Getting around the Philippines can be accomplished using public transportation, especially if you’re staying in or around the country’s major cities, like Manila and Cebu City. However, for seeing the off-the-beaten-track areas of the country on your own schedule, renting a car in the Philippines is essential. Getting to areas like Mt. Pinatubo by transportation methods besides rental car can be extremely inconvenient.
The road conditions between major cities in the Philippines are often very drivable, with most of the variable road conditions existing in rural areas and in areas closer to the mountainous regions of the Philippines. If you’re planning on driving to the natural attractions in the Philippines, you’ll need a four-by-four to safely make your way on dirt roads, jungle paths, and narrow mountain passes.
The laws for securing your child in a vehicle in the Philippines mainly regulate the use of front and rear seats. Children 12 and under must sit in the rear seat, unless they meet the minimum height requirement of 4 ft 11 in. Child car seats that are appropriate for your child’s age must be used, so the one you travel with will suffice for your stay in the Philippines.
If you’ll be driving around Manila, you’ll have to be aware that there are days when you’re not allowed to drive in the Manila metro area, which are referenced by the last number on your car’s license plate. Plates ending in 1 and 2 can’t be driven on Mondays, plates ending in 3 and 4 can’t be driven on Tuesdays, plates ending in 5 and 6 can’t be driven on Wednesdays, plates ending in 7 and 8 can’t be driven on Thursdays, and plates ending in 9 and 0 can’t be driven on Fridays.
25% of our users found rental cars in Philippines for C$ 57 or less
Book your rental car in Philippines at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Off-airport rental car locations in Philippines are around 7% more expensive than airport locations on average
Compact rental cars in Philippines are around 29% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in the Philippines
On average a rental car in the Philippines costs C$ 84 per day.
Compact (Toyota Yaris Sedan/Vios or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in the Philippines.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Fox (C$ 41/day), Viajero Rent A Car (C$ 47/day) and Europcar (C$ 53/day).
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in the Philippines are Manila (58% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in the Philippines), Cebu City (17%) and Davao City (6%).
On average a rental car in the Philippines costs C$ 414 per week (C$ 59 per day).
On average a rental car in the Philippines costs C$ 1,774 per month (C$ 59 per day).
The style of driving in the Philippines depends on where you are. In metro areas like Cebu City and Manila, traffic jams and heavy pedestrian traffic is the norm. In rural areas, you’ll have to watch out for wildlife and varying road conditions. Tolls are present on all of the country’s major expressways, so be sure to have cash on hand when you’re traveling on these roads. Drivers must drive on the right side of the road.
The minimum age to rent a car in the Philippines ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the rental car agency. Avis and some of the other larger agencies will rent vehicles to those 21 and up, while others won’t rent to drivers under the age of 25. While a valid license is required to rent a car in the Philippines, you won’t need an international driver’s permit.
Getting gas in the Philippines will require a little extra budgeting, if you’re accustomed to the prices in the United States. While a gallon of gasoline will cost you an average of 2.50 USD in the United States, it will cost you an average of 206.46 PHP (3.95 USD) in the Philippines. Also, cards are widely accepted, so you won’t have to carry cash.
There are steep penalties in the Philippines for violating posted speed limits, so it’s important to keep an eye out for speed limit signs and make sure you’re always traveling the appropriate speed. In general, speed limits on highways in the Philippines will be a maximum of 60 km/h (37 mph), and the speed limits on expressways go up to 100 km/h (62 mph).
The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.