Baguio Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Baguio.
Healthcare System
Baguio has a well-developed healthcare system for a provincial city, with several major hospitals, numerous clinics, and readily available pharmacies. As a major educational center with medical schools, the city attracts qualified healthcare professionals and maintains higher standards than many Philippine provincial areas.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Baguio General Hospital (government, largest), Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital, Saint Louis University Hospital of the Sacred Heart, and Pines City Doctors Hospital. Private hospitals generally provide faster service and more comfortable facilities. Most hospitals accept cash payments; credit cards are accepted at private hospitals but not always at government facilities.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are abundant throughout the city, including major chains like Mercury Drug, Watsons, and South Star Drug. Most are open from 8 AM to 8 PM, with some 24-hour branches at Session Road and along major thoroughfares. Common medications are readily available, though some prescription drugs may require a local doctor's prescription. Prices are generally lower than in Western countries.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Philippine hospitals typically require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as serious conditions may require transport to Manila facilities.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications as specific brands may not be available; carry prescriptions in generic names
- The cool climate can exacerbate respiratory conditions; bring inhalers or relevant medications if you have asthma
- Altitude (1,540 meters above sea level) may affect some visitors; stay hydrated and rest if experiencing dizziness
- Keep copies of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers in your phone and with your documents
- Private hospitals are recommended for tourists due to shorter wait times and English-speaking staff
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur primarily in crowded tourist areas, public markets, and jeepneys. Incidents increase during peak tourist seasons (December-February and Holy Week).
Steep, winding roads and sometimes aggressive driving pose risks. Fog can reduce visibility, especially early morning and evening. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited in some areas.
Temperatures can drop to 6-10°C (43-50°F) during December-February. Unprepared tourists, especially from tropical areas, may experience discomfort or cold-related health issues.
Heavy rains can trigger landslides, particularly during monsoon season (June-October). Roads may be blocked, and travel can be dangerous or impossible during severe weather.
Some vendors, taxi drivers, or tour operators may attempt to overcharge tourists, especially those unfamiliar with local prices.
While Baguio's water quality is generally better than many Philippine cities, travelers with sensitive stomachs may experience digestive issues from unfamiliar food or water.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed tour operators or individuals approach tourists offering discounted tours but provide substandard service, skip promised destinations, or add hidden fees. Some may take tourists to specific shops where they receive commissions.
Some taxi drivers claim meters are broken and quote inflated fixed rates, or use tampered meters that run faster than normal. Others take unnecessarily long routes.
Individuals approach tourists with clipboards or donation forms claiming to collect for schools, disabled persons, or other causes. Money rarely reaches legitimate charities.
At popular strawberry farms, some vendors weigh strawberries with manipulated scales or charge per basket rather than per kilo, resulting in inflated prices.
One person distracts tourists (asking for directions, spilling something on them, or creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals bags, wallets, or phones.
Online listings show attractive rooms, but upon arrival, guests are told those rooms are unavailable and offered inferior accommodations at the same price or pressured to upgrade.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep photocopies of passport, visa, and important documents separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency contacts and hotel address written in your phone and on paper
- Learn basic Tagalog phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it can help in emergencies
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- Avoid displaying wealth; keep expensive jewelry, watches, and electronics concealed when possible
Transportation Safety
- Use Grab or hotel-arranged transportation when possible, especially at night
- If taking taxis, insist on meter use or agree on fare beforehand; legitimate starting fare is ₱40
- Avoid overloaded jeepneys and buses
- Wear seatbelts in all vehicles
- Be cautious of motorcycle taxis unless you're comfortable with mountain riding
- Don't travel on Kennon Road during or immediately after heavy rains
- Keep bags on your lap in jeepneys, not on the floor or overhead racks
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good reviews and security features
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passport, and excess cash
- Check that doors and windows lock securely
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep hotel contact information accessible
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel staff
- Consider accommodations with 24-hour front desk service
Health and Hygiene
- Drink bottled water or boiled water; Baguio's tap water is better than most Philippine cities but may still cause issues
- Bring layers of clothing; temperature varies significantly throughout the day
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days; UV exposure is high at this altitude
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Carry hand sanitizer for situations without handwashing facilities
- Allow time to adjust to the altitude if you have respiratory or heart conditions
- Bring medications for common ailments (headache, stomach upset, allergies)
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls during business hours
- Carry only necessary cash and cards; leave extras in hotel safe
- Divide money among different pockets/bags
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Keep small bills for jeepneys, taxis, and small purchases
- Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Have backup payment methods (multiple cards, cash in USD or PHP)
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous community members
- Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments
- Respect local customs and traditions, particularly in indigenous communities
- Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in residential areas
- Be patient with service; Filipino culture values courtesy over speed
- Learn about Cordillera indigenous cultures to show respect and enhance your experience
Night Safety
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use taxis or Grab
- Session Road and main tourist areas are generally safe but remain vigilant
- Limit alcohol consumption to maintain awareness
- Keep phone charged for emergency calls or ride-hailing
- Return to accommodation before midnight when possible
- Be extra cautious around bars and nightlife areas
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Baguio is considered one of the safer Philippine cities for women travelers, including solo female tourists. The city has a strong educational culture and relatively progressive attitudes. Filipino culture is generally respectful, and serious harassment is uncommon. However, women should still exercise standard precautions as they would in any destination. Catcalling can occur but is less common than in Manila. The local community is accustomed to tourists, including solo women travelers.
- Dress modestly to show cultural respect and avoid unwanted attention; this is especially important at religious sites
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use Grab or hotel-arranged transportation
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Book accommodations with good security and 24-hour reception
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily accessible
- Consider joining group tours for activities outside the city
- Be firm but polite if dealing with unwanted attention; saying 'I'm meeting my husband/boyfriend' can be effective
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially when alone
- Many female travelers report feeling very safe in Baguio; connect with other travelers through hostels or online groups
- Wear a fake wedding ring if it makes you feel more comfortable
- Session Road and main tourist areas are generally very safe for solo women during the day
- Filipino women are often friendly and helpful; don't hesitate to ask for assistance if needed
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in the Philippines with no specific laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no comprehensive national anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, though some local ordinances exist.
- Baguio is generally safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers; many report feeling comfortable being themselves
- Exercise the same discretion with public displays of affection as you would in other parts of Southeast Asia
- The city has LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, though the scene is smaller than Manila's
- Filipinos are generally polite and non-confrontational; serious harassment is rare
- Some hotels may have policies requiring couples to show marriage certificates; book LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations or confirm policies in advance
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ community groups or online forums for recommendations and current information
- The term 'bakla' is commonly used and generally not derogatory in Filipino culture, though context matters
- Younger Filipinos and those in tourism industry are typically very accepting
- Use discretion in very conservative or religious settings
- Overall, LGBTQ+ travelers report positive experiences in Baguio with minimal issues
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Baguio and the Philippines. Philippine hospitals typically require upfront payment or proof of insurance before providing treatment, and medical costs can be significant. The mountainous terrain, weather-related risks (landslides, typhoons), and potential for accidents make comprehensive coverage particularly important. Medical evacuation to Manila or international facilities can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
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