Everyday, 7 days per week, I get literally hundreds of emails. Mostly they have questions about life in the Philippines, maybe they need help is solving some kind of problem that is facing them here in the Philippines. Usually, I just answer the question and go on with my day. Sometimes, I take a day or so to think the situation over and come up with what I feel is the proper answer.
Yesterday, I got an email from a fellow from Europe, and I have decided to share his question, and my answer. Why did I decide to share this particular question and answer? Well, because the question is so common, and I hear it all the time. I hear a lot of people complaining incessantly about this particular problem, it is just non-stop.
The thing is, I never experience this problem anymore, although I used to. I can’t remember when I last experienced this, I mean it is many, many years now. What problem am I talking about?
The Skin Tax
What is the Skin Tax? Well, that is what some people call it when Filipinos overcharge them for products or services, simply because they are from outside the Philippines. I think that “skin tax” is a misnomer, because it denotes racism. This overcharging is not based on race, it is based on the fact that you are a foreigner. In fact, Filipinos are even charged extra if they have lived out of the Philippines for a long time. I know Feyma got hit with this when we moved back to the Philippines, and I did too. So, it is not really based on the color of your skin, it is just because it is figured that you can afford to pay more than a local person.
A note from “John”
I got a note from “John” (not his real name, I want to protect his anonymity). Here is what he said:
My name is John and I am from Europe. I am foreigner living here in the Philippines just recently moved to Davao city from up north. I came here with my filipina wife, her aunt, her aunt’s husband and their baby.
We are living in the Southern part of Davao, you probably know where it is. We are now living here in Davao for about 2 months and I like it very much except for one thing and that is reason I am writing you.
It’s tricycle drivers. They keep charging us “foreigner” price. 50% or even 100% more than usual price for Filipinos. I even talked to them (drivers) in my broken cebuano and I thought if I talk to them and not my wife they would stop, but no it is the same.
Last time, few days ago when 4 of us took tricycle for a short distance, maybe 1 km or less driver wanted to charge us 100% more than usual price. Husband of my wife’s aunt was talking to him about 5 min about price and pointed at me while I was standing and waiting for him.
I approached them and understood a little bit whats going on. Driver keep asking for one price and my friend said its because of puti (white). He is from here so he knows price and obvious thing was driver saw piso sign on my forehead.
My friend was very upset by driver wanting more money that he was ready to call 911 to check price and to tell them that driver is basically trying to rob us by keep asking for more money and lying about price. Eventually when my friend typed 911 and got ready to call driver just left.
It made me sad that I am reason for that. My friend from US said that sounds like racism. Do you know the way how can we stop this from happening in the future? Is it legal for them (drivers) just to charge any price they want? If he really called police can they do something about it?
Thank you in advance, looking forward to your answer, John
Hi John,
Nice to hear from you. I am sorry that you have experienced this problem, but I also think that it is a problem that you can put to rest. I do commend you, though, for keeping your cool and for trying to talk to the driver in a calm way. Feeling embarrassed that this has happened is something that most foreigner would not do, most would just get mad, and it would lead to more problems. So, I feel that you are trying to solve the issue in a good way. I hope that I can help you to put this to rest.
I feel, John, that there are two different types of solutions for you.. the long term solution and the short term solution.
The short term solution is what you need now, so that you can put this to an end and live a quiet and peaceful life without the hassles of being expected to pay extra for no good reason. The calling of 911 is a possible solution, however, to me it is not the right solution. In my opinion, 911 is reserved for more emergency type situations. Somebody is injured, there is a fire or a traffic accident, that sort of problem. However, I will say that I have been told of people in Davao calling 911 for such annoyances, and it seems to be a normal thing to do, but I feel that there is a better solution for you.
If I were in your position, what I would do is to go to the Barangay Hall for the Barangay where you live. A Barangay is the most local government unit in the Philippines. It is sort of the “neighborhood” although generally encompasses several neighborhoods. The Barangay Captain is the highest “neighborhood” government official. He (or she, of course) is in charge of keeping peace between neighbors, handling situations in the Barangay, etc. If you go file a complaint at the Barangay Office, a hearing will be set up between you and the tricycle drivers. It is rather informal, but is understood to be serious.
If you go and meet with the Barangay Captain, be nice! Be nice to the tricycle drivers, and especially to the Captain himself. Show him respect. Don’t speak out of turn, let the other speak, and wait until they are finished talking before speaking up. Be very respectful to all. If the tricycle drivers get mad or say bad things, keep your calm and don’t follow their example. I have been to two Barangay meetings in my 16 years in the Philippines, and keeping my cool and being kind paid off big time for me!
