Scammed by a Tricycle Driver in Manila!

Keywords: First day in the Philippines, Manila travel experience, tricycle scam Manila, Philippines travel tips, local Filipino food, budget travel Philippines

Arriving in Manila – Excited and Curious

My first day in the Philippines began with a rush of excitement. I had just arrived in Manila, ready to explore the city’s vibrant streets, tropical flavors, and warm culture. As I stepped out of my hotel, I was immediately greeted by a tricycle driver, one of the most common forms of transport in the Philippines.

My First Tricycle Ride – And the Scam That Followed

I asked the driver if he could take me to the nearest market. He said the ride would cost 150 pesos, but because I didn’t fully understand him at first, he suddenly raised the price to 250 pesos. Thinking it wasn’t a big deal, I got in.

The ride only lasted around 5 minutes — and he dropped me off somewhere that wasn’t even the market. To my surprise, he then demanded 5,000 pesos! When I refused, he dropped the price to 1,500, then 1,000. It was clearly a tricycle scam — a common warning for tourists in Manila.

After a long discussion, I ended up paying the original 250 pesos. Even a woman at a nearby pharmacy, where I got change, told me that was way too much.

Travel tip: Always agree on a price clearly and upfront, and confirm the destination before hopping on any tricycle or taxi in the Philippines.

Discovering Street Food in Manila – Banana and Coconut Water

To shake off the bad vibes, I bought a banana from a local street vendor for 20 pesos. It tasted just like a regular banana — nothing special, but it felt like a symbolic first bite of the local life.

Later, I found a coconut seller and decided to try fresh coconut water for the first time in my life. For just 20 pesos, it was sweet, refreshing, and absolutely perfect in the Manila heat.

Meeting Locals and Learning New Things

Along the way, I met two women carrying buckets of fish. I asked them about a few varieties I didn’t recognize — one was called Misupo and the other Lapu Lapu. The names were as interesting as the fish themselves!

These little moments — talking to locals and asking questions — were already teaching me more than any travel guide ever could.

A Haircut in Manila – Fresh Look for Cheap

Because of the intense heat, I decided to get a clean look and found a local barbershop. The barber was skilled and precise, giving me a shave and a fresh haircut for just 120 pesos. It’s incredible how far your money goes when traveling in the Philippines on a budget.

A Mango Seller’s Generosity – “It’s All About Friendship”

One of the highlights of my day was meeting a mango vendor who not only sold me a perfectly ripe mango but also sliced it up for me to eat on the spot. When I asked him how much it cost, he simply said:

“It’s all about friendship.”

He refused to accept any money. His kindness was a powerful contrast to the tricycle driver earlier — a reminder that there are good people everywhere.

Ending the Day at Jollibee – Iconic Filipino Fast Food

I wrapped up my first day with a visit to Jollibee, the legendary Filipino fast food chain. I finally found one after searching for hours and ordered a meal with a burger, fries, and a drink — all for just 120 pesos!

It tasted great, but of course, it’s not something I’d eat every day. Still, it was a fun and affordable way to end my first adventure.

Final Thoughts – First Impressions of the Philippines

My first day in the Philippines was full of highs and lows — from being scammed to experiencing unexpected acts of generosity. It taught me to stay alert but also stay open. The Philippines has a raw energy and warmth that’s unlike anywhere I’ve been before.

I can’t wait to see what the rest of this journey brings.

Watch the Adventure on YouTube

You can also watch this adventure on my YouTube channel! See the real experience as I explore Manila, deal with the tricycle situation, try tropical fruits, and meet locals. Subscribe for more authentic travel stories from Southeast Asia.