in hotels I did as Lee told me & kept mine in my suitcase or backpack out of site before I checked in & during my stay when I was out of the room or staff came into the room


OK, good suggestion; I will put the laptop inside my suitcase at CEB before exit it.

Does it means that it is better not to let the hotel staff or any local in general, know about your electronics and/or belongings in general? Like digital camera, iPod, iPhone etc. There is a real risk of pickpocketing and thieving?

Thank You

siamesecat64

I found all places that I stayed to be honest & I never lost anything but have heard of others who have. a suitcase just means out of sight out of mind to me & since staff probably only make a couple of hundred p a day & maybe a little more in high end hotels I felt it best to not leave things out but I never stayed in any high end hotels & only stayed in pension houses or lower end hotels & I put my laptop in my suitcase in the airport before leaving for a taxi. I have never been pick-pocketed or robbed but I have also heard some who have so if you use the caution that you would in any poor area then you will not have any problems just do not leave your items unattended while out & about

[siamesecat64]

@ Jim Sibbick
Thank you for your suggestions, I like them and I will follow them. Yes my Flights are PAL (BKK-MNL-CEB) so I am very glad to learn I have NOT to change terminal at MNL.


@ Boss Man
It was traveler's suggestion (to put the laptop in the suitcase at the airport BEFORE check in at the hotel, in order NOT to let them know I have one). I think it is a wise and useful advise.


@ traveler
I live in Thailand, that is not exactly First World; but I can tell in this country rarely happened to anyone to be pickpocketed or robbed and you can leave almost everything you have on sight in your hotel room. Obviously there are exceptions also in here, but I can ensure you that in the 10 years I came to Thailand as a tourist (+ the 9 years I am living here) nothing, absolutely NOTHING happened to me and have nothing at all disappeared from my room (house), was it a Guest House or a 5 stars Hotel. Honestly, at that time I was not traveling with any laptop or digital equipments, but Cameras and "Walkman" do existed...

Thank You everybody for your help.

siamesecat64

[parksb2]

siamesecat64, on 10 June 2010 - 01:34 PM, said:

I am sheduled to land at MNL at 6.20 p.m. and take off for CEB at 8.30 p.m. where I will arrive at 9.45 p.m. Is it safe, both, spend a couple of hours in Manila Airport and moving from Cebu Airport to the city at that time. If requested, do you think the hotel will send some one to pick me up at the airport? Are taxi drivers reliables? More in general, are the Philippines a safe country? (Obviously with common sense; for exapmle, I would like to take my laptop with me, what do you think?)

Thank You again,

siamesecat64

It's all about attitude; my first visit to the phils I know I looked out of place. People can sense it see it, the way you walk, the way you react, also you stick out so nasty people can target you. I spent 5 entire months so I'm definitely not the same as a kano who's lived in the phils for years, but by the end of 5 months.... I could spot a guy who just arrived. The phils is a bit worse than most major North American cities, there are a few more opportunistic people there; eyes open ears open.

A laptop is a burden, I wouldn't take one; net cafes are cheap and a good experience; nothing like sitting beside the girl with diamonds telling Joe her carabou died send money, or have a bayot tail you into a cafe with hey big boy looks, worthy of a laugh and a chance to see how the bad act.

Make sure the taxi runs the meter, cab fares in Jan 09 with my wife were 250 php to mango.

The countries safe as anywhere, if you look for trouble you'll find it. If the hotel requests a cab it will likely be double.

Enjoy.

[Jim Sibbick]

siamesecat64, on 12 June 2010 - 03:12 AM, said:

@ Jim Sibbick
Thank you for your suggestions, I like them and I will follow them. Yes my Flights are PAL (BKK-MNL-CEB) so I am very glad to learn I have NOT to change terminal at MNL.

OK, here is what I do for Sydney/Manila/Cebu on PAL.

I presume it will be the same for you. However, just to be sure, read the instruction in the PAL in flight magazine.

- In Bangkok, make sure your luggage is booked all the way through to Cebu and make sure you get 2 boarding passes. BKK - MNL and MNL-CEB
- At international arrivals in Manila, there is a transfer desk at the bottom of the stairs. If you forgot to get your boarding pass in Manila, get it here.
- After you pass through passport control you can get your luggage off the carousel. Don't take it out of the terminal. take your luggage to the internal customs inspector. He will be on the right hand side of the room, oppososite the exit. After he has finished with you, he will tag your bags as inspected and put them back on the luggage carousel so the baggae handlers can put your luggage on your domestic flight.
- Exit the terminal, go up the stairs and enter the domestic terminal which is to your right at the top of the stairs.
- You will need to show your passport and ticket to enter the domestic terminal. Inside, just go straight through to the departure area. On your way through, you will have to pay P200 per person terminal fee.
- If you need pisos on arrival, you can use the money changer or an ATM. The money changer is to the left after you finish with passport control. They are on the opposite side of the room to the luggage carousel. If you need an ATM, there is a BPI atm machine to the right, as you exit the international arrivals. It dispenses P10,000 at a time and accepts VISA, MASYERCARD, CIRRUS and MAESTRO. It probably accepst plus too but I have not confirmed this. If it will not accept your card, there is a bank of ATM machines upstairs near the entrance to the domestic departures.

I hope this helps!


Regards: Jim Sibbick

[Mr. Lee]

Jim Sibbick, on 13 June 2010 - 05:38 AM, said:

siamesecat64, on 12 June 2010 - 03:12 AM, said:

@ Jim Sibbick
Thank you for your suggestions, I like them and I will follow them. Yes my Flights are PAL (BKK-MNL-CEB) so I am very glad to learn I have NOT to change terminal at MNL.

