Street Scams in Boracay, Philippines
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Boracay — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Boracay
How it works
At the Caticlan Jetty Port and Tambisaan Port, unofficial collectors approach tourists before the accredited cashier windows and offer to process the mandatory environmental fee (300 PHP) and terminal fee (150 PHP) on their behalf. They collect 600-900 PHP, pocket the difference, and hand over a legitimate-looking but manually written receipt. Tourists are then forced to pay the real fees again at the island entrance gate or risk being turned away.
How it works
Con artists near White Beach offer to "appraise" or sell valuable shells and jewelry at allegedly discounted prices. The items are worthless costume pieces, but the seller pressures you to buy immediately before "the deal expires." This is a classic street scam targeting tourists walking the beach promenade.
See all scams in Boracay
11 total warnings across all categories