No, no... It was taken out of one of (the deeper) pockets in my backpack. I always take my watch off and usually put it inside the top of my roll-aboard. But this day. I just threw it into the deeper pocket of my backpack and zipped the pocket closed. I'm guessing that somebody saw me do it, and were quite quick handed. By the time that I got through security and unzipped the pocket, it was GONE. The only other thing in there was my glasses case, but I guess that they weren't interested in that...

Yes, one trick I always use is research the expected fare for my trip base on time of day to factor in traffic and after giving the destination to the taxi driver, mention that it "should be about $xxx, right?" Then I pull out my cell phone and fake a call to give my friend the time I am expected, and the taxi/driver's permit numbers.

Giving directions in MNL is a good way to ensure the driver is honest with you. To get somewhere on time and shortest route? figure the standard metered fare for a trip and tack on 10% and offer Pxxx to the driver as a fixed and negotiated fare prior to entry into the taxi.

it happens i've hears stories about exactly this.

anyway, to the OP. i have NO idea why you put ur phone in ur backpack... but anyway, its true that its a phone afterall, not wallet or passport.

the only time i put my phone in my backpack is when im going thru the metaldetector. and i put it in the middle, even if it means it'll take me a few mins to retrieve afterwards.

please please please dont put small-sized valuables at backpack....

I can see this happen (and happened often) not only in Macau, but basically anywhere in the world, even in US !


Not to mention, thieves basically all over the world and even in the US already learned to open someone's backpack from behind even when one is not distracted, like when someone is standing still waiting for the bus, or just simply talking to someone.

well, today I tried carrying my backpack in the front and it was really uncomfortable. Any recommendations on a backpack that has some sort of security so that the zippers cannot be opened that easily? I did see someone with a backpack that had 2 sets of clips over the zippers so it would be a bit challenging to just open it up.

I know it's just a phone but i'm still out about $150 which is what it will cost to replace it and more than the cost I feel really stupid about my carelessness so that is causing me to be even more depressed.

To add to it I also put my passport in that same pocket and the thief did not take my passport so I dodged a really big bullet here, holy crap!

This seems ridiculously stupid in retrospect but I have no idea why I made such an obvious and glaring ERROR being an experienced traveler, that is what bothers me a great deal.

To give you some background, I've been traveling the last 6 months, been to 14 countries and dozens of different cities, on ferrys, buses, airplanes etc. I'm usually very cautious, watch my stuff like a hawk and never once had any issues. This is the VERY LAST day of my trip...I head back home tomorrow, perhaps that is why I was getting a little bit relaxed, so it's particularly depressing that my long exciting trip had ended on a bad note.

The taxi drivers in Manila can be quite dishonest and rip off locals, expats and tourists alike. Thieves in Manila are also equal-opportunity.

There are professional thieves who work in bars, nightclubs and malls who pick-pocket phones and wallets and they might be more rather than less prevalent in "high-class" establishments where people might tend to feel safe. These are, after all, where the money is. Manila has enough rich Filipinos living there that it doesn't matter what you look like at this point.

I suggest you invest a "man purse". It is a small messenger bag have gotten quite popular in recent years (not that popular in US, but very popular in Asia, you can find many stores and ladies street in Hong Kong sell them). It varies in prices, even pricey brands like Louis Vuitton has made one, but you can get it dirt cheap as well if you don't care about brand names. In US, Jack Spade is quite popular, it sold in department stores to travel gear stores.

Carrying a backpack already letting other people know that you are a tourist, as no locals would wear a backpack especially in Macau or Hong Kong not unless you are a student going to school.

Sorry to hear that, but it is a common problem with backpacks. I prefer to carry the smallest on-the-shoulder daybag I can do with, and then try to wear in front of my body.