Caticlan Safety Guide
Is Caticlan Safe?
Learn how locals scam tourists in Caticlan and how to avoid becoming a victim. Below you'll find Caticlan crime statistics — the probability of being robbed or attacked, information about corruption in Caticlan, safety tips and precautions.
Daytime Safety:
Nighttime Safety:
Comfort Rating
In terms of safety, visitors should remain vigilant at all times. Pay special attention in unfamiliar areas and be wary of strangers. After dark, the situation becomes more challenging – stay within well-lit, populated areas and avoid solo trips.
Robberies and Theft: moderate
Armed Robberies: moderate
Assaults: moderate
Corruption: moderate
Drug Issues: moderate
Beggars: moderate
Vandalism: high
Theft from Cars: moderate
Car Theft: moderate
Local Scam Alert: What to Watch For
Airport Transfer Scam (High Risk) - Upon arrival at Caticlan Airport, some unauthorized drivers may aggressively offer unreasonably high flat rates for transfers to popular destinations like Boracay. Always use the official airport shuttle service or pre-book reputable transportation to avoid being overcharged.
Water Taxi Inflate (Medium Risk) - Expect to encounter water taxi operators charging exorbitant fees from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay, often claiming additional surcharges or hidden costs. Verify pricing in advance at the official water ferry ticket booths before boarding.
Menu Switcheroo (Medium Risk) - In some restaurants near the beach, menus may not display accurate prices, leading to unexpected high bills when the bill arrives. Always request a menu with visible prices, and if unsure, confirm pricing before ordering.
Change Disguise Scam (Medium Risk) - Vendors and street shops in Caticlan may attempt to give incorrect change, using counterfeit bills or miscalculating the amount. Always count your change in front of the vendor and use larger bills for clearer transactions.
Souvenir Price Hike (Low Risk) - In local markets, sellers might initially quote lower prices to entice buyers, only to inflate them significantly once the sale begins. Familiarize yourself with general souvenir prices beforehand and don’t hesitate to negotiate firmly.
Currency Exchange Confusion (Low Risk) - Some currency exchange booths may charge hidden fees or provide unfavorable rates, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Compare rates at multiple booths before exchanging money, and consider using ATM withdrawals for better rates.
Water Taxi Inflate (Medium Risk) - Expect to encounter water taxi operators charging exorbitant fees from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay, often claiming additional surcharges or hidden costs. Verify pricing in advance at the official water ferry ticket booths before boarding.
Menu Switcheroo (Medium Risk) - In some restaurants near the beach, menus may not display accurate prices, leading to unexpected high bills when the bill arrives. Always request a menu with visible prices, and if unsure, confirm pricing before ordering.
Change Disguise Scam (Medium Risk) - Vendors and street shops in Caticlan may attempt to give incorrect change, using counterfeit bills or miscalculating the amount. Always count your change in front of the vendor and use larger bills for clearer transactions.
Souvenir Price Hike (Low Risk) - In local markets, sellers might initially quote lower prices to entice buyers, only to inflate them significantly once the sale begins. Familiarize yourself with general souvenir prices beforehand and don’t hesitate to negotiate firmly.
Currency Exchange Confusion (Low Risk) - Some currency exchange booths may charge hidden fees or provide unfavorable rates, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Compare rates at multiple booths before exchanging money, and consider using ATM withdrawals for better rates.
Scam Types and General Tips
Complete Guide to Scam Types
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
By the way, we often get asked about other countries where you can bring drones and where you can’t. The drone regulations are constantly changing. Before traveling anywhere, be sure to search for info online. ✈️ Currently, it’s completely prohibited to bring drones into India and Vietnam, on Cuba, in Peru, Morocco, Brazil, and Uzbekistan. ✈️ In Thailand, you need a special permit for flights, as well as in Sri Lanka. ✈️ In Indonesia, it’s often not allowed to fly in many types of places, including over temples (at the border, you might be asked to pay a $500 fine). ✈️ In the Maldives, you can't launch drones on small private islands with villas. ✈️ In the UAE, the rules are strict; you could get up to 10 years in prison. ✈️ Europe is a whole different story; there, along with the permissions, you need a license and insurance (especially strict in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Austria). ✈️ In Australia, Singapore, and the USA, flights are quite regulated, particularly for filming. ✈️ In the USA, it's possible to fly if you have registration, but there are still many places where it’s prohibited, especially in beautiful locations like national parks.
We’re increasingly faced with restrictions – is it even worth it? I feel like the drone may stay home soon 😒 Do you know about other countries? »