A new scam at Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Putting bullets in passengers' bags and then "finding" them in the scanner:

http://mobile.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/09/24/15/laglag-bala-victimizing-passengers-naia/

A friend shared the same story just today. Loads of 'modus operandi' happening back at home

There was an old scam of this type; it seems to have been revived. There are also scams on outbound passengers. But in general the scammers have preferred to prey on balikbayans and on OFWs, rather than on tourists.

Then of course there are the scamming taxi drivers...

Wife had the taxi scam when doing her visa submission in Manila.

I used to say "Get a yellow cab and then at least you can blame Manny Pacquiao!"

He charges more than a legit taxi anyhow .

I saw this on the 6pm news.
Another national disgrace with no corrective actions

Actually the very fact that it has made the news means that there has been a huge improvement on the Bad Old Days!

Twenty-five years ago my ex wife would put a 500 peso bill in her passport as she approached Customs at T1, NAIA.

My wife and I almost got scammed by a taxi driver In manila on way to embassy. The guy quotes 500 pesos but we couldn't find a metered cab and we were in a rush. So we said OK. When we get a ways away down a side Road. His car mysteriously breaks down. He must have had a kill switch. We get out and another taxi comes along. He wants 700 pesos this time. WE told them to take a hike and started walking. Got another taxi for 250 pesos down the road.

In most countries, if you attempted to bribe a customs/immigration official you would probably get arrested.

That's a worldwide favourite, the old taxi breaking down trick, happened to me in Panama once, they do have a cheek these taxi drivers.

That's always a problem for me, "shall I or shall I not." Its a risk you take.

Worst place I seen outright bribery and begging in an airport was Egypt. By 4 different staff when returning to the UK. Toilet guy even wanted payment for use of toilet paper!

I have not travelled enough to experience this. The taxi driver is Manila is the only time I felt I could have been scammed on my limited world travelling. My wife gets annoyed at baggage porters who charge too much - but that is her fault as she does not ask first how much they charge.

i trust you handed it back to him after using it.

Christmas is near. So the airport personnel are trying to earn money now for a good 'Noche Buena.'

I thought they were suspended?

I suppose the best thing to avoid is to have bags with no outside pockets and a lockable zipper.