Philippines : Safety by City
Philippines - safety as a country Davao City, officially known as the City of Davao, is a highly urbanized city in the island of Mindanao, Philippines.
With a land area of 2,443.61 km2, it is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area.
It’s also the third-most populous city in the Philippines after Quezon City and Manila.
It is said that this city is somewhat dangerous because of the terrorist attacks that have been happening in the past couple of years on Mindanao Island.
However, the situation is not that grave and the city is a lot safer for tourists and foreigners than it is rumored.
Warnings & Dangers in Davao City
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
The criminal activity in Davao City has increased greatly during the past couple of years. However, this criminal activity, for the most part, doesn't concern tourists. You should be careful in tourist hotspots because these are the places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists, too.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transport is not the most reliable in Davao City and can get annoying, but for the most part, it is safe. Count on taxi drivers trying to rip you off, extremely annoying traffic jams the Philippines are notorious for, intolerant and reckless drivers, and taxi drivers working without meters.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Though the risk of petty theft exists due to the popularity of this destination, and many pickpockets are operating around the beaches and popular tourist hotspots, the level of petty crime is low compared to many European capitals.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
The Philippines are somewhat susceptible to typhoons, floods, landlines, tsunamis, while volcanic eruptions are also becoming a serious issue in the country.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
While petty crime is lacking, violent crime exists in Davao. Assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are extremely common all over the islands but most don't affect the foreigners.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
There have been numerous terrorist attacks in this part of the Philippines' recent history. Davao has been targeted by bomb blasts in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017. Apart from that, deadly battles are being fought between terrorists and the Philippine army outside of the city of Davao.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Always carry small bills with you. Vendors will try and make you buy more things by saying they have no change for large bills. Apart from that, be wary of people lurking around ATMs or anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
It is advised that women avoid walking alone after dark. Apply all precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations. If you avoid these situations, it's mostly safe in Davao for women.
So... How Safe Is Davao City Really?
Although the Philippine people are known as friendly and welcoming, you should keep in mind that although this country is mostly safe, it’s known to be a target for terrorists and that many countries advise against traveling there.
This applies to Davao City, too.
Drive-by shootings pose another threat in the Muslim part of Mindanao Island as well (where Davao City is located), and as of the 2010s the criminals started performing more drive-by shootings than kidnappings, so be very careful when in public, whether by day or night.
Christian and Muslim areas of Mindanao are also notorious for being home to organized crime groups and gangs involved in the drug and weapons trade, gambling or armed robberies.
However, they shouldn’t pose a threat to tourists.
As for other types of crime, Davao is mostly safe.
As an experienced traveler, you know that you should keep your belongings in a safe place, not to flash your valuables, especially parts of expensive technology, in public places, and not to carry all your money with you.
People in Davao City are mostly friendly, warm and welcoming.
If you do find yourself in a dangerous situation, unfortunately, you cannot rely on the police.
In many cases, you should be wary of them as they can be easily bribed and might even try to scam you.
How Does Davao City Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Davao City | 71 |
| Makati | 60 |
| Manila | 40 |
| Cebu City | 53 |
| Quezon City | 55 |
| Iloilo | 70 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. residents do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. All other nationals will need to acquire a visa to enter the Philippines. If you are not sure about your visa status, you should visit your local Philippine embassy.
Currency
The Philippine peso is the official currency of Davao City. Tourists are advised to exchange their money at the official establishments such as the Bank of the Philippine Islands or Banco De Oro.
Weather
The climate in Davao City is tropical, with the hottest season lasting from March to May. The rainy season lasts from June to October and during this season you can expect strong typhoons. The coolest months are from November to February,
Airports
Francisco Bangoy International Airport also referred to as Davao International Airport, is the main airport serving Davao City and Davao Region in the Philippines. It is, actually, the busiest airport on the island of Mindanao and the third busiest in the Philippines.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Davao City, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Davao City Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 |
| Low °C | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| High °F | 88 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 |
| Low °F | 75 | 75 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 |
Philippines - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cebu City | 53 |
| Davao City | 71 |
| Iloilo | 70 |
| Makati | 60 |
| Manila | 40 |
| Quezon City | 55 |
Why is land lines a natural disaster I think you ment land slides
We safe
We safe if we follow the rules😊
Live in fear!
Go there at your own peril and live in fear from terrorism!
This is a bit much, don’t you think? Davao City is a beautiful place. You just need to know where to stay and what places to avoid. I have not had any issues when I have traveled here. I have been twice now and never felt as if my life was in danger.
very good
I lived in Davao for nearly a year and always traveled with a Filipino and used of common sense I found the city to be safe and most hospitable. The key words here are common sense.
Hey Tom, I live in USA, and thinking about visiting a friend in Davao del Sur. Would you know if motels are decent. Never traveled in this country before. A little advice on any subject is appreciated. Thanks
Planning to move to Philippines in a year when I retire. My 26 year old daughter would go there with me too. Not sure if Davao area would be good. Need a place with good medical. I am 65 with long haul covid and health issues. Thank you.
I lived in davao for 5-years and never had a problem of any nature. Also married a philippino resident. ¹
Go to Philippines it’s a great country to visit or live there. I spent 5 years there .
How recent is this?
You must be joking. Someone who made this issue is ignorant of Davao City. It is more safe compared to any other city in the whole Philippines. Terrorism exist everywhere. There has been a single attack on 2017 but after that no more.
DAVAO CITY IS THE BEST CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES FYI
Yes, I DO AGREE WITH YOU Juan lavega, Davao City is the safest place in the Philippines. And yes I strongly BELIEVED THAT WHOEVER WROTE THIS ARTICLE IS VERY IGNORANT AND SPREAD FAKE NEWS ABOUT DAVAO CITY! This person should be reported and its site should be taken down off! Shame on you!
Davao City
I was born in Davao city in 1970 to my Filipino mother and British father, although we returned to UK in 1976 and i was brought up and educated there I have throughout my childhood and adult life returned to Davao at least once a year to visit my relatives (for obvious reasons 2020/21 was a miss!)
And to be honest I feel safe walking through Davao at 2am than I ever would in London!!. Its a great City, with the most friendliest of people. Ok there’s issues but there’s issues in every City in every part of the world. If ever anyone has the opportunity come visit Davao. We also have a great Retirement Scheme for expats (SRRV Visa). As the tourism slogan says “IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES”
Davao is Safe
Been traveling around PH for more than 4 years now and Davao City is the only place in the Philippines I can wear my backpack on my back. Elsewhere, I would put my backpack in front.