Capital city in Metro Manila, Philippines
Is Manila safe?
Fine in Makati, BGC and Ortigas with normal care.
Is Manila safe?
Fine in Makati, BGC and Ortigas with normal care. Phone snatching, pickpocketing and scams are common elsewhere, and traffic and flooding are daily hazards.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- 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 Manila at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching from jeepneys, trains and sidewalks, taxi overcharging, and drink spiking around some nightlife areas. |
| At night | Makati, BGC and Poblacion stay busy late. Use Grab at night rather than street taxis, and don't walk with a phone in hand near roads. |
| Solo women | Manageable for solo women in the business districts. Catcalling is common; use Grab at night, the women-only train car (MRT and LRT) and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Flash floods and typhoons, Jul–Oct; Heavy traffic and unsafe motorcycle taxis; Heat index often above 40°C in April–May |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Airport taxis refusing the meter or quoting flat high fares
- Friendly strangers inviting you to card games or a bar
- Fake 'closed attraction' stories leading to overpriced calesa rides
- Overpriced bar tabs and 'ladies drinks' in Malate and Poblacion
Take care
- Divisoria, Quiapo and Recto: dense crowds and phone snatchers
- Tondo and informal settlements: not for sightseeing
- Poblacion late at night: drink spiking and fights
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 Manila 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 Manila safe for solo female travelers?
Manageable for solo women in the business districts. Catcalling is common; use Grab at night, the women-only train car (MRT and LRT) and watch drinks.
Is Manila safe at night?
Makati, BGC and Poblacion stay busy late. Use Grab at night rather than street taxis, and don't walk with a phone in hand near roads.
What is the crime rate in Manila?
Phone and bag snatching from jeepneys, trains and sidewalks, taxi overcharging, and drink spiking around some nightlife areas. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Manila?
All emergencies 911.
More about Manila
Going to Manila solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Manila 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
- Manila International Airport Authority (NAIA)
- LRT-1 (Light Rail Manila Corporation)
- 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.