Updated January 8, 2023

Manila is a safe destination — as long as you educate yourself on some safety issues. Locals helped us create this guide to staying safe in Manila. 

Is Manila safe?

One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Manila is a whirlwind of sounds, colors, and sights. It’s an immensely exciting place to visit in the Philippines — but travelers should be aware of some safety considerations.

Locals tell us:

• Know which areas of the city to avoid: Stay away from areas with a bad reputation, like Malate and Ermita.
• Don’t drink the tap water: Although some locals drink the tap water with no problem, you should stick to bottled water to be safe. Better yet, invest in a reusable water bottle.
• Keep an eye on your belongings: Beware of pickpockets and purse snatchers, and use caution when taking money from ATMs.

With proper precautions, traveling to the Philippines is safe. But flying blind in a city like Manila can be a risk.

What’s the travel advisory for the Philippines?

The U.S. State Department currently gives the Philippines a Level 2 Travel Advisory. This recommends that Americans “exercise increased caution.” For context, this is the same rating as other popular travel destinations, like Italy and France.

However, there are areas in the Philippines with a higher rating (i.e. considered less safe for travel).

The State Department recommends that Americans do not travel to:

• The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea
• Marawi City in Mindanao

And suggests that Americans reconsider travel to:

• Mindanao

Common scams in Manila

To make sure your travel to the Philippines is safe, be aware of some common scams. Locals tell us that these include: 

• Taxi scams: Although transportation in the Philippines is generally safe, use caution when hailing a taxi. Be sure you agree on a price, and that the meter is working.
  Familiar face scam: Someone may approach you and claim to know you. They’ll say they work at the hotel where you’re staying, or something similar. Refuse their offer of a tour. It could end in a robbery.
  Money changer scam: Some merchants will take advantage of the fact that you’re unfamiliar with Philippine pesos. They’ll try to give you the wrong change. Educate yourself about what coins look like, and always count your change.

As long as you take precautions and learn about certain scams like these, you should be fine.

Is Manila safe for solo travel?

The Philippines are safe for solo travelers — and so is Manila. Just like people traveling in groups, solo travelers will want to take certain precautions. Locals tell us that these are some things solo travelers in the Manila can do to keep safe:

• Leave valuables at home: Pickpocketing is a common annoyance in big cities, especially ones as packed as Manila. Don’t bring anything along you’d be heartbroken to lose.
• Know how to get home at night: If you plan on wandering far from your hotel or hostel, call a Grab (works the same as Uber) to get home.
• Plan lots of day trips: Manila is a great launching pad to incredible day trips throughout the country. Make the most of your stay!

Navigating a huge city like Manila can be intimidating — especially as a solo traveler.

Necessary vaccinations for travelers

The CDC recommends all travelers heading to the Philippines get shots for COVID, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.

Based on how long you are staying, however, or if you plan to explore rural areas, the CDC recommends additional vaccines.

Helpful phrases

No matter where you stay in the Philippines, it’s helpful to know a few key phrases. Knowing how to say hello and thank you goes a long way!

• Thank you — Salamat
• Yes — Oo
• No — Hindi 
• Good day — Magandang araw
• How much — Magkano
• I’m looking for — Hinahanap ko

Emergency information in the Philippines

Here’s some good information to have on hand — just in case you need it:

• National Emergency Hotline: 911
• Philippine National Police Hotline: 117
• U.S. Embassy in Manila: (632) 301-2000