Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Evanzinho]

Sorry for not getting back to everyone on here, I'm back in the States and I've been busy lately. Anyway, I filled out some forms from my state's Victim Compensation Claims Board that the U.S. embassy in Manila told me about, I'm still waiting to hear back from them, but I doubt I'll get the money back. I'm just going to wait and see what they say/do.

Ttompatz has the right idea to avoid Manila but you really can't if you're traveling anywhere in the Phils, because you have to catch a flight out of Manila to other palces in the Philippines. So, you're probably going to stay at least one night in Manila, what do other's on here suggest, just stay at Ninoy Aquino International airport and don't leave? Sleep at the airport?? BTW, I think that's the worst airport I've ever been to in my life, although Terminal three is okay I guess, but Terminal one is the worst.

Minos: The purple card is the KEB Global ATM card, it can be used at any machine with the Plus logo. I've used it in the Philippines, Hong Kong, the U.S, it's worked in every country I've tried it. Like I said, there doesn't seem to be a withdrawl limit on that card, unlike other ATM cards I have, so beware! Maybe you should only keep 500k or so in that account for emergencies or something.

Chungbukdo: I don't know if Catholic countries like kidnapping, but when I was at the police station they had a poster of all these criminals wanted for KFR. I asked one of the cops what KFR is and he said it means kidnapping for ransom! Apparently it's a (somewhat) common crime in the Phils. Anyway, I don't blame catholicism, I blame the Spanish; Philippines, Mexico, Colombia...what do these countries all have in common...?

Matthew's World: It was a little after 11pm and yes, you're right, it was in an unlit side street. But what do you mean by you would have "done a number on them"? Four dudes, two with guns, who are you, Batman?

[peter07]

I'm sorry this happened to you but give the Phils another chance. I love the beaches there and such, and well, it's not like I'd never hit New York again because I got mugged there.

Most agree that Manila is a polluted armpit that is best avoided if at all possible.

[s.tickbeat]

Ugh, I hated Manilla. HATED it. I was picking up my visa for Korea after a trip to SE Asia, and after getting the run-around from the Korean embassy there I had to stay for TWO WEEKS. Not knowing any better, I stayed at a little French guesthouse in Ermita. Not the best area, for sure, but nothing like this ever happened to me. The worst was that people kept trying to grab my bag, and I learned to hold on real tight.

[Keeper]

I take it the OP was trying to pick up some prostitutes for the evening. His story is still void of details. Sorry this happened to the OP.

Usually if you are in the wrong area and doing the wrong thing you are running a higher risk. It can happen just as easily in Makati. I lived in Manila for years in some of the worst areas of the city and never had any problems.

If you are a woman or flashing your wealth then you will be noticed. They like to prey on the weak. Carry a couple thousand P and leave the wallet elsewhere. Don't carry it with you. If you take your smartphone you are signalling them how much wealth you have. Avoid wearing jewellery, wear a t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

Greenhills is another fairly safe part of town if you are that worried. There are a number of wealthy people living there.

[passport220]

[slasher]

Regarding limits on KEB, there is indeed a limit. Although I don't remember the exact amount, I think it was 1 million for domestic ATMs per time, and 2 million per day. I do not think that limit is higher on abroad ATMs. And when my gf recently opened an account, they did ask her if she wanted the maximum withdrawal limit on it or lower.

[D.D.]

daily limits on how much can be taken out by your card sometimes means you get to stay a few days to a week with your new kidnapper buddies.

[young_clinton]

Doesn't this just make you want to jump on a plane to the Phillipines? Another item of interest I heard is that robberies in Taxis in Indonesia are on the increase.

[lemak]

[Evanzinho]

Just to follow up on this, almost six months later now and I've received a letter from the California Victim Compensation Program saying I'm eligible for assistance, but it does not cover loss of property. So pretty much besides the medical bills, which are almost nothing, I'm SOL.

Be careful in Manila!

[young_clinton]