Getting Around Philippines Guide

• 1Grab and Maxim apps installed (international numbers and cards work)
• 2A Beep card (₱20) for Manila rail lines
• 3A valid foreign license for the first 90 days, converted at LTO afterwards
• 4Cash for jeepneys, tricycles and markets

1. 1

   Install Grab, Maxim and one motorcycle taxi app (Angkas or Joyride) before you need them.

2. 2

   Compare Maxim vs Grab before booking — Maxim is often 20–40% cheaper on the same route.

3. 3

   Get a Beep card for LRT/MRT lines in Manila — it avoids the single-journey queue.

4. 4

   Use Grab from airports — never the touts; accredited taxi counters exist inside terminals.

5. 5

   For island hops, compare budget flights (Cebu Pacific, AirAsia) and fast ferries (OceanJet).

6. 6

   If you drive, convert your foreign license at LTO within the 90-day window to skip the exam.

Grab and Maxim are usually within 5–10 minutes in cities. Peak-hour rail is extremely crowded (7–9am, 5–8pm). NAIA requires 2–3 hours before domestic flights. Mactan bridges take 10–15 minutes off-peak, 45–60+ in rush hour.

Grab dominates Manila, Cebu and Davao; Maxim is strong in Cebu and Davao and cheaper. Angkas covers select cities. Outside urban centres, tricycles and habal-habal are the local options. Cebu has a BRT; most provincial cities rely on jeepneys and tricycles.

This section reflects real experiences. Always confirm with your local office before traveling.

• Taxis often refuse the meter — insist on it or use the apps (fare is shown upfront).
• Manila traffic is severe; number coding (UVVRP) restricts certain plates on weekdays 7am–8pm.
• NAIA's four terminals are separate buildings — confirm yours before travelling.
• Driving after 90 days on a foreign license leaves you uninsured in most scenarios.
• Avoid fixers outside LTO offices — they are illegal and unnecessary.