Honestly, I don’t like taking Taxis around Metro Manila because of inconsiderate and inconsistent fares! Taxis from the airports (yellow or ordinary) see the passengers (locals, tourists,foreigners) like walking dollars and are fond of tips.
For example, when the taxi meter reflects an amount of 170Php, let’s say you don’t have that exact cash on your pocket, so you handed him a 200Php. Two things might happen, One- he’ll confirm if you have exact cash and he’ll say, he doesn’t have change for you, so you’ll just get off the taxi and give the 30Php as a tip and Second- He’ll just wait for you to get off his cab until you realize that your supposed to be 30Php change was already a tip.
That’s what really happens here but in the provinces, the taxi drivers aren’t that greedy. They gave your change and if you give more than the amount you’re supposed to pay, they got ashamed and insist to give your change.
Sometimes, they also have to offer a specific fare amount before they take you to your destination. Don't agree with them, they're only overcharging you. Find other taxis that will be willing to take you to your destination and charge the fare using their meters.
Well, not all the Metro Manila taxi drivers are that greedy… there are a few people who are considerate too. People aren’t always the same but I’m just telling you things based on my experiences in riding taxis around the Metro. I just like to serve this as guidance when getting around the city.
When taking the taxi, always have in mind these things:
1. Always ask for the taxi meter on.
2. Always ask for your change. All of us work so we need money too.
3. Prepare coins and cash in your pocket so you can pay for the exact fare.
Fun Alternatives: It would be better if you'll just take the other public transportations i.e. jeepney, MRT, LRT
Updated Feb 25, 2012
as there wer not much to do in coron, its best you select the itenerary and choose the best islands to visit to. if your booking office cannot do so, then its best you hire a boat and let them know the places you wanted to visit to maximize your stay in coron.
start your day at the kayangan lake- be the first to arrive to give you a nice spot to leave your stuff. dun forget your mosquito repellant as there are plenty and plenty of huge mosquitoes like a size of a fly.. its best if you stay longer here and swim and have fun.
then go visit the twin lagoon for a short experience of passing thru the small passageway leading to the lagoon.
then go visit the banol beach for your lunch. best to stay longer for relaxation, swiming ang snorkelling. the best beach in coron.
if your into snorkelling for som more , then go visit some few islands . pick up your choice, the other places are not so attractive already. more or less the tour will end at 2- 3pm. tour cost from booking office 650 /pax minimum of 5 people..but for Do it your own tour , hire a boatman and negotiate for a better price.
oh by the way, i heard barracuda lake is a nice place too . however, it is more recomended for divers.
Written May 15, 2009
The cost for the extension of visa exempted period from 21 days to 59 days costs 2020P. I did it in Legazpi and they said they only have one type of charge which is 3020P (1000P for the express fee)
I dont need it in express as I have time here, I said.
"You want it in 3 minutes or a week costs the same, we only have expressed charge."
I consider it a tourist trap. I met traveler who done it in Boracay without hassle, 2020P, takes 3 days. In Manila, the express fee is forced as well.
Written Dec 12, 2008
Get out from Manila and you will enjoy the Philippines! Go island-hopping. Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, or go to the Mountain Province: Benguet (Baguio City), Bontoc (Sagada).
You will love the Philippines. There is so much hassle in Manila. I can't stand it. Neither could you!
Sorry, but that will be my advice.
I will come back and renovate this site.
Updated Nov 27, 2008
Although the authorities are trying to eliminate this problem it's us that have to take measures. First of all never ever get into a taxi or tricycle if you haven't agreed on an absolutely clear and definite price. Even if you have done so the driver will try to quote a different one by the time you have reached your destination. Be firm and decisive . Don't look confused. Study your journey beforehand.
If you are in a metered taxi ask them to use their meter and be careful on the route the taxi driver is following. It's possible that he make a big loop if he judges your knowledge of the journey is inadequate.
If you are on a tight badget always ask someone you trust - the hotel staff or a local - about the price of your journey in question . Even so they might lie to you or avoid answering.