Explain to the Barangay Captain what is going on with you and your family being overcharged. I am sure that he will explain to the drivers that they are not allowed to do this. And, I also believe that the drivers will take it seriously, and follow the instructions of the Barangay Captain.
Now, the long term solution.
You said that your spoke to the drivers one time in your broken Cebuano. I think that was a good move. However, I would encourage you to study Cebuano and become fluent in the language. I speak Cebuano myself, and I try to use Cebuano 100% if I am out in public, unless I am with other foreigners. If you can become fluent in the language, I think you will find that these “overcharging” problems will not happen to you anymore, at least very rarely if they do. That is my experience anyway.
Good luck to you, John! It sounds to me like you have the right attitude, and I believe that you will work this out. I wish you the best. If you see me when you are out and about in Davao City, please say hello! I would enjoy meeting you!
Maybe best to hand over the normal fare ..then pretend you cant speak English.or Cebuano! lol…Lots of foreigners cant ! if they can`t communicate with you , they cant overcharge you ! (:-))
I try to have exact change when possible. But, I also think that it can be worked out where you are not overcharged on this kind of thing, if you learn how to handle it the right way! 🙂
hi i have found if i give correct fare first then 2 php extra and say it is a tip. they are so happy and surprised to get a tip they dont think to try over charge.
Yes indeed! Some drivers take advantage of the foreigner they think they have lots of money, that happend to me when we are in Davao, thank you to Bob Martin for helping us getting a taxi without getting over charge because Bob speak to the taxi driver in bisaya, if you speak the language they cant argue with you because they know you know the rules, after we left Perl Farm Resort and get a taxi back to the bus terminal, my goodness, they all tried to charge us 5 times more, and other taxi was asking 8x more the fare, I almost call the police, time is running out we do not have choice but get in the taxi and pay the cheapest one was 3x more than coming down. It was horible!
Ha ha.. I’m glad I was able to help you Nilda! Knowing the language is very helpful on this kind of thing! 🙂
I’m surprised a taxi would do that in Davao. Mayor Rodi keeps a tight rein on things like that. I have never had that problem in Davao purely because the taxis always run on the meter
We did have one taxi driver who “forgot”, I did give him the benefit of the doubt, to switch on the meter and my wife just handed him exactly the same fare as we were charged going in the opposite direction. The guy really had no argument.
My wife always keeps the phone number of the mayors office in her phone but we have luckily never had cause to use it. Not much use to people from other areas but worth thinking about for people living in Davao.
Cheers
AJ UK
Best thing to do before you get in the tricycle or jeepney, ask how much they charge to get to your distination and be it. If you dont ask first they can asked you what ever they want and they only do this to foreigners because they think you have a lot of money. Bob Martin is correct that get the drivers name and tricycle # then take him to Baranggay captain in your area where you live, just be nice and believe me they will get a big penalty for taking advantage to foreigners. Be carefull out there.
I totally agree and I should have mentioned that to John. Always negotiate the fare before riding! Not after! 😉
Bob;
Learning the cost of the ride is more important to me, I know that from the Jeepney stop to my house is 15 pesos. When I get to my gate get out of the Trike with authority I’ll hand the driver the coins. If they try and tell me it’s more I smile and simply say; “Nice try.” Then we both laugh and go on our way. In a new area riding a Trike where the amount isn’t known to me I’ll hand him a bill and again with authority hold my hand out for change. I know there are times when I’ve paid the Kano tax, but I simply think to myself; “Paul would you really have wanted to walk that distance? So I chalk that one in the Pinoy column and don’t worry about it.
Absolutely, Paul, knowing the price ahead of time is a real important thing, no doubt. Another thing, like you say… if the guy gets you for P10 or something…. think about the big scheme of things.. how important is that P10 to you after all? But, I think it is important to get something like this taken care of, because if it is an every day thing, costs can really add up!
good.. me too.. I usual ask what cost to X.. sometimes it is “what you give?”.. if I know it is 40p and they say 100.. I say 60?
When it comes right down to it?.. it is cheap inexpensive transport and I only ride.. hope for the best yes.. but only ride..
Indeed, about as cheap as you can get.
If I can get the Tricycle it will have a full load where as 12 of the local population can get in the same space, so maybe we should pay more.
