I will be in Manilla Philippines in Dec. I will be using the safety boxes in the 4 star Hotels, are they safe?

Question

I will be in the Philippines in December or January in a 4 star Hotel. Are the room safe boxes safe to use of should I use the ones at the front desk?

Answer 1

Dude. Here's a tip from a Filipino who's been living all his life in the Philippines. Be sure not to rely ever to safe boxes in your room especially if they're manual or not hightech. People these days even in hotels are not that reliable. Room boys and hotel maids are trained to deliver service to their clients but there's always a chance that they will do something wrong. Always keep your eyes open...

Answer 2

The room boxes are safer than the lock boxes found at the front desk but none are that safe even in a five star hotel some employees can open them and do have access to them when you are not there.

Use your ATM card for your daily cash needs. Never ever have large amounts of cash on hand this is one thing that can get your killed in Philippines.

Keep in mind ATM machines have long lines and often run out of money on Fridays (paydays) check with your bank that you will be using your ATM card overseas.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

It is best not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables when traveling. Use a credit card to make purchases and only withdraw money from ATMs as needed.



If you must carry valuables to a hotel, then do not draw attention to yourself by using the front desk safe. Many eyes are upon guests as they transit through a hotel, employees talk about guests, and word may pass that you are a good robbery target. Never let anyone know that you have money or valuables in your possession. The best defense from robbery is obscurity.



Use your room safe to store valuables. If no one knows that you are carrying valuables, then you will not be singled out for robbery. Room safes are not perfect, but they provide a reasonable level of protection.

Answer 4

I myself use the in-room safe for some of my things, like a few thousand pesos in cash. But if I have to bring large amounts, like when I travel to places where I may not find ATM, I use the safekeeping facilities at the front desk. That is not to say the in-room safe is not safe, but I am just more comfortable that somebody is responsible for my cash and other valuables. I always think that if the room is burglarized and the safe is opened, the hotel may not believe I kept the amount I claim to have kept there.

Answer 5

should be safer at a 4 star hotel, than a budget hotel. just for fun, call the front desk and tell them your safe won't open, pass code won't work. hotel room safes are very common in the philippines, and lots of people know how to bypass them, open them, or reset the passcodes. some safes can be opened in a few moments by a maid or hotel maintenance guy.

Answer 6

I have stayed in Manila three times at different hotels in the past few years. Each time I have deliberately left out cash laying around and I have yet to find anything disturbed or missing. I consider these hotels very well screened for security. I feel totally safe there. I have kept most of my valuables in the safe. On my last trip I took a day trip to General Santos and I left my laptop at the front desk for them to lock up. They returned it in perfect condition upon my return. This is a very safe city. Nevertheless, I would strongly suggest reviewing recent reviews on expedia.com for your hotel. These reviews have never led me wrong. Always search for recent reviews with any hotel you are planning to visit.

Answer 7

I have never had anything stolen when I left it in the safe during my many trips to the Philippines but I bet it happens sometimes. Desparate people do desparate things. One filipina even falsely accused an American Marine of rape in order to get a cash settlement. Google Subic Rape Case.