Philippines: Getting a taxi at manila airport and what to expect

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Updated SEP 2015

2 tips that I would like to share further on taxis in Manila:

--- Be careful of scammers and always be cognizant of the price ---

It is my second time taking the taxi from manila airport terminal 3 (international airport) and I was so close to getting scammed if not for my sharp colleague. 

Once again the instructions: 

Clear the customs and head out of the airport terminal via gate G 

Cross the road as you ignore the swarm of hecklers asking you about taxi

The taxi stand 'centre' will be on your right after you cross the road

Be careful, do not let your guard down even when you reached the taxi stand. We were approached by a man wearing the airport uniform, with the same format of chart of locations shown, and when I nearly decided to go with this guy, my colleague noted the price was 3 times higher on the chart (2500-3000peso). The correct price at the taxi stand is 900+ pesos. 

So we averted getting conned and saved quite a sum today. My colleague learnt the hard way, make sure you keep a lookout!

---Prepaid vs metered taxi---

I also saw that you can take metered taxi from the airport. Any readers able to share their experience?

For my ride to crowne plaza manila at quezon city, we were stuck in very bad congestion. I guess the advantage of the prepaid factor is that it eases any worries that you will eventually get an unexpected high price.

And i'm serious. As uber failed me (the uber took forever to arrive), I hopped on to a random metered cab to the airport. It is cheap no doubt - the trip costed me less than 200 pesos from Makati. But it took me wayyyy longer than I expected 

- he took a longer way rather than the usual toll road 

- the frustration that the road he chose keep getting in jams

- (it could be an isolated accident), but my driver got into the fight with another drive during the ride

I don't know about you, but at that point I'll pay that tens of pesos more for comfort and a stress-free ride. You decide! 

Hope this is useful for you

EUFASS

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It is my first time to Manila and getting out of the airport (without getting scammed) proves to be a useful experience. Taking a taxi to your hotel is your best bet as other forms of public transport is minimal.

• I'm assuming you will be landing on Philippines new terminal (Terminal 3). When you get out of arrival, you will see a bunch of people holding nametags and hotel logos. If you have ordered a chartered cab from the hotel your name should be there.

• If you are looking to get your own cab like me, you need to exit from the building, where the designated taxis are queueing. When you cross the road, you'll see a group of hagglers asking if you need a taxi. Those are not legit and you'll get charged a high amount. Do not go with those guys.

• You should spot a 'centre' where staff is directing taxis and people as well as a large standing poster with different prices for the different destinations

• If you are going makati city centre like I am, the rate is 440 php.

• During the journey, the taxi driver will ask if you want to take the skyway. The skyway is usually faster and cost about 50 php.

• Remember to tip the driver as well. About 100 php will do.

When departing

• If you need food, get them before you enter the departure gate. There's Wendy's, some cafes and 7-11 at the 2nd floor. 
• Toilets are rare in the airport so use it when you have the opportunity.

These are my observations and tips from my first trip. Hope it is useful for you.

EUFASS