Are you talking about me now, BigP? 😉
I just give the correct fare and walk away, there is nothing the driver can do then.
that is one way to go, for sure! But, in cases where you don’t have exact change, it may not be so effective. 😉
Interesting comments. My time in the Philippines has been concentrated in Laguna. I have used Jeepneys, Tricycles and even Pedicabs, and have never been overcharged. I don’t speak Tagalog (yet!) but I always travel with my Fiance and she takes good care of me. I let her handle most financial transactions! I think I would feel much more vulnerable alone, though…but so far no problems! At restaurants my Fiance always gets mad at me for what she feels are excessive tips, but hey, that’s another discussion!
We don’t have many pedicabs in Davao anymore! They are kind of a thing of the past here. 🙂
Like you, I don’t get overcharged, and I am thankful for that. I travel alone most times… living here permanently, it is not like I go everywhere with my wife in tow. So, in a situation like that, you have to be able tohandle things!
haha.. should hear my lady when she thinks I am being charged “Kano” rate.. I sure hope I never give her reason she thinks she
needs to talk to me that way!!!
Ha ha. Sounds like punishment time for the taxi or trike driver.
Its great article Bob thanks for sharing your insight.
I think part of the solution is to behave like you live here. When ever we go anywhere in a tricycle or multicab we just hand the driver the normal rate. 8 peso for a trike ride and short multicab ride. This takes away any chance for the driver to charge more. If we are going on a route that is outside the norm for the area then we will ask the driver before boarding his trike. Often the price they quote would be the same for a taxi so we just say no thanks and hail a cab. Sometimes the driver will change his price.
But I would also like to bring your attention to something we just learned this week. Taxi drivers have been taking advantage of visitors to this city. Apparently the City of Davao changed the rate for taxis by lowering the the starting meter from 40p to 30p when the price of fuel came down. However they didn’t require the taxi companies to reset all their meters, instead drivers are just supposed to take 10p off the meter at the end of the ride. I have never had this happen. Now we just hand the driver the amount minus the 10 or if we need change we tell him minus 10.
I could probably write for hours about the taxi drivers here and their tactics to gain a bigger fair but I will restrain my self from such a rant.
Glad you enjoyed the article, Robert.
Here in Davao, thenormal trike fare is P7, not P8… so that is a perfect example that you have to actually know what the fare is! 🙂 Having the proper change is important too, if possible!
If I am going to an area where Id on’t usually go, I usually ask another passenger how much the fare should be, which is a good source of information! 🙂
The City of Davao did not change the Taxi rates.. it was changed by the LTFRB on a national basis. The flag down rate is now P30 instead of P40, so you get to deduct that amount from the meter. The taxi drivers have been charging that for about 6 months now.
Good Morning Bob,
When I was visiting here in Gingoog City I was hit with this a lot. I ended up talking to my Father-in-Law about it. And he smiled and gave me some advise (not sure that this will apply to other places. And it is simple 1) All of them are required to have a # on the tricycle. 2) They are required to post the fares in the passenger area in plane sight. 3) Do not get mad nor talk mad to the driver. 4) note the Tricycle # and bring it to him or the police. He said that it would be handled and it would stop fast once the word got out.
But the way that I deal with it rather than get some one in trouble (as that builds resentment) is I got to know a few of the drivers and when I need one I look for someone I know and ride with them, then the word got out I think. And now I have no trouble at all and have not had any for sometime maybe 3 to 4 years.
Good strategy, Luke! Yes, mentioning to the driver that you will take his trike number and report him will usually get a quick change of attitude!
Plus I forgot to add I also have my Philippine (Gingoog City issued) Senior Citizen card and I use it for the reduced fare. And I think that tells the drive I am a local and it makes a non issue now.
Hmm… I don’t want to get into the whole senior citizen card discussion, because those are never ending arguments… but I just want to let you know, Luke, that under current Philippine law it is illegal for you to have or use a Senior Citizen Card.
Hey Bob they can’t do that. That’s crazy. They should only charge you on a desired location from point A to point B ok?
Hi Brian H Yasay – thanks. Actually, that was a question that was asked to me by another foreigner. The article is explaining how to stop it from happening. I am never overcharged, don’t worry, my friend!
Just thought I’d mention…it happens all over the world, not just in the Philippines. When you are an “outsider”, some things are more expensive.
On the other hand, I prefer to be in a position that I am not concerned with the cost of a ride. If I were charged twice as much, it will be no big deal in the grand scheme of things for me….but it could make a world of difference for the driver who is really struggling to feed his family.
I prefer to be generous when I can.
Hi Byron – I tend to agree with you, I like giving nice tips when appropriate. However, the only thing on this is that when that “tip” if forced and the guy feels like he got one over on you, it is a different feeling than if you gave him extra out of your own kindness. 🙂
Correct- I tip deserving drivers, I can afford to, BUT it has to up to me, not them. It isnt my country, the drivers have a hard life, I enjoy making it easier every so often, especially if they are polite and engaging.
