Experienced Travelers- where to stash the goods?

[HaroldC]

I'll be making my maiden (so to speak) trip to Iligan, Mindanao in a week and would appreciate any tips about where to keep my valuables- cash, credit cards, passport, plane tickets. Choices are- secreted on my person, the hotel room, the hotel desk lockup and my girls home. I can imagine pros and cons of each. What do you do? Thanks.

[Dave H]

... in response to Experienced Travelers- where to stash th..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 17, 2003

Now me and the rest of the PI bad boys know where to find your cash and valuables. ROFLMAOPIMP! Seriously, some good advice! Leave the jewelry at home and wear a cheap looking rubber watch. I agree about separating cash carried on oneself...but if they really want to find it they will turn you inside out, check under your foreskin, and various orifices =8oO I never had any problems, but also stayed out of bad areas and kept my eyes open...just like I do in the US.

Dave "Daut na Kano" H.

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Thanks Guys!, posted by Dave H on Oct 17, 2003

Ya Dave I agree that is why the hiding of the cash on your person is only good for the snatcher. Or for the curious relative who wants to see what you got.   The pouch I had in front was my bait for a snatcher or a chance to get away leaving the front pouch  as bait.   I never carried anything that couldn't be replaced in it.  It contained my international driver’s license, a copy of my passport, several copies of my motorbike registration for the ferry tickets and some aspirins.  Any thing to fill it up to make it look important.  I would keep about 2000 pesos in it for that days spending.  I also kept a multiple tool knife I used for all kinds of things.  I myself never wear jewelry it makes me feel uncomfortable.  I am not rich so why try to be a wana be.   In the 2200 klm of my trip I had no problems except the theft in the hotel room of my video camera in Boracay.   Maricel was asked not to wear her necklace in the Dept. of Health by one of the women workers there.  She said that it could be snatched by a hit and run.   It was a small necklace, but she took it off for most of the trip.  I wanted to blend in as much as possible especially on the ferry trips.  We slept in the open bay beds with roosters and chickens.   I did have one instance on the last ferry going to Cebu from Iloilo.  I had bought a cool looking baseball cap and had it on the end of the bed with my baggage.  When we disembarked it was gone Oh well.

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: Thanks Guys!, posted by Peter Lee on Oct 18, 2003

Hi Peter,

That is what I did also. Hopefully a snatcher or robber would be satisfied with it and move on. But, I never had a problem.

My brother-in-law (Filipino) had his Nokia cellphone (not the latest model) snatched in the NSO when he took it out of his pocket to view a text message. The snatcher ran out and jumped on the back of a getaway motorcycle. By the time he reacted and got to the exit they were driving away. I think I'm going to get some exploding Nokias. ;o)))

Dave H.

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Bait Pouch!, posted by Dave H on Oct 18, 2003

Some of the snaching is planned ahead.  They know the NSO is a place that has crowds and quick getaways.  If it happened to me I would be jumping on my cycle and have some fun chasing with my radio playing Sex Bomb Sex Bomb LOL.   But it is good to hear about snatchings and robberies.  Once readers hear true stories they get an idea what to prepare for.  But you are in a foreign land and they can speak a language you mostly can't understand.  Your with your gf or wife and mostly don't have the option to run.  
You can't pack a gun coz you will be arrested.  In Palawan once out of Peurto Princesa everyone had a bolo or mechete.  The natives that were running naked through the jungle had rifles for hunting.  In the other provinces police didn't strap on pistols.  So each island was unique with its crime and ways to deal with it.  

[Howard]

... in response to Experienced Travelers- where to stash th..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 17, 2003

[This message has been edited by Howard]

Harold,

I was lucky enough to be invited to stay at my Mahal's  Lolo's house, so my stuff was more than safe, while I was away.  I didn't worry too much about my airline tickets because those are of no use to anyone other than myself and could be re-issued relativly easily if they were lost.

The method I used for stuff that I had to take and couldn't live without, was a fanny pack.  I wore it in front and usually under my shirt.  Mine had a very discrete rear zipped conpartment that was the perfect size for my passport and folded bills.  I kept my wallet in the middle compartment, along with what ever plane ticket I was using at the time--or using next-and used the front compartment for gum, change, whatever.

The rest of the stuff was in my suit case and in the room I was staying in.  Like I said I was at my Honey's Lolo's, so I was totally safe.

It's also a good idea to email yourself with all of your credit card numbers and contact information as well as passport number and any important info you might not remember, but would need if your stuff gets nabbed.  Making photcopies of your passport is wise, just in case.  I would imagine it would be easier with a photocopy at the American Embassy than without.

And lastly, Travel in groups.  The guy most likely to get jacked is the one travelling alone.  The people you are with care about your well being.  The more of them you are with, the better protected you are.

Oh yeah, being big and scarey looking is also a plus, but maybe you're not as Guapa as I am  LOL

Good Luck and Godspeed!!!

Keep the Faith!

