Trustworthy Taxi in Manila
Hi, travelling to Manila for the first time at the end of the week and a friend told me that I have to be careful which taxi company I use. Is someone able to recommend a trustworthy taxi company, I believe that they are distinguished by colour? I intend to use Grab as much as possible, however, just want to be aware of other options just in case.
Thanks in advance
Mark
The vast majority of the time you'll have no issue snagging a Grab in Metro Manila. Other than the yellow "airport" taxis which do as they say on the tin and ply routes from the airport (they are more expensive than standard taxis), the only other taxis you'll see out and about in Manila are the white ones. By and large they are fine, but like everywhere else in the World you will get the odd rogue operator. What always amuses me most have "aircon" plastered down the side of the taxi, the real trick however, is finding one with working A/C :-)
There is another ride hailing app called Joyride, but in my experience it can be hit and miss, mainly miss. Others however, have reported more success with it, therefore it will not harm to download the app as a back up.
Hey Marty thanks for your response and helpful information. Very much apricated.
Grab are like Uber you get to know the price in advance
Most regular taxis you hail will put on the meter but some will for example if the correct fare is three of your Aussie dollars ask you to pay a fixed fare of five in which case you decline or agree.
There are rogue taxis who if going to NAIA and the meter fare should be 150 pesos will wip out a printed card with sky high official rates which do not exist
Get a local sim and use grab or if hailing a cab just let the driver know he cannot just take you for a ride.
Thanks you Sampaglta, much appreciated. I have down loaded the Grab app and will be taking my phone on roaming, which I do in Indonesia without any issue, so fingers crossed it should work the same. Thanks again
You will have no issues with Grab as prices are transparent.
Should you use a taxi most will be ho eat for those who won’t use the meter get out and get another taxi.
Thanks Tommo, sound advice as always. Appreciated.
Above should be most will be honest but as we know there is always a bad apple amongst them.
Do Not Use Travel thru Very Unreliable!
If the driver doesn't turn on the meter, tell him to stop and get out and find another taxi.
Also be aware that Grab increase their rates at busy times and it may be cheaper to use a normal taxi.
It's worth it to download Joyride APP because their increase during busy times are less than Grab. I have also found them to be quicker to respond than Grab, especially in Makati, Mandaluyong and in Manila.
