Your guide to avoiding scams while visiting Bohol!
While visiting Bohol there are a few scams that seem to pop up from time to time. Here are ways to avoid them!
Just keep in mind, that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
Bohol Transportation Scams
Taxi, Tricycle Drivers, tour guides, and local Drivers taking you to your desired destination might try every trick in the book, from asking you for extra money for a fare to driving to offering cheaper accommodations or motorcycle rentals. Yes, it’s a pain in the but, but there are ways to handle it while visiting here. The best way is to know the prices for the different destinations beforehand that way your savoy about what the price should be and spot a scammer. Another tip is always to agree on a price before you get the ride and don’t pay until you get where you need to be.
Tricycle Costs – Bohol
The major mode of transport in Tagbilaran City and other places in Bohol is the tricycle, a small cab powered by a motorcycle that can accommodate up to 3 passengers. Tricycles are usually limited only to the city or town where they are licensed to operate, but in some cases, they can take you to neighbor towns. The normal rate for tricycles in Tagbilaran City is 8 pesos per kilometer. so getting around Tagbilaran City shouldn’t cost you more than 50 PHP. Some will ask for up to 500PHP This is a scammer and should be avoided (Walk away) there are lots of honest tricycle drivers, you just have to find one.
Bohol Transport Vans or (V-Hire)
If you have a large group or a family, it’s best to arrange transport before you arrive so you don’t have to deal with the drivers who are outside the seaport/airport offering their services for inflated prices. It’s usually between 250 PHP – 600 PHP for transport van or (VHire) to Alona beach from the seaport/airport.
Bohol Motorcycle rental scam
When renting a scooter to scoot around the Bohol countryside it can quickly turn into a nightmare when the bike you’re riding is either stolen (Yes they will sometimes rent stolen motorcycles to visitors) outdated registration, breaks down or you have an accident.
Pulled over by the police? If you get pulled over driving a stolen (yes you will run into stolen motorcycles being rented here) or illegally registered motorcycle in Bohol this could turn into a nightmare and some jail time. Make sure you get up-to-date contracts and paperwork that matches the owners name before you rent a motorcycle here.
If it’s an accident you’re in: The owner of the motorcycle will then take you and his damaged bike to their scammer repair shop, where the mechanic makes a big number estimate of the damage.
The owner then will insist you cover the cost of the repairs. So You shell out a ton of cash to cover the costs of the (already damaged bike).
More than likely, you’ve just given them more cash than they would make in a month.
TIP: If you need a reliable motorcycle rental place we also recommend you use Mikes Bohol Island Motorcycle Rentals from boholmotorcycles.com.
Remember, while renting a motorcycle, the rules of the road don’t apply here. It’s totally different than what you used to at home. So be careful driving and LOOK OUT FOR DOGS Running across the street here in Bohol! Avoid driving at night!
In conclusion: You will have a lot more fun here if you just follow these simple “don’t get scammed while visiting Bohol” guidelines.