H

[Jeff S]

... in response to Experienced Travelers- where to stash th..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 17, 2003

Some good advice below. The best answer is to not carry any valuables. Cash, atm card and any credit cards, you can keep in a money belt with smaller change in a money clip carried in a front pocket - not a wallet. In a wallet just keep junque you're willing to lose - especially some expired credit cards. Keep a xerox copy of your passport in a different place than your passport in case it gets lost or stolen. And if you do get robbed, take out your money clip and throw it one direction while you beat a hasty retreat the other. It's always better than meekly standing around and taking it. Keep your head on a swivel and notice people following you, especially if they constantly avert their eyes. If you feel like you have a stalker stop, look directly at him, point and say something like "Is that the guy?" to a traveling companion. Few will carry out their plans if they've been made. Just some basic street smarts good anywhere in the world, even here in the good old USA. That being said, I've never been robbed in my 50 years of living in and traveling in many big cities all over the world. Part of it is my size, but most is attitude - keeping an alert, confident air about you, while staying low profile.

- Jeff

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Re: Experienced Travelers- where to stas..., posted by Jeff S on Oct 17, 2003

Well Jeff,
I have never been robbed but I walked into a robbery in progress in a restaurant in Milwaukee.  As I walked in I noticed everyone on the floor with their hands over their heads.  There were over 20 people getting robbed as I walked in.  One of the gunmen pointed his gun at me and told me to get down on the floor.  I was half in the door and half out, I opted to get out and take my chances.  As soon as I got out of the door I made it for the parked cars to hide behind.  The gunman had to make a choice to shoot and alert everyone outside the place on what they were doing or buy some more time to finish and get out.  No shots were fired.  My escaping caused them to leave before they could finish the job.  But when you’re on vacation you will naturally get your guard down sooner or later.  It is no fun walking around paranoid looking behind your shoulder like spider man.  If you encounter someone who robs for a living you wont know what hit you.   The unplanned unprofessional hits are the dangerous ones, those are the ones you might see ahead of time.  I don't like the idea of some one robbing me and knowing that at any moment I could be shot or stabbed.  So I would most likely try to escape and take my chances that way.  Throwing your bait valuables to one side and exiting the other sounds ok.  The time to do it is as soon as possible.  In the beginning there is still some confusion.  The problem is you’re mostly with your wife or gf, now what?  Who runs first?  So some coordination should be agreed upon in case of emergency.  In places where I may be going 60 klm south of Iligan or Ozamis rich merchants have been kidnapped.  Anyone I talked to in Cebu advised me not to go there.  I think I will base in  Ozamis and go into the mountains to Kapatagan a day or two at a time to feel it out.  While on my motorcycle trip I was mostly in places that had no where to run.  There is usually one road you can either go left or right LOL.  What made the trip safer was I was never in anyplace to long.  I knew that once I stayed in a place too long I could be set up.  The motorbike was there one moment and into the other town next, uncheduled.
Till next time

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: Re: Experienced Travelers- where to ..., posted by Peter Lee on Oct 18, 2003

Hi Peter,

I think you are wise to base in Ozamis and visit Kapatagan for a day or two at a time at first, avoiding routine, as you mentioned. Most places in the Philippines just require common sense and a little observation to remain safe. A good Filipina is always a BIG plus, as you found out! In the mountains where you are going, a little healthy paranoia wouldn't be a bad thing IMHO. Most people in Manila or Cebu will warn you against going to Mindanao in general, so I don't take much stock in their advice. I had well meaning Filipino friends warning me that I likely wouldn't make it of Mindanao in one piece. LOL

Dave H.

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Sounds Good..., posted by Dave H on Oct 18, 2003

You know Dave H I noticed that all the islands had this in common; they would put down other islands especially if they were in competition with each other.  As for being safe in the mountains I would be helpless without friend’s family and neighbors looking out for me.  Boracay would say that Palawan was full of Dengy and Malaria.  Palawan would say that Boracay was too small and crowded with food poisoning.

[NOX1967]

... in response to Sounds Good..., posted by Dave H on Oct 18, 2003

When I was coming home ,waiting at the airport in Taipei, I met several Filipino men from Cebu going to Rotterdam to work on ship. When I told one of them I had been in Mindanao, and Iligan City he held up his hands like holding a gun and went "Rat tat tat tat!" Then he joked that he hoped I didn't have a bomb! After that exchange he was actually quite friendly and we talked for about an hour in the smoking room.

Then I understood why most everyone I had met in Mindanao asked, "So, what can you say about Mindanao?", and were so very pleased when I said how much I liked it. They're used to be considered the wild wild west of Southeast Asia.

Ron

[Kreeger]

... in response to Filipinos and Mindanao, posted by NOX1967 on Oct 18, 2003

Its funny... I have met several Filipinos here and none of them are ever from Mindanao. What's more is that when I tell them I am married to a Filipina and they find out that she is from Mindanao, they automatically think she's a muslim.

[Dave H]

... in response to Filipinos and Mindanao, posted by NOX1967 on Oct 18, 2003

[This message has been edited by Dave H]

Hi Ron,

That was also the impression I got from people who had never been to Mindanao. It was considered an uncivilized frontier ruled by outlaws with guns. LOL There are some very nice, safe cities there!

Dave H.

