Quote Originally Posted by johncar54 View Post
I drew cash from ATMs practically every day over several months. Visited shops, malls, bus and train stations. Never even thought I might have any problem.

Of course not putting yourself on offer is practical advice for just about anywhere in the world.

Conceptions about a place are quite often wrong. I live on Costa del Sol. Some people love to say the crime is high. I have been a voluntary translator with the police here for 16 years. I know that reported crime is very low. Also, Spain was recently voted by UK tourists as the safest place to take a holiday.

Perceptions can be way out.
i've worked there and board there for 3 years...u even see children snipping rugby on the road...cubao is well known for holdups, pickpockets , shoplifters long before...that includes recto, quiapo, avenida and divisoria.