Manila Traveler guide

While hopping on a cab may make your life as a commuter in Manila easier, watch out some cab drivers will not set the meter back. Meters should start 30 PHP in the city. Taking cabs in rush hours (7-10am and 5-7pm) can be tricky, drivers might refuse to run the meter and overprice instead (more commonly known as "kontrata").  Be sure the flat price they offer is double if not triple the fee you'd pay with the meter on. Don't agree on this!  It happens a lot especially when the drivers know  you're desperate for a cab or rushing to get somewhere.  Some also take the longer route until the fare meter hikes to outrageous rates. 

To prevent this, make sure you have a map or a Citiatlas with you and u know your route. Feel free to direct the driver!  Don't let the driver see you use this, though.  They'll realize you don't know the place and go on circles.

The cheapest way of traveling is by the jeeps and mega-taxis (watch out for their signboards, they'll tell you where their routes go), or via the MRT, LRT lines. These tend to be cheap, but crowded especially in rush hours, watch your pockets here!