taxi cabs in Manila

[Arlie]

Hi!
Just wondering if you folks who reside in Metro Manila full time have found a way to deal with taxi cab drivers without making every trip a hassle?  If so would you be willing to share it with me?
Arlie

[BJRuth]

Arlie, dealing with taxi drivers in Metro Manila is certainly different than in the U.S.  You have to realize that taxi drivers for the most part are not owners of their cabs, nor are they employees of the taxi company.  They lease the taxis for 24 hours at a time (usually at a cost of PhP1500 plus fuel).  So their goal is to maximize their fare revenue during that period.  That is why most are picky as to where they will travel.  Also that is why they will often try to get a fixed rate for a destination when they are required by law to use the regulated meter.  The method I learned from many years of visiting the Philippines, and from my three years of living here full time, is to first make sure they are willing to go to my destination.  That is done before even getting in.  I then make sure the meter is turned on, and it is set at the flag down rate of PhP30.  If the driver will not do that, I tell him to stop and I get out.

Next, I try to know where I am going, and approximately how long it should take.  I am not  afraid to give directions if I know the best route.  Remember, Metro Manila is a large area and taxi drivers may not always be familiar with the best route to your destination.  Also, there are a few that may try to take advantage and run the meter up if you do not appear to know where you are going.

During the trip, I try to engage the driver in conversation.  I have found that most Filipinos are interested in speaking with foreigners.  Taxi drivers have given me some of the best insights into Filipino culture.

Another point is paying the driver when my destination is reached.  It is important to always carry small bills (20's and 50's) and coin when travelling by taxi.  On many occasions, when it is time to pay, the driver may not have the correct change for a larger bill, or may say that he doesn't so that he may get a larger tip.

Lastly, about tipping ... it is not expected in the Philippines that the taxi driver will get a tip.  If you do tip, either for your convenience (don't want to deal with coin or small bills) or because of good service (the driver helped you with your packages or luggage, or did something special to assist you), the tip should be no more than PhP10 to PhP15.  Don't be a "rich Kano" tipper, but keep in mind his circumstance (is he in an area to quickly get another fare, or will he have to travel a distance at his expense).

Traveling by taxi in Metro Manila should be a good experience, and usually is!

[rblevy]

Another thing to watch out for are "fast" meters.  The problem is that unless you know how much that you should be paying based on previous trips to your destination or on experience with distance and fares, you can be taken. 

If I find that at the end of the trip that  the fare is way out of proportion to the distance, I tell the driver that I will pay the full fare but will report him to the LTFRB, or instead we can negotiate the proper amount.  That usually works.   

Another recent development is the "trip tracker" hot line 9988,  a number  through which you can text complaints regarding taxi driver "on the spot"; see    <http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/231212/mmda-introduces-new-complaint-number-erring-puvs> for further details.

[Alan Schmidt]

Hello everyone I am coming for a visit in June this year.  What can I expect to pay for cab fare from the Airport to Quezon City at around 1030 pm at night going to my Hotel?  thank you everyone.
Alan

[Arlie]

Alan:
I don't know what that fare would be but if you have a reservation at a hotel in Quezon City they will most likely pick you up at the airport for free.  I know several hotels around the US Embassy in Manila do that.
Arlie

[BJRuth]

Alan, there are hotels in the Manila area that will pick up from the airport, however Quezon City (often referred to as QC) is a considerable distance away (about an hour or so) and the number of hotels offering that service are minimal.  For the benefit of you, again, and others, I will post what I forwarded to you privately a few weeks ago:

"There are several international flights into Manila at that hour so taxis are readily available.  You will find two types.  The yellow taxis are airport pickup only and can not pickup outside the airport facility.  For this reason, their meter starts at double the normal flag down rate.  The second type is the coupon taxi.  Depending on whether you are arriving at the International Terminal or on Philippine Airlines through Centennial Terminal, you will have one or two choices to get your coupons (the familiar Avis is one choice).  Coupon taxis are fixed rate and depend upon the area in which your hotel is located.  ...  In either case, the taxi ride into QC should not exceed PhP600 to PhP800 (depending upon where in QC as it is a very large city).  You could head upstairs to the departure area of either terminal and try to get a normal metered taxi dropping off passengers, but would not suggest it for a first time visit.  That would save you about PhP300 or so.  Our condo is in Cainta, Rizal, just west of QC, and that is what we expect to pay when going to and from the airport.

The one thing you do need to have is an exact location of the hotel (not just address).  This will get you the best rate for the coupon taxi, and keep the metered taxi from overcharging you by taking a roundabout way of getting there.  While we do not have a Metro Manila map on our website, they are available on the internet.  I can tell you for certain that as a first time visitor to the Philippines, some people will definitely try to take advantage of you."

[Alan Schmidt]

I will be staying at the Torre Venezia has anyone stayed here and where is it exactly?  thank you

[BJRuth]

Alan, your hotel is a little over an hour drive from the airport and is in the media center of Metro Manila.  From the Airport Terminal, take Domestic Road. Turn left going to Pasay Tramo & take right turn entering EDSA. Take EDSA road going to north bound Quezon City. After reaching the intersection of EDSA & Timog Avenue [GMA 7 (the TV network) building as a landmark], take the U-turn at EDSA & turn right entering Timog Avenue. Straight ahead, Torre Venezia is at the left side just before reaching Scout Santiago Street.  The hotel's address is:  62 Scout Santiago Street corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City 1103, Metro Manila, Philippines.  Taxi fare from the airport should be less than PhP800.

It is a nice hotel ... have a great time!

Torre Venezia website link

[coyote]

God Bless you Rick!....
Now that is News I can use!...

Arlie,... very good question and welcome... This will be an informative thread I think..My experiences with taxi's there varies quite a bit, I solved the issue another way, I try not to use them.
That is not an option for most and I still use a taxi.
Yes, that gets better with experience too the taxi from the airport seems to always be the worst. But true a few cabs are operated by freelance "pirates".
If the meter is black.... ask them to stop... get out. if the meter starts at 500 peso's get out....You can get another cab for less...
and  "trip tracker" hot line 9988   I must remember ... It happens at least once each time I visit.
Still if your visiting, ask your hotel if they have a pick up service.... even if there is a fee it is usually better than the cab from the airport and it will also give you an idea of how much it should be but remember the taxi will still almost always cost more....from the airport every time just my experience.

 

Another recent development is the "trip tracker" hot line 9988,  a number  through which you can text complaints regarding taxi driver "on the spot"; see    <http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/231212/mmda-introduces-new-complaint-number-erring-puvs> for further details.

[rblevy]

God Bless you Rick!....
Now that is News I can use!...

You're welcome, coyote.  I'm sorry that I can't contribute any input regarding taxi service from the Airport as I haven't traveled since I arrived here 5 years ago. But I'm shocked to read how expensive even "legitimate" fares are from there.

[Miles]

Just a tip from a newbie here, when taking a taxi and you're alone, never leave your stuff at the car's trunk cause its a common occurrence where taxi driver ran away with their passenger's stuff when the later goes out of the taxi to take his/her baggage at the taxi's trunk. If you're with someone, tell your companion to stay inside the taxi while you take all your stuff from the taxi's trunk. It always count to be very careful.