I’ll never forget my first trip to the Philippines in 2019. Prior to the trip, my mother was so worried about me going there that she tried to talk me out of it. She said, “Isn’t the Philippines very dangerous?” Fortunately, I did my own research and decided to go anyway.
Years later, I’ve spent a total of one year living in Cebu City on four separate trips over the past several years. Overall, Cebu City is a very safe place to live and travel if you use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, and follow simple precautions.
When visiting Cebu City in the Philippines, foreign travelers should prioritize safety by being vigilant and conscious of their surroundings. To minimize the risk of theft, it is advisable to refrain from displaying valuable accessories, including watches and jewelry. Additionally, it is important to remain cautious of pickpockets and bag snatchers. To ensure the safety of personal belongings, it is recommended to utilize secure over-the-shoulder bags or cargo shorts with reliable closures for storing money and other valuable items.
Keep in mind that this article does not guarantee your safety. Bad things can happen in any city, including my home state of South Carolina in the United States. Sometimes you can get into a bad situation even though you haven’t done anything wrong. Check your country’s travel advisories for updated information: United States advisory for the Philippines.
During my time living in Cebu City, I stayed in a few different neighborhoods including IT Park, Lahug next to Ayala Center Cebu, and Lapu-Lapu City. I generally felt safe walking around these areas during the day and evening, but not late at night. As a foreigner, I stood out but never felt threatened. Violent crime is rare and Cebu City does not have the same security issues as any major metro area.
I don’t party, so I have rarely been out past midnight in Cebu City other than attending a birthday party for a good friend. It’s been my experience that more bad things happen after midnight, regardless of what city we are talking about. However, I’m not here to judge, and I know plenty of foreign friends who go to nightclubs in Cebu City.
That said, petty crime like pickpocketing and snatching does occur, especially in the busy downtown areas like Colon Street. By being smart, avoiding risky situations, and keeping alert, I avoided any incidents during my stay. With some street smarts and situational awareness, I was able to fully enjoy my time living in and exploring Cebu City. In this article, I’ll share more details on staying safe as a foreigner.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Dating Women in the Philippines
Crime Rates In The Philippines and Cebu City
The Philippines is generally considered a safe country to visit, especially in comparison to some other Southeast Asian destinations. According to Numbeo’s 2024 Crime Index, the Philippines ranks 61st out of 146 countries for safety. This puts it on par with Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia in the region.
Within the Philippines, Cebu City is one of the safer major cities. The city has a crime index of 39.05 according to Numbeo, which is lower than Manila’s index of 49.51. Cebu City’s crime rates are comparable to cities in the United States like Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing and snatching are the main concern for travelers in Cebu City, as violent crime rates remain relatively low. Being aware and taking proper precautions can help ensure Cebu City lives up to its reputation as the “Queen City of the South” and one of the safest urban destinations in the Philippines.
Also, I haven’t personally experienced this, but several friends have been scammed for money through the use of online dating apps and websites. Remember to never send money to someone who you have never met in person and developed a relationship with. My article on How to Avoid Common Online Dating Scams in The Philippines covers this topic in greater depth.
Colon Street Dangers
Colon Street in downtown Cebu City is famous for being the oldest street in the Philippines. While it does have some beautiful historic architecture, it also has a reputation for being quite dangerous, especially at night. Pickpockets and petty theft are rampant in the area. There are also a number of scams to watch out for, including rigged gambling games, women luring men to overpriced bars, and vendors dramatically overcharging foreigners for goods.
I have visited Colon street three times, all during the daytime and always with a buddy. It did feel a little bit shady. I wouldn’t recommend going there at alone or at night. Colon Street has many clothing shops with very cheap clothing, just take extra precaution or avoid altogether.
The biggest danger comes from pickpockets working the crowded street. They often target intoxicated individuals or unsuspecting tourists snapping photos. The pickpockets work in teams, with one creating a distraction while the other lifts wallets and valuables from bags or pockets. Women walking alone may also be targeted. These can also be common on public transportation systems like Jeepneys.