OK, here is what I do for Sydney/Manila/Cebu on PAL.

I presume it will be the same for you. However, just to be sure, read the instruction in the PAL in flight magazine.

- In Bangkok, make sure your luggage is booked all the way through to Cebu and make sure you get 2 boarding passes. BKK - MNL and MNL-CEB
- At international arrivals in Manila, there is a transfer desk at the bottom of the stairs. If you forgot to get your boarding pass in Manila, get it here.
- After you pass through passport control you can get your luggage off the carousel. Don't take it out of the terminal. take your luggage to the internal customs inspector. He will be on the right hand side of the room, oppososite the exit. After he has finished with you, he will tag your bags as inspected and put them back on the luggage carousel so the baggae handlers can put your luggage on your domestic flight.
- Exit the terminal, go up the stairs and enter the domestic terminal which is to your right at the top of the stairs.
- You will need to show your passport and ticket to enter the domestic terminal. Inside, just go straight through to the departure area. On your way through, you will have to pay P200 per person terminal fee.
- If you need pisos on arrival, you can use the money changer or an ATM. The money changer is to the left after you finish with passport control. They are on the opposite side of the room to the luggage carousel. If you need an ATM, there is a BPI atm machine to the right, as you exit the international arrivals. It dispenses P10,000 at a time and accepts VISA, MASYERCARD, CIRRUS and MAESTRO. It probably accepst plus too but I have not confirmed this. If it will not accept your card, there is a bank of ATM machines upstairs near the entrance to the domestic departures.

I hope this helps!


Regards: Jim Sibbick

Jim all that is great info but the last few times we used Pal from the US and all the way to Cebu, since we had the airline pass the luggage all the way to Cebu and since Cebu has its own customs, we did not need to pick up the luggage in Manila and just picked it up in Cebu and showed it to customs there. I guess it might be best to check with the transfer desk to make sure but unless things changed from last year or it would be different when coming from BKM, as long as all flights are with Pal, then I believe that picking up the luggage should not be necessary on trips that end in Cebu or any international airport within the Philippines that has their own customs inspectors and when luggage is passed all the way to the final destination.  I know we did have to do as you said when going to CDO because they did not have customs a few years ago. 

[siamesecat64]

@ Jim Sibbick

Thank You so much, your advices are really valuables.

I never got a PAL flight but with Thai Airways it works like Mr. Lee said (ex. FCO-BKK-HKT) you left your luggage in Rome and will pick it up in Phuket where you will do the Custom formalities. Anyway I will find it out at BKK.

siamesecat64

[Jim Sibbick]

Mr. Lee, on 13 June 2010 - 06:03 AM, said:

Jim Sibbick, on 13 June 2010 - 05:38 AM, said:

siamesecat64, on 12 June 2010 - 03:12 AM, said:

@ Jim Sibbick
Thank you for your suggestions, I like them and I will follow them. Yes my Flights are PAL (BKK-MNL-CEB) so I am very glad to learn I have NOT to change terminal at MNL.

OK, here is what I do for Sydney/Manila/Cebu on PAL.

I presume it will be the same for you. However, just to be sure, read the instruction in the PAL in flight magazine.

- In Bangkok, make sure your luggage is booked all the way through to Cebu and make sure you get 2 boarding passes. BKK - MNL and MNL-CEB
- At international arrivals in Manila, there is a transfer desk at the bottom of the stairs. If you forgot to get your boarding pass in Manila, get it here.
- After you pass through passport control you can get your luggage off the carousel. Don't take it out of the terminal. take your luggage to the internal customs inspector. He will be on the right hand side of the room, oppososite the exit. After he has finished with you, he will tag your bags as inspected and put them back on the luggage carousel so the baggae handlers can put your luggage on your domestic flight.
- Exit the terminal, go up the stairs and enter the domestic terminal which is to your right at the top of the stairs.
- You will need to show your passport and ticket to enter the domestic terminal. Inside, just go straight through to the departure area. On your way through, you will have to pay P200 per person terminal fee.
- If you need pisos on arrival, you can use the money changer or an ATM. The money changer is to the left after you finish with passport control. They are on the opposite side of the room to the luggage carousel. If you need an ATM, there is a BPI atm machine to the right, as you exit the international arrivals. It dispenses P10,000 at a time and accepts VISA, MASYERCARD, CIRRUS and MAESTRO. It probably accepst plus too but I have not confirmed this. If it will not accept your card, there is a bank of ATM machines upstairs near the entrance to the domestic departures.

I hope this helps!


Regards: Jim Sibbick

Jim all that is great info but the last few times we used Pal from the US and all the way to Cebu, since we had the airline pass the luggage all the way to Cebu and since Cebu has its own customs, we did not need to pick up the luggage in Manila and just picked it up in Cebu and showed it to customs there. I guess it might be best to check with the transfer desk to make sure but unless things changed from last year or it would be different when coming from BKM, as long as all flights are with Pal, then I believe that picking up the luggage should not be necessary on trips that end in Cebu or any international airport within the Philippines that has their own customs inspectors and when luggage is passed all the way to the final destination. I know we did have to do as you said when going to CDO because they did not have customs a few years ago.

Flights originating in North America have different instructions to flights originating in Asia Pacific. I remeber reading that in the inflight magazine.

Regards: Jim