domestic terminal vs. international terminal in manila?

Question

i know there is a taxi desk in the international terminal. does the domestic terminal also have this? my fiancee is meeting me in manila and never flown before it will be her first experience there. she worried about the taxis hearing from her aunt that lives there. they charging thousands of pesos she telling me

she worried abour getting ripped off for more money as she not know the area and does not speak tagalog, cebuano and english. she afraid that might get taken for a ride

sorry i had a typo she speaks cebuano and english not tagalog

Answer 1

There is an Airport Taxi desk both the new Centennial terminal (the one that caters to international flights and PAL domestic flights) and the old domestic terminal ( the one that caters to domestic flights other than PAL). The Airport Taxi has a business contract with the airport. Their fare rates for various locations are prominently displayed at their booth. You pay them before you board them and they issue you a trip ticket. The trip ticket acts as your receipt plus it has contact numbers to call in case you forgot something, want to file a complaint or even if the driver insists that you tip him. The Airport Taxi proprietor is liable to airport authorities for any grave misunderstanding. Their rates, however, are more expensive than the regular taxis.

If your fiancee is coming from Cebu, chances are she's coming via the old domestic terminal. The old terminal also has a waiting line right outside the terminal for regular taxis. It operates the same way as they do it in Cebu. There is a security guard/dispatcher who notes down the plate number of the cab but that's about it. They can only vouch that they saw you board that cab and there are still some adventurous cab drivers there who will not stop in doing their thing even under such precautions.

I agree, therefore, that your best bet is to use the Airport Taxi considering the unfamiliarity with Manila and her apprehensions. It will be a pity, however, if both of you will have to skip what Manila has to offer just because of the fear of a taxi ride. Honest cab drivers still roam the place and with the two of you together chances are great that you'll have a nice time around.

If all these still doesn't appease you, you can email me and we'll see what we can work out.

Hope that the two of you have a nice time in Manila. Thanks.

Answer 2

There is a taxi service in the domestic airport, the new Centennial Terminal (if she flies Philippine Airlines).

As for the taxis ripping anyone off about the price, these are just the local cabs that are not connected with the airport in a business contract whatsoever. They may take advantage of you since they think you are "able" to pay them since you can afford to fly. Duh. And they will prey on you if you're not a local and you're not tough. So tell her to act tough and act like a local. But her Cebuano accent my give her away eeeeeek!!! And she can't speak tagalog anyway so...

I suggest that she take the airport taxi instead. It may be a bit pricey, but it sure is a safer bet than the local ones for not being "taken on a ride." And they won't charge thousands unless the place is pretty far. Especially now that prices have risen in general.


Yeah I agree with an earlier post, don't let her travel to Manila alone if she can't speak Tagalog or English. If you can make it to Cebu then go to Cebu.

If you're flying in from abroad, then try flying in to Cebu unless you can't help it because carriers catering to Cebu are limited.

Answer 3

No taxi desk in the domestic terminal. However, she can go to the international terminal, which is about 10 minutes away from the domestic terminal, and take a taxi from there. Otherwise, hire a vihicle that you can use from her point of origin.
By the way, what language can she speak?
If she could not speak tagalog or english, please don't let her travel to Manila alone.
If you want further information that can be of some help to you, contact me in my email address: [e-mail]. Although I am in UAE, maybe I can guide you for a safe journey to the Philippines. My real name is Fidel Tala, from Cavite, Philippines.

Answer 4

Since you are both new to the place why won't you meet her in Cebu for her safety. If you arrive in Manila then try to catch a flight for Cebu and meet her there. Then you can go together to Manila if you want to but if you really insist on meeting her in Mla. Ask her first if she's comfortable with the idea or not.
Let her Aunt go with her, if it's possible.
Usually, taxi cab drivers will take advantage of the tourists just to make more money.
Not all... I know. (--,)

BTW, it reminds me... I think there's a free shuttle bus from Domestic airport going to the International Airport.
Let your fiancee confirm that info... Good luck! (--,)

Answer 5

There is a bus service from Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal . Please enquire at the domestic terminal on arrival. You must have a valid ticket for the next travel. Also check for the complimentary coach service if the same still in force. Last potion is to hire a Taxi or Auto.

Answer 6

Yes, the domestic terminal has the same internal airport taxi service. It's located right by the exit from the baggage claim area. She cannot miss it.

Answer 7

It might be better to rent a van or so than paying for a cab.

Answer 8

what language does your fiancee speak??