Province of Cebu Travel Forum

hay i just got on this site im going to travel manilla and ceby alone wat should i watch out for and wat shouldnt i do

a little common sense wouldn't come amiss brady. :)
don't be loud and don't call attention to yourself (don't flash around your $$$).

Dude, you look bigger than your average Filipino. Nobody would wanna screw you. Anyways, taxi drivers are a pain. Stay away from places that resemble the Bronx.

What you shouldn't do

- Don't disrespect a Filipino. It can get you deported.
- Don't overstay your visa. It can make sure you are not invited back. You will receive a 21 say visa waiver on arrival. If you want to stay longer than that, arrange an extension. Your first extension is for 38 days. In Cebu, you can arrange this at the Bureau of Immigration near the Mandaue City Hospital on P. Burgos Street, Mandaue City. However, my drinking time is special to me so I use Traveways on F. Ramos Street in Cebu City. Drop your passport off one day and pick it up the next. No paperwork to complete. They charge P500 plus the government fees. You can extend until you have been in the Philippines 16 months.
- Don't be the ugly American or in this case the ugly Australian. No matter what your thoughts are on any given situation. Filipinos have their own way of doing things which does not fit with many Australians. (see don't disrespect a Filipino)
- Don't make your self a target and you are unlikely to become one. This means you should dress down. Don't flash your cash. Keep your jewellery hidden. Keep your money in front pockets secured by zippers buttons or velcro. Keep large notes P200 and over in pockets separate from P100 notes or lower.
- Don't carry lots of cash. Keep your money in Australia and access it by ATM card. Have 2 ATM cards just in case.
- Don't wear any type of bag that can be snatched or easily sliced off. Especially a bum bag.
- Don't text on your mobile phone while walking along the street. It makes it too easy to be snatched. Save your texting for your hotel room or while relaxing in a bar or restaurant.
- For short term romance, don't chase the freelance girls on the street. Stick to the well known foreigner friendly bars. Such as the bars found on or near Mango Avenue, also known as Gen Maxilom Avenue. For a guaranteed good time, go to Lonestar just off Mango Avenue on Queens Road. It is Australian owned.
Don't get yourself ripped off. Until you know the correct prices, have a Filipino do your negotiating for you.

Let me know what other questions you have by writing to me at sibbick61@yahoo.com.au


Do make sure youi have a good time!!!!!


Regards; Jim Sibbick

Sibbick's got some great tips, but I want to correct the visa extension situation.

It's really more on the order of 3000 pesos, these days and you can overstay for 3 days without getting thrown in jail (see links below). But his major point is right on - don't mess with the local law!

On visa fees
http://immigration.gov.ph//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=118&Itemid=51

On 3 day exception
http://immigration.gov.ph//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=299&Itemid=78

thanks mate for that lol how much should i pay for a girl at bar

There is a dash missing. I don't mean have a Filipino negotiate bar girls for you. I meant have a Filipino negotiate prices in general. Such as buying beer from the local sari sari store or buying a souvenir from a vendor.

If you want to know about adult night life in the Philippines, try this website:
http://www.piatnight.com/forums/


Regards: Jim