Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Philippines have several tourist hotspots, culinary cities, and attractions that you may want to visit. Imagine being able to travel anywhere you want to go on a road trip with your family and friends without needing to call for a ride. It might be challenging to prepare everything for your trip, so we have put together a detailed guide on affordable car rental in the Philippines.
Car Rental Process
It would be best to prepare before investing your money in a rental car. For more specific information, you should first review your options of rental services available and look at the company's standards and procedures on their website.
Various car rental agencies may have different criteria. However, almost all of them will need a valid passport, a credit card, and a driver's license. Some of them could also ask for another identification card in addition to your passport, evidence of lodging payment, and other papers.
Depending on the car rental company's terms, conditions and the vehicle you will be renting, some businesses will demand a security deposit or a reservation charge.
As long as you meet the prerequisites, renting a car in the Philippines is simple. The streets might be hectic when it comes to driving, but most people will quickly grow used to it.
Requirements
You need a valid passport, a credit card, and a valid driver's license to rent a car in the Philippines.
You may use the driver's license granted by your country for 90 days as a visitor, but it must be written in English. If your driver's license is not officially translated into English, you must visit your local embassy. And if you plan to remain longer than 90 days, you must visit the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to change your license to a local version.
Here are just a few pointers for using an affordable car rental in the Philippines:
- Always have your official receipt, registration, and driver's license.
- When an orange or yellow light comes on, drive more slowly rather than faster. Avoid attempting to beat or, worse yet, run a red light.
- Don't drive after consuming alcohol.
- Always buckle your seatbelts.
- Drive only authorized cars from respectable companies.
- Try not to swerve.
- Avoid making illegal turns and parking.
Limitations and Restrictions
Age Limitations
In the Philippines, a person must be 18 years old to operate a motor vehicle. But remember that some car rental businesses have a 21-year-old minimum age requirement, so it's wise to phone and ask ahead of time.
Road Conditions and Traffic Regulations
You could occasionally come upon road construction. Use GPS navigation tools like Google Maps and Waze to replan your driving route to avoid them. Remember that since cars are operated on a left-hand drive in the Philippines, they must follow right-hand traffic.
Hands-Free Cellular Phones Usage
Avoid using your cellphone while driving since doing so is against the law under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act. Use your GPS navigation app's hands-free mode.
Parking
Be aware of parking restrictions and warnings since improperly parked vehicles may result in their confiscation by authorities. To avoid leaving your car parked on the streets after your day of exploration, look for condos or hotel accommodations that include a garage or parking area.
Car Insurance
In case of any damage, rented cars in the Philippines are covered by insurance, or more specifically, the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). It will protect you from damages to the vehicle, as the name implies.
Keep in mind that Collision Damage Waiver only covers bodywork damage; it does not cover damage to the engine or transmission, the windscreen, the tyres, the batteries, or the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, driving while intoxicated or recklessly damaging the vehicle is not covered.
Final Note
Overall, having an affordable car rental in the Philippines may give you total control over your trip. It will offer several conveniences so you can genuinely enjoy the time rather than stress and plan.
Utilizing automobile rentals in the Philippines enables you to travel more flexibly and spontaneously. Remember, the most memorable vacations frequently have a healthy dose of spontaneity.