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Originally Posted by AssPirate
Things To Do When Boarding A Taxi In Metro Manila:
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1. Before going in, ask the taxi driver if he knows where he's going. A good indication that he doesn't is when he doesn't say anything or waits for a few seconds before answering "yes". Don't ever, ever ask him if he knows where you're going while you're already inside and he is driving you already.
2. Observe if he "flags down" the meter as soon as you enter the taxi. If he doesn't do it within one to two minutes, he would most be scamming you. Without explaining yourself, tell him to drop you off to the nearest stop and get another taxi.
3. While inside, don't carry conversations with them unless you have to.
4. If you find a taxi driver you like, it is best to have his cellphone number and ask him if he's willing to take you places when you text him. This is great when you're staying long. A good taxi driver is someone who has confidence, well-spoken and explains the route where you are going.
5. Some taxi drivers (not all) are reported drunks or drug addicts. Some of them act paranoid, so be wary of them.
6. Always pay what's on the meter. Always bring P20 and P50 bills in your wallet. If you like the way he drives, a P20 tip would suffice.
7. Insist on locking your doors while you're inside.
8. There will be certain places in the capital, where security guards of certain establishments (like the malls) hand over the car plates of the taxi. Don't lose that piece of paper.
9. It is illegal for taxi drivers to turn down a customer. If you want to report the driver, then you're doing everyone a favor.
10. Instead of taking a taxi, you can also ride the jeepneys and the FX's that ply the major thoroughfares in the city. But jeepney drivers are another moronic bunch. Hehehe
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I will add:
10. In a crowded spot you may find people who will offer to hail a taxi for you or direct you to a parked cab at the side of the road. I prefer to avoid them. Walk another block and hail a moving cab.
11. Do not smoke in a taxi in Manila. If you are caught there will be a hassle and a bribe. The taxi driver will say you can smoke and drive you buy a cop. The cop will bust you and they probably both split the bribe. (PS don't flick your cig butts in the street, also a fine)
12. Generally the cabbie has no problem with you riding in front. Wear your seatbelt in the front seat. It's the law.
Non-cab related things I have learned (second hand):
13. Men with no shirts on the street are illegal. It's hot, but keep your shirt on! (sorry ladies, it's definitely a man's town.
14: Don't fall for the free blowjob in the street trick, it's a setup. This is probably a good rule to follow anywhere.
15. The guy in the wheelchair in Burgos is a narc. Avoid.
16. Public Drinking: Illegal..
17. On the way from the airport to Makati, you will see people showering and urinating on the streets, no problem. The day you relieve yourself on a bush, you will get busted.