When you hop on a jeepney in the countryside don't let him go with you only on the vehicle. He will probably charge the ride as a "private" one despite belonging to the public transport. Make it clear to the driver he should wait for more people to get on. Locals warned me about this!
The first day I arrived at the airport of Manila it was very late at night so I had to take one of those company taxis which are supposed to be fair and safe though too expensive for the Manila standards. When we arrived at the hotel he ..of course asked me for more . To my complaint he stepped back mumbling a cheap excuse...
On another occasion I knew the price was no more than 50 pesos. He asked me for 300 and after I firmly said no he begged me for 100. Another made a big loop before I had time to realize it.
Generally, always negotiate unless you are a rich philanthropist...Have in mind that the official price is about 30p for the flag fall plus 1p for every 100meters so even if you have to cross the entire city of Manila 300 pesos should be enough.
Updated Nov 20, 2007
No hotel booked, so you get guided to the hotel bookers. They actually seem very honest and got us good rates and a good hotel.
Watch the taxi driver as he kicked the ass out of over charging. There is a hotel guide that goes in the car with you he will ask for a tip.
Unique Suggestions: Dont give the hotel guide a tip as he doesn't actually do anything. Try not to ask him anyting about Manila, just contain your excitement til you're in the hotel. the receptioniasts will answer most things. Whatever you do don't ask about dodgy adult spots as the hotel guide will insist/come to your hotel and try to take you to the place where he will get commission.
Fun Alternatives: Book the hotel online as you can arrange transfer with them and it's way cheaper!!!! Believe me in the long run.
Written May 28, 2006
You go to a honky tonk joint and a girl starts talking to you, next thing you know she's asking for a drink from you and the gentelman that you are, you of course oblige. This drink will cost you at least $3.00 or you are sometimes charged on a per hourly basis ranging from $10-40 depending on the place you entered. If you stay for a couple of hours, this won't come out cheap and sometimes you're just forced to talk to the girl and sometimes even a group of girls. So buyers beware!
Unique Suggestions: First ask how much the drink is and your next question is how many drinks is she required by management to drink in an hour. So more or less, you would know at the end of the day how much you will pay or are willing to pay. Because I have read and seen on TV foreigners being hauled off to jail because their tab was too excessive for their wallet. I further suggest that you regularly check you tab with the waitress maybe on an hourly basis.
Written Apr 5, 2006
When it comes of Traffic Philippines is a bit famous of it because of the heavy traffic. That is what my Aunt's told me. And yes i ecounter it. It makes my feel really dizzy. 20 to 30 min traffic going to Airport is what i encounter. Its my first time though, So i asked my Mom if it will takes a min before the taxi will start to moving again. and she said Yes!. In Japan, i haven't encounter traffic.
Unique Suggestions: We were lucky though the taxi driver look a way to get out of that traffic way.
Well, you will just wait i guess if your stock in! until your cam will start moving again.
Fun Alternatives: at that time i was just playing psp. If you bring something in your bag you can get it and start reading or you can talk with the driver.
Written Aug 21, 2005
Not as bad as people make it out to be. A very nice place to go on the off season if you dont mind the rain. If you can, you can get some excellent kite sailing in. Ja Man.Also it is great to be able to wander around without the crowds. It is still not that bad in the on season either except on weekends when it can be a bit of a zoo.
Unique Suggestions: Go in the off season. Make friends on VT who are from the area. :-). Fly in and for Gods sake dont drive. Mad drivers! They dont turn their lights on at night!
Fun Alternatives: Palawan Island. Still relatively unspoiled but getting there. Fantastic diving, fantastic scenery. Most coastline small towns are just as nice except for the beach and the Philippines has many, many of those. Also good diving can be had almost anywhere along any coast, as long as you have access to diving equipment.
Updated May 12, 2005
As is common everywhere in the World, popular beach resorts in the Philippines also seem a whole world apart from the rest of the country.
The few I visited were invariably overpriced, unfriendly places with fat Western men and ugly local bar-girls.
And usually, resorts aren't even on really nice beaches!
Fun Alternatives: There are plenty of beautiful, unspoilt beaches in the Philippines where you can have a much more pleasant time - IF you don't need the resort facilities!
Written May 8, 2005
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