How to Take a Taxi from Manila International Airport

It was my first in 2007 to visit Manila, Philippines. During that time I had a friend who would come and pick me at the Air-port itself. I was fortunate enough, I should say. Though I had to wait for him for a couple of hours, before he came and fetched me, I did not need to worry about the transportation that I would need.

If you do not have any one to pick you at the Air-port and you have heard some story about air-port swindler, let me give you some advice. Though my advice might not give you a 100% assurance of security, hope it will help you.

After you landed at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Air-port) Manila, the Philippines follow the passage that leads to the exit. When you come out of the exit, you will find a street which is also connected with meeting place. So all you got to do is do not cross over the other of the street, but just walk down through the passage.

Look around the left side corner and you will find Money Exchange Booth, which is locally known as Money Changer. There, you will need to change your currency, so that you will have some amount of money for the taxi fare. You do not need to change big amount, but just the sufficient amount for Taxi, maybe USD 50. I did not know in my first experience that there is money changer right at the exit, I bought one bottle of water with USD 1, which costs only 10 Pesos in the actual price in that time.

After you got your money, proceed to the Taxi booth and tell them where you would like to go. Then they will fix the price. A token will be given to you before you ride the taxi. In Philippines, there are Taxi companies which are legally contracted with Air-Port Authority. They do not charge with you extra. And it is safer to go with Air-Port taxi.

Or else you are familiar with places in Manila and able to take Bus, taking a taxi is the best advice one can give you as a foreign traveler. And To converse with the taxi driver while traveling is much appreciated in the Philippines. It is a kind of friendliness as well as hospitality.

However, if you would like to take outside, not taking the Air-port taxi, it is up to your own choice. But you need to be careful; though all taxi in Philippines particularly in Manila are metered, it means you pay according the meter you travel, and the taxi driver will not agree to use the cost per meter system. So the fare will depend on the negotiation. But if you are not sure how far it is your destination then, you might be in trouble. Therefore my best advice is just take a taxi from the Air-Port, there are security guards 24 hours on duty, if you need further help, feel free to ask them for guide.