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Experienced Travelers- where to stash th..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 17, 2003

Well HaroldC,
I wrestled with that problem as I prepared to go on my 2200 motorcycle trip to all the Islands.   My hotel in Cebu would charge me $5 per day to store my valuables in their vault while I was away and not renting a room or free if I was renting.  Well for 60 days that could be $300 if I went on my trip.  I was on a budget and cheap so that was out.  I stored all my non valuable stuff I didn't use at my wife’s Aunts place with no charge.  I decided to carry my passport and cash with me on a secret pouch.  This became a problem coz when I took a shower on the ferry it was always in the way, no room in those showers.  But I really needed my passport for an ID for getting the ferry tickets.   I left with $5000 and came home with $2000 after 2 months which included buying the motorcycle at $750 and giving my wife $400 before I left.  So I really used my money as I went and if I would have stored it someplace would have been a problem to access it when I needed it.  Boracay had a central bank that charged to store valuables.  So I have never been to Iligan, I would look for the vault in the hotel and store your valuables and extra cash there.   If you are in reach of your hotel I would store most of the valuables there.  I remember the hotel giving me two keys.  My personal vault had two keys to open.   I would not store my money there I was more comfortable carrying it on my person.   The hotel vault gave me piece of mind that the passport and plane ticket would not be lost.  The less you travel with valuables the better; I found that traveling with all those valuables is risky.  I didn't have much choice.   My camera was stolen in Boracay coz I let my guard down.  I made friends with the owner and trusted everyone.  I believe an outsider stole the camera I left in the room as we went to dinner.  I guess the answer is to use all those things you mentioned.  If you are going back to your hotel store the passport and plane tickets there.   Next time I will experiment keeping cash in the ATM card so I can take it out as I need it.  About storing valuables in the gf house, that could be a problem.  If anything is stolen there beyond her control it would be very embarrassing for her and you.  I ruled out keeping any valuables in my wife’s Aunt’s house or her house.  That was one problem I didn’t want to deal with.  So many relatives and so called friends visit there and are mostly very poor.  Storing valuables there would be a lot of temptation that may not be in the full control of the family members watching them.  It seems to be a lot of burden to place on a family that is not prepared for that. .  
So on the person seemed less risk coz most thefts were about taking when your not there.  To get your money they have to confront you and if that happens you know who did it.  The risk of being held up is very small, the thought of getting held up and not having any valuables is a risk also.  I was more worried of getting valuable snatched and run in crowed areas.  So that is why the secret body pouch would save you from that.  My outside pouch was visible and bait with very little valuables in it.  I think you’re really on your own on all this and use common sense for the situation you’re getting into.  The problem of keeping lots of cash on my person bothered me the most.  Next time coz I traveled to so many Islands I would deposit my cash in a popular bank and withdraw as I needed it.   Traveler checks were not recommended and hard to cash.  Credit card cash were not always available and expensive.  
Ha, I just remembered some Philippine banks required you to be a citizen to open an account.  The Metro Bank in Cebu had me open a joint account with my gf and I wanted to send money from my bank in the US to her but found it was not practical.  Theory meets reality when you’re trying to do these things and no one knows the bank you’re sending it too back in the USA.   Routing numbers and ways to transfer are limited to selected banks, you have to research.  Other banks like the Japanese and English banks are only in the most popular areas and you can’t withdraw if the bank is not where you’re going.  .
I had more problems than solutions coz of my trip to isolated areas.  
So learn from my mistakes and have a good one.

[NOX1967]

... in response to Experienced Travelers- where to stash th..., posted by HaroldC on Oct 17, 2003

The Hotel room is pretty safe, but if you leave anything in a room and it turns up missing you have no claim for compensation. Valuables you don't intend to carry, like cameras can be left at the front desk. You'll get a receipt for what you have.

Don't carry anything in your back pockets. Put your wallet in your front pocket and put the money you need for any given outing in the other front pocket, not in your wallet. You don't want to be taking your wallet out all the time in public.

It's also good to have a little stash of "give up" money. Maybe a few hundred pisos seperate from the rest of your money that you can give up to a robber.

If you have a backpack, make sure the zippers can be secured with ties, and if you're in an overly crowded area turn it around and wear it in front.

When you exchange a bunch of dollars you'll get alot of big bills, 500 and 1000 Piso notes. Go to the bank and break them down to 100's. Nobody will have change for those big notes, so you end up standing in a store flashing big bills and putting them back in your pockets. Anybody watching for an easy mark will see that.

Also in a city like Iligan, especially if you're out after dark, like at a restaraunt, have your gf go out and secure a taxi while you wait inside the restaraunt. That tip was given to me by a cop in Iligan.

Keep track of who's around you. If you get followed, make a sudden move into a store, or across the street. Stop quickly to look in a window, or even just turn and look at your tailer. When he knows you know he's there he'll go away and find another mark.

An escape trick if you actually get robbed:
If someone holds you up start shaking and acting really scared. Go for your give up money, and as you extend your hand with the money it will distract your robber's eyes and you can actually start to take a few steps backward while extending your hand foward. Just drop the money and run. He will go for money and you're already gone. He thinks he got something and you lose very little, most of all your well being.

Ron