I pay double to have two seats or I pay single and ride side saddle, I’m tall.
Ha ha… whatever makes you happy and comfortable! 🙂
I have never been overcharged for a trike ride ( which I prefer over all other forms of filo transportation ) . My wife says it’s because look is intimidating . The number of tattoos, my size, my voice and she says when it’s sunny the squint and look on my face looks scary and mean ( which I have heard my whole adult life ). Who knows maybe she’s right. I think I look like a loveable bull dog pit bull mix…. but what the hell do I know
Ha ha.. gotta take every advantage that you can get!
Now if I could just stop paying to much in the market.
Best tip is to learn the language. I never got charged more than anybody else at the market! 🙂
My asaw speaks 5 dialects but if I am near the price goes up.
Even if your wife can speak the language, the fact that you cannot makes it where you are not held in high esteem by those drivers and vendors.
I must say, the Davao taxi drivers are the most honest I have found anywhere in the world. Not only very honest, but helpful also when it comes to sourcing items you cant find.
Tricycle drivers, especially on Samal, are a different story, especially the ones near the barge.
My suggestion- know what you should pay, and dont be shy. If going to a remote area, and it is late, the driver will not likely have a customer to take back, I offer extra ( over what the price should be, not what is asked). After awhile, you will find some honest ones, often with cell phones. I text them to pick me up, use them for errands, such as paying a power bill, or picking upm some fruit or drinks.
Find the honest ones, and build the relationship.
Dont be shy to tell them what you will pay, it is your money.
I am sorry that you have experienced problems with tricycle drivers. The only tricycle drivers that I use are in my neighborhood. They are my friends, and as honest as the day is long. They will even offer to let me ride for free, which I always turn down!
Hey Bill – I’ve never been to Davao, but wanted to add that the taxi system in Baguio is one of the best in the world! They are fast, clean, have knowledgeable drivers and are very inexpensive. I took taxies there everywhere…some rides up to 30 minutes and never paid more than $2 US. Of course I ripped very well!
I send my lady to the market…I know if I go I will pay more and she is very good at bargaining…. My only problem is cab drivers ..I ended the over payment…I get out my cell phone and take a picture of their license…
I never have problems with being overcharged. Taxi, Jeepney, Tricycle, market.. I get the same price as everybody. Number one tip – Learn the Language!
That’s a big deal here in metro Manila…the taxi ride with no meter … If they don’t want to use it I get out…
Although I am getting more comfortable and take the bus a lot…jeepney is not my favorite nor trike I’m 6’1″ and on the north side of 220.. Lol ..
Like some of the other commenters, I always tried to be generous with taxi/tricycle/pedicab drivers. The honest ones appreciate it and are happy when you add a few extra pesos as a tip.
But I had to stand my ground on more than one occasion with drivers trying to rip me off–especially taxi drivers.
Being generous voluntarily always feels good. When you are “forced into generosity” it never feels good, though!
Di ko matonto nila oi,ayaw pag english 2x sa driver Kay mga luko2x pod na Sila labaw pa oi hehehe,.?
I did observe that I’m bigger than most of the other people on the tricycles I rode. I was asked to move to the other side to balance the load in one case. Maybe I _should_ be paying more than a smaller person…something to think about.
I always sit behind the driver. There’s an increased risk to my dangling legs, but I don’t have to fold in half to stuff myself into the sidecar
Hi Bob, most of the tricikle drivers I don’t have a problem you get the odd one who thinks
Your a tourist and try’s it on, simple just look for another driver, if you hear the word
Special especially in Manila that means he wants more money just walk away,
But as I say most are good hard working honest drivers, Derek in pasig.
Hi Derek – how are you today: I am lucky, the tricycle that I have contact with are friends, in my neighborhood. From time to time I come across a driver who is not as friendly, but that is unusual.
Most of my experience has been in small towns but I haven’t been overcharged really. Once or twice I didn’t have change but held out my hand and quoted the price I was accustomed to paying when change wasn’t forthcoming.
The other time my daughter and her mother took a tricycle to a place much further than I expected. I told the driver that we would be an hour or so and if he chose to wait I would pay him an amount so we wouldn’t have to wait a while to get another tricycle.
He agreed and had a good nap and we had a tricycle ready when we were done.
He was happy and I was happy so it was a win win situation.
He wrote down his information and I used him several times on a daily plus distance basis.
He was fair on both parts and I have used him several times since. He is my “Tricycle guy”.
