If I go on holiday to Manila, would it be wise to hire a car for the stay in the city.?

Question

Plus has anyone advise for the stay, e.g. security.

Answer 1

I'm assuming you will be staying in a reputable hotel. Hire a taxi from the line-up at the hotel. Make sure the hotel's concierge gets the taxi's plate number and the driver's name and license number (it's routine, but make sure they do it).

If you hire by the trip always insist on using the meter.

If you hire by the hour settle on a fee in advance and make sure the concierge is there when the deal is struck and writes down the number. Tell the driver NO EXTRAS and make it stick.

Carry a cell phone and have the number of the Tourist Police handy. Many hotels have cell phones for rent, you just buy a prepaid time card for calls. Call the Tourist Police if you have the slightest problem. Never trust the regular police.

Never hire a taxi off the street.

Answer 2

Some very good advice here. Most papers have car hire ads, with or without driver.
Taxi drivers in Manila can be naughty, but get one with the telephone number displayed on the side. Taxis will be cheaper than hiring.

Cebu is very different from Manila, and there would be no problems driving there (I do). Listen to the guys who know Manila, the traffic is often horrendous, if you are in a taxi you can get out and walk round it. If you're driving tough. In Manila I use taxis and the buses, or jeepneys.
Don't forget the hotel employees have brothers, sisters and other relatives, that will take you around, you pay their fares and meals, then give them some money at the end of the day for their trouble, you can even get a driver that way, just ask.
Have a good holiday.

Answer 3

No, the traffic is a nightmare and you don't want to get lost on most of the town, which may be unsafe for tourists.

In regards to security the situation was not vey good, all shops in the main shopping district had armed security guards, at night guys will apporoach you to offer you girls and may try to lure you with that excuse to rob you. While I was there several foreigners were robbed.

Taxis are cheap and pleanty and easily identifiable, most taxi drivers speak a passable English, also most important landmarks are covered by organized tours.

If you can afford it stay in a hotel around the Makati area, it is mostly safe to walk and you'll find enough amentities and shops to keep you busy for several days.

Manila is a very interesting town, you just have to be alert and diferentiate the genuinely friendly people from the crooks that no doubt will approach you.

Answer 4

I kinda agree with Schnurrbart. 4,000 a day is INSANE!!!!! I can't imagine paying even close to that. If you hire a car for the duration, hire a driver as well. Look online--there are companies that rent the car with driver. Taxis are fine--I have never had a problem with the meter being turned on.

Security is same as any other major city--watch your wallet or purse. Don't wear expensive jewelery on jeepneys or in the Divisoria.

If you shop at any stalls--BARGIN. Bargin lower than you think is even possible. If you are not Filipino in appearence or background you will likely get an inflated price.

Have fun!!!!!!

Answer 5

Oh, no need for you to hire a car. There are lots of taxis here. If you prefer to stay in a 5star hotel, well, they have available service. But it's cheaper to take a taxi. And if you want the safest hotel, better stay at UP Hotel. The air is pollution free, the food is cheaper. If you want to go out of the UPCampus, you can go the the nearest shopping malls. But be sure to make you reservation now.
If you still have any problem regarding your hotel hunting, please do not hesitate to contact me. And I will try my best to help you.
Hope you have a nice trip!

Answer 6

Maybe if you go down to some bar area at night you'll meet some shady characters, but that's the same anywhere, and if you want to avoid getting robbed, then don't go out with prostitutes. Otherwise, it's also reasonably safe to take a regular taxi, and anywhere that isn't near the airport you should have no problem insisting they use the meter.

The airport itself works on a different system. The taxi drivers near there attempt to take advantage of tourists by refusing to use their meters and charging a flat rate, which should be negotiated before entering the vehicle based on where you want to go. When I was alone the regular taxi took 500 p ($10) to drive from international to domestic. On the return trip one of the vans right in front did it for 150 p ($3). Others were asking more.

On my second trip, being bitchy, I decided to walk down the road quite a ways, maybe a mile, passing up two taxis who wouldn't turn on their meters before we found one of the regular town drivers who was happy to do so.

You want to give me thumbs down? I lived in Cebu City for six months and walked all over the city and neighborhoods alone, took taxis, rode jeepneys, often alone and never once felt threatened, let alone was robbed or assaulted. Same for the week I spent in Manila.

Answer 7

dont hire a car to drive yourself, traffic is horrendous. You can hire a driver for around 4000 pesos / day. They'll be able to get you round much quicker and safer than driving yourself. I was in Manila last year and had a very good driver. contact me if you want one recommended.
Taxi drivers will turn off the meter or pretend it isn't working, then rip you off (but still cheaper than Uk taxi).

Answer 8

using your self is going to be a undertaking, forget approximately it. Take a taxi, take the front seat next to the motive force, element to the meter, and tell him you choose for metered. If he says that this is broken, get out of the taxi and seek for yet another one, do no longer haggle, only get out. be certain the seat belt works and use it. in the previous this year I paid below 5K pesos for a motive force and vehicle from a acquaintances provider, so I knew i turn into in risk-free and depended on hands. I additionally paid for gas. Went everywhere to verify people interior the Manila area and then went to a distinctive province. as quickly as I ate, the motive force ate with me or i offered a to flow meal for him, at cases we only stopped with the help of Mcdonalds. Tipped him some hundred pesos, he turn into rather stable.

Answer 9

for security reason, its beter to hire a car. or can help you be accommodated close to malls, restaurants, bars, etc. if you need assistance or for further queries, pls coordinate with me at [e-mail] - im a travel agent in Manila. can recommend a budget car for hire as well as hotels and other tour package in the Philippines

Answer 10

Dude, excercise normal caution, and you'll be fine. For 4,000 pesos you can go from Malate to Makati 40 times - that is a bit excessive for a day. You can probably just hire a taxi all day for about half of that.