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| *Travel Tips>>>Philippines Travel Tips |
Are the Taxi drivers in Manila dependable? |
Travel Info I'm Australian Filipino and cannot speak Tagalog at all,just want to know how the taxi drivers there are. Also would they be willing to drive you around if you made arrangements with them for example you needed to go somewhere and you gave them a call would they pick you up? Travel Tips Being a foreigner first time in our country, I suggest you to choose preferably the colored taxis first--because most taxis here are white. These taxis are guaranteed to be company owned; plus they have radios installed inside. It's not that white taxis aren't better than the colored ones, it's just that most of the colored taxis here have been in business for generations and have earned a stable reputation. The taxi names you can choose from are: MGM (green & white), L&T (green & yellow), R&E (green & yellow), Sturdy (green & yellow), and those taxis marked with big numbers on either sides because those are an indication that they are being well-monitored by their company. I forgot the other names but I guess you already got the idea. You can just ask the driver if they can make contracts or arrangements with you. Most of them offer that service. Others arrangements no unless you're willing to give them an offer they can't refuse. There are taxi operators in Metro Manila that picks up passengers when you call. For safer travel, there are car for hire with driver that can surely communicate with you properly. The rates can be negotiated, you can email me for reference. just rent a car for how long you will stay here in the philippines. The taxi drivers in Manila generally understand English, but not as deep as the educated Filipinos are, so use basic words and speak slower. If you made arrangements with them, many are more than happy to drive you around. One such Taxi company would be Dollar Taxi, +63 2 9212383, highly recommended by expatriates. The taxi service is friendly, cheap, and reliable. If you don't want call services, just flag a taxi bearing the sentence: "MANILA TO ANY PT. OF LUZON". It generally means that they are for hire cabs. Try to contact big taxi companies like Nisan or AVIS,,they are more dependable than other small time taxi operators..You can make inquiries at the airport arrival area...or check the local directory for their number. If you are going to short destinations..more taxis now are still dependable compared to the taxis of 1990s where 90% of the drivers are no honest.. These are only some points to remember when riding a taxi. 1. Take note of the plate # and the operator contact number which can be seen in the passengers door. 2. Flag down rate is 30 pesos and 2.50 pesos for every 200 meters. at least youll have an idea if the meter is tampered or not. 3. Do not agree if the driver asked you for a fixed rate. he should use the taxi meter. But for destinations which is not a commercial area like subdivisions or it is already late night..most drivers asks the passenger for additional 50-100 pesos. It is illegal but you have to agree or else you cant get a ride. Taxi drivers in Manila are dependable. They can speak English and they can help you put your luggage in the back of the trunk of their car. However, keep in mind that taxi drivers are also very "taxy" drivers. Why? If you're willing(or want to) to be drived around the city or a block, they will run their taxis around the same block for how many times they want. On top of that, they might even ask a very hefty price-tag for just a taxi ride. I'm not saying don't ride a taxi, there are some taxi drivers out there that are dependable and just in terms of their occupation, all I'm trying to say is just be careful when you ride a taxi in Manila. Especially when it's hot and lot's of traffic. Peace.... |
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