Is Makati safe?
Among Manila's safest districts. Petty theft, phone snatching and Poblacion nightlife problems are the main risks; floods and traffic are daily hassles.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate in Philippines: 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Philippines: 12.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in Makati at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching on busy streets, drink spiking and fights in Poblacion, and taxi overcharging. |
| At night | Poblacion and Greenbelt are busy until late; use Grab rather than walking far after midnight. Keep phones out of sight on the street. |
| Solo women | One of the easier parts of Manila for solo women. Catcalling is possible; use Grab at night and watch drinks in Poblacion. |
| Other risks | Flash floods and typhoons, Jul–Oct; Heavy traffic and risky motorcycle taxis; Heat index above 40°C in April–May |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers refusing the meter or quoting flat rates
- Strangers inviting you to a bar for overpriced drinks
- Overpriced bar tabs in Poblacion with hidden charges
Take care
- Poblacion after 2 am: fights and drink spiking
- Jeepney stops and Guadalupe areas: phone snatchers
- Flooded streets in heavy rain: open manholes
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking and vaping in public places are banned in many cities, with fines
- Drug laws are harsh; even small amounts can mean long detention
How Makati compares in Philippines
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Boracay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palawan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Nido | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siargao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Coron | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bohol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Panglao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Makati | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Moalboal | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Baguio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Union | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Davao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siquijor | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malapascua | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Port Barton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tagaytay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sagada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Banaue | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vigan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Iloilo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| BGC | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bantayan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manila | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cebu | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Angeles City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Makati safe for solo female travelers?
One of the easier parts of Manila for solo women. Catcalling is possible; use Grab at night and watch drinks in Poblacion.
Is Makati safe at night?
Poblacion and Greenbelt are busy until late; use Grab rather than walking far after midnight. Keep phones out of sight on the street.
What is the crime rate in Makati?
Phone and bag snatching on busy streets, drink spiking and fights in Poblacion, and taxi overcharging. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Makati?
All emergencies 911.
More about Makati
Going to Makati solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Makati meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- City of Makati
- Makati Medical Center
- Grab Philippines
- Department of Tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.