How I Got Scammed in Manila—and What You Can Learn from It
So, after five months of traveling across Europe and Asia without a hitch, I thought I was immune to travel scams. I mean, I’ve haggled in markets, navigated dodgy taxi situations, and avoided tourist traps like a pro. But Manila had other plans for me.
The Layover That Went Sideways
I was fresh off a flight from Bangkok, with a couple of hours to kill before catching my connecting flight to Cebu. It seemed straightforward: clear immigration, grab my luggage, and head to Gate 2. Easy, right? Wrong.
The immigration line was a monster—200 meters of tired travelers inching forward at a snail’s pace. My stress levels were already creeping up, but I stayed cool. Once through, I grabbed my bags and asked the airport staff how to get to Gate 2. “You need to hurry!” she said. “Take a bus or taxi.”
Alright, no problem. I stepped outside and couldn’t find a bus in sight. But there were taxis, and I was running short on time.
The Mistake I Should’ve Seen Coming
Here’s where I dropped the ball. In my rush, I didn’t ask the taxi driver about the fare. I figured, how much could it be for a quick 5-10 minute ride between gates? Famous last words.
The driver took off, and soon I noticed a laminated paper tucked in the back seat. It was a price list, and guess what? It said the ride would cost me 12,000 pesos—about 180 Euros! My heart sank. When I asked the driver to confirm, he casually said, “Yes, that’s the price.”
Cue the panic. I demanded he turn around and take me back to Gate 3. No way was I paying that much for a short ride. But here’s the kicker: there was another guy in the passenger seat, and suddenly both of them started pressuring me about how much money I had. The vibe turned from sketchy to outright scary.
Negotiating My Way Out
At this point, I was in full survival mode. No SIM card, no internet, no way to call for help, and all my belongings locked in the trunk of this taxi. I decided to cut my losses and offered them 2,000 Thai Baht (around 50 Euros). They weren’t thrilled but agreed, speeding like maniacs to get me to my gate.
The driver kept demanding the money upfront, but I refused to pay until I had my backpack in hand and was safely out of the car. Finally, I handed over the cash, and they sped off into the Manila traffic. I was left standing there, shaken but relieved.
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
So, what’s the takeaway from this little adventure? I’m sharing my mistakes so you don’t have to make them. Here’s how to keep yourself out of trouble:
- Ask for the Fare Before You Get In. Always, always confirm the price before you step into a taxi. I knew this, but stress got the better of me.
- Research Your Options. If you’re landing somewhere new, check out the official airport transportation options beforehand. A quick Google search could save you a lot of hassle.
- Trust Your Gut. If something feels off—like an extra passenger in the front seat—it probably is. Listen to your instincts.
- Stay Connected. Getting a local SIM card as soon as you land can be a lifesaver. With apps like Grab or Uber, you can avoid sketchy taxis altogether.
- Don’t Let Them Intimidate You. Easier said than done, but staying calm and firm can help you navigate a sticky situation. Don’t be afraid to walk away or demand to be taken back.
I’m kicking myself for letting this happen, but I’m also glad it didn’t escalate further. Manila, you got me this time, but I’m not letting it ruin my trip. Here’s to safer, smarter travels ahead!
So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, remember: it’s just money, and your safety is the top priority. Safe travels, and keep those instincts sharp!