Common Threats – Snatchers and Pickpockets
One of the most common crimes in Cebu City is snatching and pickpocketing. These thieves tend to target foreigners, whom they perceive as wealthy and less aware of their surroundings.
The main tactic of snatchers is to grab valuables like phones, bags, or jewelry and then quickly disappear into the crowd. This often happens on busy streets or public transportation. Snatchers may work solo or in teams, surrounding victims to create confusion. Sometimes this can be in the form of a group of kids. Trust nobody you don’t know on the streets!
Pickpockets also thrive in crowded areas where it’s easy to subtly open a bag, reach into a pocket, or cut straps off a backpack. Their skills make them hard to notice until it’s too late. Favorite targets include wallets, cash, electronics, passports, and credit cards.
To avoid becoming a victim, be vigilant in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. Carry only what you need for the day, and leave spare cash and cards secured in your lodging. Avoid flashing expensive items that will attract attention. Stay alert to your surroundings, and walk with confidence to deter opportunistic thieves.
Unsafe Areas to Avoid
While most areas of Cebu City are generally safe, there are a few neighborhoods and streets that are best avoided, especially at night. These higher-crime areas include:
- Carbon Market Area – The streets around Carbon Market can get quite rough, especially at night. Pickpocketing and petty crime is common in this crowded market area. Exercise extra caution.
- Colon Street – As mentioned already, Colon Street is one area that deserves its reputation for higher crime rates. There is a heavy police presence, but theft and scams still occur frequently, even during the day.
- Santo Niño Village – Near Colon Street, this neighborhood is one of the rougher and poorer areas of Cebu City. Violent crime is more common here, including robbery and assaults. Avoid it, especially at night.
- T. Padilla Street – Near Colon Street, this area also has an unsavory reputation for crime. Theft, pickpocketing, and even kidnapping can occur here. Avoid it after dark.
- Guadalupe – This northeastern Cebu City suburb has seen an increase in crime recently. Robberies, theft, and other crimes happen more frequently here. Be cautious.
- Barangays Duljo Fatima and Sawang Calero – These residential areas have higher crime rates than other parts of the city. Violent crime, drug activity, and gang violence occur here. Use caution if visiting.
By using common sense and sticking to well-lit major streets and tourist areas, you can enjoy Cebu City safely. Simply avoiding the few unsafe zones mentioned above will minimize your risks.
Safety Tips
When visiting Cebu City, it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe. Here are some tips:
- Avoid being out late at night. Stick to main streets in well-lit areas if you must be out at night. The later it gets, the higher the risk.
- Secure your belongings. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and don’t keep all your cash and cards in one place. Leave valuables at your hotel if possible. Use lockers or safes when available.
- Travel in groups. There is safety in numbers. Explore busy tourist sites and restaurants with others. Avoid wandering off alone, especially at night.
- Only take authorized taxis and ride shares. Always ask for the meter. Ask your hotel to call a verified taxi. Avoid unmarked cabs.
- Be discreet with expensive items like jewelry, cameras, and phones. Don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
- Keep a low profile and avoid looking like a tourist. Blend in with locals and don’t stand out.
- Research areas to avoid. Follow local news and ask hotel staff for unsafe zones to steer clear of. Some areas have higher crime rates.
- Trust your instincts. If a place feels unsafe, don’t ignore your gut feeling. Leave and find a more secure location.
- Get a hotel or a condo next to a mall. Generally, there are more police present and it is safe walking around.
Following basic precautions will allow you to explore Cebu City safely and focus on creating wonderful memories. Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Use Common Sense
Dangers exist in any city, including my home state of South Carolina. If you go into the wrong areas of town or antagonize others, you can easily get into trouble. Use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t flash money or valuables, get intoxicated in public, or wander into unsafe neighborhoods. Stay on main roads and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Keep valuables secured, and don’t respond to touts. Use the same caution you would at home.
With vigilance and care, you’re unlikely to encounter issues. Remember that most locals are friendly, law-abiding citizens going about their daily lives. I have found Filipino people to be some of the kindest and friendliest people in the world. A few bad actors don’t represent an entire city. Stay open-minded, avoid judging an entire place by the actions of a few, and you’re likely to have a great experience.