Hi LeRoy – Being flexible, as you demonstrated, is an important part of being successful at living here, and being happy! Congratulations on that, I think you have done great.
If I take a trike I hand them the fare, we know 1 KM equals 7 pesos, and walk away. No Hassel. If they wanted 10 pesos more (about 20 cents) I’d give it to them.
Hi Rusty – I also try to give exact change. If my fare is P7, and the only coin I have is P10, I just give it to them and don’t even ask or expect change. i try to be flexible.
A Filipino, who’d never been out of the country, said he hated trikes. They always over charge him.
Ha ha.. that is a new one on me!
I have never had problems with being over charged after living here 4 years, but if you are, REALLY, you complaining ? It’s normal here that non-filpinos pay more but it is STILL much cheaper than you would pay in your home country.. #sotiredofcomplaining #givemeabreak
The only time I have been charged double was when I was on a 2 hour bus ride back from bogo to cebu. And though i didn’t like it I did understood. Myself and my wife was taking space on a seat that would normally seat three Filipinos. The next time I stood up and I liked that better then the wooden seats. The best over all option was to put my family on a bus and I ride my motorcycle.
In any foreign country, I negotiate the price before I get into a trike or taxi. I try to know a fair price for the trip, so I can negotiate a price I am willing to pay. I speak some Tagalog to like the drivers know I am not a tourist and know the going rate. If I can’t get the price I want, I just walk away and look for another trike. Many times the trike driver calls out and gives me the price I am willing to pay when I start walking. If I am departing from the same location many times, I develop a relationship with an honest driver and use him every time. By using the same driver I don’t have to negotiate. Like any negotiation, your best weapon is the ability to walk away if they won’t negotiate a fair price.
Sounds like a good strategy.
You should see the look on their face when I whip out my Senior Citizens Card and ask for my discount. ha ha ha
Be careful, Bud. It is a widely misunderstood thing among foreigners. It used to be legal for a foreigner to have a Senior Citizen discount card, but it has not been for several years now, since they re-wrote the Senior Citizen law. You can be deported for holding and using a Senior Citizen card.
I will have to research that. I think it’s ok for permanent immigrant visa holders like myself.
No, I am sorry, only Philippine citizens are eligible. Of course it is up to you, but I just wanted you to be aware. http://liveinthephilippines.com/philippines-senior-discount-fact-or-fallacy/
Thank Bob, I read it and you know what. The card is getting old and I hardly ever use it anyway. Good-by card.
Not worth it to get kicked out over a card like that. 🙂
It never happened to us on jeeps or cabs. It just happened when offered a hitch ride, then asked for an amount more than a taxi rate. $ eh…
Oh my
When in the Philippines, I always ask the fare first, or make sure the driver knows that I’m aware of the meter anyway, but I always pay about 20-30% more anyway, and when we need a taxi/tricycle/multicab in that area again, they remember us, even hanging around “just in case” we need them. I think it makes sense to get known as a tipper, but not an excessive tipper.
But for sure, if you lived there permanently, and used public transport daily, you have to keep it under control because it does add up.
Hi Jim – Asking the fare before getting on or in is a must! If I forget to ask, whatever they charge me is OK, because I made a mistake by not doing what I should do.
Love the article and the comments Bob! To put the relative value in perspective, here in Chicago, even a short Uber (taxi, although not a tricycle) ride would be about 500 pesos… ?
Thank you for sharing that, Peter. That puts things into perspective!
i think you can better buy your own motor or bike if you cannot afford the extra 5 peso skintax. after 10 years in davao i find that most of the kano that cannot afford davao are also the kano that complain about poor foreigners in the country they come from.
In some cases, buying your own vehicle is not an option. Me, for example. I owned a car and drove here for 15 years, but my vision is very poor now, and I can not safely drive. But, I agree with everything else you say! 🙂
My name is Dave Naylor I’ve been in the Philippines since 2013 married to a Filipina since 2011. The short answer in my opinion is invest in a car then obviously you’re not reliant on tricycles. If you can afford to by a pickup it comes in handy for other things like building work if you build your own home, but try to buy New not second hand
Hi Dave, in general, I agree with you. I bought a brand new car (SUV) within two weeks of when I moved here in 2000. I drove it for 15 years, and it was still in great shape when I sold it in 2015. I can no longer drive because of a severe eye condition. If I got behind the wheel people would not be safe. Not everything can buy a car and get behind the wheel. But for those who are capable, I am in full agreement.
hi i have found if i give correct fare first then 2 php extra and say it is a tip. they are so happy and surprised to get a tip they dont think to try over charge.