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Everything You Need to Know
Renting a self-drive car in the Philippines will give you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. It also allows you to discover new destinations and tourist spots not included in regular tours.
Commuting is common in the Philippines, but driving a car will save you cost, time, and energy. You don't need to transfer from one vehicle to another like boarding public buses, taxi/cabs, jeepneys, and tricycles to go to your destination.
Locals who have cars also prefer self-drive when traveling in and outside the city for convenience and comfort.
Driving in the Philippines
The Philippines is divided into three major islands (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao). We recommend renting a car in the location where you’re traveling to. If you’re exploring Luzon, you can rent a car in Manila and drive around the neighboring cities and provinces.
If you’re exploring the Visayas, rent a car service is available in major cities like Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod. Are you traveling around Mindanao? You can rent a car in Davao and explore at your convenience.
Where to rent a car in the Philippines?
Guide to the Philippines is partnered with credible car rental providers that provide the best value and quality car rental services in key destinations like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Browse and compare our collection of car rental products to find the cheapest car rentals in the Philippines to best suit your needs and preferences. Make sure that you avail of self-drive car rentals from authorized providers only that have regularly maintained and serviced vehicles for safe driving in the Philippines.
Practical Information
The Philippines generally has a tropical climate and is divided into the dry season and wet season. Depending on the month and the place you’ll be visiting, make sure to check weather updates first. Be cautious as this will prevent accidents that might happen while you’re behind the wheel.
If you’re driving during the rainy season, practice extra caution and avoid flooded roads or landslide-prone roads. Keep your tank full and make sure your brakes are in good condition. If the weather update indicates a typhoon, it’s best to avoid traveling and just stay indoors.
Regardless of the season, you must be a responsible driver. Do a pre-trip inspection of your car, take photos of it once you receive it, and check the weather conditions before hitting the road. Knowing the rules and regulations (will be discussed in detail below in the FAQ section), as well as making the necessary precautions will help you in having a great time in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Cars and Car Types
What sort of car do I need? Can the car I rented visit any island? Should I rent a 4x4 in in certain destinations? Is it safe to drive in the Philippines? What do the different categories mean?
1. Where can I rent a car in the Philippines?
The majority of car rentals in the Philippines are in the cities of Metro Manila or the National Capital Region in Luzon. These include urban centers Quezon City, Makati, and Mandaluyong to name a few. From the airports in Metro Manila cities of Pasay and Parañaque or in Clark, Pampanga (north of Metro Manila), the most convenient option is to hire a car from the airport and drop it off there. Your car rental can be picked up 24 hours a day at the airport.
2. How is the road network in the Philippines?
There are the Philippines highway network and the Philippines expressway network.
3. How is the highway road network?
The Philippines highway network roads are made up of national roads with corresponding numbers. They are given unique names based on their location or destinations covered. i.e., National Route 1: Pan-Philippine Highway or Maharlika Highway connecting Luzon to Mindanao through roads, bridges, and ferry services.
4. How is the express road network?
The Philippines expressway network roads are made up of controlled-access expressways and regional high standard highways that have toll gates. i.e., E1 or Expressway 1 which includes North Luzon Expressway or NLEx and E2 or Expressway 2 which includes South Luzon Expressway or SLEx.
5. What is Epifanio de los Santos Avenue?
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, also known as EDSA, is a major thoroughfare that connects the major cities? EDSA can be quite congested between during weekday rush hours.
6. When are general rush hours?
Between 7-9 am and 5-9 pm, when most of the city-dwellers are heading to/from work and school.
7. Can you reach islands on a rental car?
Yes, it is possible to reach the 3 main islands by rental car.
You can opt to board your vehicle in the Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) vessels or ferries that connect major destinations in the country from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao. You will need to drive to the ports where they are docked and drive the car inside the vessel. From here, you can choose to stay inside the vehicle for short-distance travel or stay inside the ferry where there are seating or sleeping quarters available depending on the vessel and distance covered.
8. Is my driver's licence valid in the Philippines?
If you’re a foreigner, your driver’s license is valid for 90 days in the Philippines provided that it’s in English. If not, make sure to get an English translation from your local embassy first.
9. What documents do I need when driving a rental car?
Always have your car rental document, passport and driver’s license with you at all times. In case you get into an accident or a road problem, this will help the authorities identify who you are and let them know you’re renting a car.
10. Which side of the road do you drive on in the Philippines?
Philippine roads require vehicles to be driven on the right side of the road, with all vehicles in left-hand drive.