Expat Guide: Hiring a Driver
Driving in the Philippines can be both a relaxing experience and a horrible one. Long drives along provincial roads are usually the best, but driving within Metro Manila? Not so much. It can take you weeks to get used to your local roads, and months before you can say you can get around Manila with confidence.
While public transport is the most common way to get around the country, getting a driver is not out of the question. Who better to take you around Metro Manila than someone who knows it by heart?
If you’re interested in hiring a driver to take you around Metro Manila, getting a car rental is by far the best way. A common policy among car rental companies is to provide a chauffeur for anyone who rents a car. Car rental companies have their own locations and an online presence, so it won’t be hard to find one.
Here are a few suggestions for car rental companies:
Drivers from car rental companies are usually given 10-12 hours a day, 5 days a week. Anything in excess of the car rental company’s terms usually merits overtime pay of P200 per hour, shouldered by the renter. A good rule of thumb is to interview the driver assigned to you by the car rental company. This way, you can avoid any untoward incidents. Car rental companies will have a hotline you can call if anything happens to you or your family while renting their car with a driver.
As far as the number coding scheme is concerned, there are certain policies in place for car companies. Some cities also give a time window (usually between 10am and 7pm) where the number coding scheme is lifted.
If, however, you’re in a bit of a hurry and do not have the time to get a car rental, your smartphone can help you get someone to drive for you.
GrabCar and Uber, the most popular car booking apps, now have a network of drivers within Metro Manila. Unlike other countries, however, the government has actually sanctioned these companies, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board calling their vehicles as Transport Network Vehicles. They’re like taxis, only you don’t need to line up to get one.
All you need to do is download the app, sign-up, and book using either of the apps. Rates will vary between the app that you use and your destination. GrabCar charges a P40 base fare plus P15 per kilometre.
Drive safe!
Photos courtesy of: BradFitzpatrick.com, PinoyTechBlog.com and Yugatech.com
