• Search and Compare Icon
    Search & compare prices from leading car hire companies & save!
  • Flexible Rates Icon
    Flexible Rentals, Worldwide locations, No Hidden Fees
  • Social Media Icon
    Get in touch via Facebook
  • Multi Lingual Icon
    24/7 Multi Lingual Customer Service

Guide to Car hire Philippines 

The Philippines boasts stunning natural beauty, so consider renting an SUV or 4x4 for better access to rural areas and off-road adventures. However, in cities, smaller cars are more practical for maneuvering through traffic and finding parking. Major international airports, like Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, provide easy access to cities, with airport-to-city distances varying depending on your destination. When driving in the Philippines, make sure to explore beautiful places like Palawan, Boracay, and the rice terraces in Banaue. 

Some Helpful Information re the advantages of hiring a car , driving regulations, practices, and the overall safety of driving in the country.

Advantages of Hiring a Car and Driving in the Philippines:

  1. Flexibility: Having your own vehicle allows you to explore the country at your own pace and on your own schedule.
  2. Reach Remote Places: Some of the Philippines' best attractions are in remote areas that are less accessible by public transportation.
  3. Comfort: Personal vehicles can offer a higher comfort level, especially on longer trips, compared to crowded public transport or tricycles.
  4. Cost-effective for Groups: If traveling with a family or group, renting a car can be more cost-effective than buying multiple bus or ferry tickets.

Driving Regulations:

  1. Driving Side: Drive on the right side of the road.
  2. Speed Limits:
    • Expressways: 80-100 km/h
    • Open country roads: 50 km/h
    • Within cities/towns: 20-40 km/h
  3. Seat Belts: Mandatory for the driver and front-seat passengers.
  4. Children: Children under 6 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front seat.
  5. Driver's License: Foreigners can drive using their valid foreign driver's license (in English) or an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 90 days. After that, you'll need to obtain a local license.
  6. Alcohol: Driving under the influence is illegal, and penalties can be severe.
  7.  

Driving Practices:

  1. Traffic Congestion: Major cities, especially Metro Manila, often face traffic congestion. It's advised to plan your routes and avoid peak hours.
  2. Horns: Horns are frequently used, not always as a sign of annoyance but often as a way to communicate presence, especially on curvy mountain roads.
  3. Jeepneys and Tricycles: These are common modes of public transportation in the Philippines and can sometimes make unpredictable stops or turns.
  4. Pedestrians: Be cautious as pedestrians might cross the road unexpectedly, even if there's no crosswalk.

Safety:

  1. Road Conditions: While major highways and roads in urban areas are generally in good condition, secondary and rural roads can be poorly maintained.
  2. Night Driving: It's generally advised to avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas, due to poor street lighting and potential hazards.
  3. Weather: The Philippines is prone to tropical storms and heavy rainfall, which can affect road conditions. Check the weather forecast before long drives.
  4. Security: While the Philippines is generally safe for tourists, there are areas in the south, especially parts of Mindanao, where travel might be advised against due to security concerns. Always check for the most recent travel advisories.
  5. Parking: When parking in cities, use guarded parking lots whenever possible, especially overnight.

Conclusion:

While driving in the Philippines can provide great freedom to explore the archipelago's beautiful landscapes and hidden gems, it also requires caution and preparation. Familiarize yourself with local driving habits, be patient in traffic, and always prioritize safety. 


Cheapest car hire in Philippines

Ford Ecosport

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 115.22 EUR/day
Ford Ecosport

7 Days rental at 806.58 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Ford Ecosport

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 115.22 EUR/day
Ford Ecosport

7 Days rental at 806.58 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Ford Ecosport

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 115.22 EUR/day
Ford Ecosport

7 Days rental at 806.58 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Vios

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 41.95 EUR/day
Toyota Vios

7 Days rental at 293.68 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Vios

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 41.95 EUR/day
Toyota Vios

7 Days rental at 293.68 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Vios

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 41.95 EUR/day
Toyota Vios

7 Days rental at 293.68 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Vios

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 38.17 EUR/day
Toyota Vios

7 Days rental at 267.21 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Vios

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 40.29 EUR/day
Toyota Vios

7 Days rental at 282.05 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Vios

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 40.29 EUR/day
Toyota Vios

7 Days rental at 282.05 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 149.00 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 1043.03 EUR from 11/12/2023

  1 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 149.00 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 1043.03 EUR from 11/12/2023

  1 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 149.00 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 1043.03 EUR from 11/12/2023

  1 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Altis

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 54.32 EUR/day
Toyota Altis

7 Days rental at 380.28 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Altis

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 54.32 EUR/day
Toyota Altis

7 Days rental at 380.28 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Altis

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 54.32 EUR/day
Toyota Altis

7 Days rental at 380.28 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Philippines

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road in the Philippines
  • The alcohol limit to drive in the Philippines is 50mg (0.05% BAC)
  • The minimum age to hire a car in the Philippines is 21, unger 25's will be charged a young driver fee
  • Fixed and mobile speed cameras are prevalent in the Philippines, watch your speed

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Philippines

  •  

    R

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    30kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    50kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    100kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    PHP  82.47/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    PHP

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    21

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Car rental agent statistics in Philippines

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    8.4/10
    Highest rated agent:
    EUROPCAR
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    8.4/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    EUROPCAR
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    72
    Total number of reviews in
    Philippines
  • Most Locations Icon
    12
    Most Locations in Philippines:
    EUROPCAR
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    16
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    11
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Philippines

ItemPercent
January€ 63
February€ 315
March€ 61
April€ 74
May€ 59
June€ 361
July€ 256
August€ 437
September€ 454
October€ 413
November€ 60
December€ 62
ItemPercent
January€ 67
February€ 710
March€ 57
April€ 84
May€ 52
June€ 280
July€ 184
August€ 246
September€ 229
October€ 229
November€ 190
December€ 64
ItemPercent
January€ 105
February€ 100
March€ 102
April€ 96
May€ 105
June€ 91
July€ 93
August€ 1022
September€ 1017
October€ 366
November€ 106
December€ 117
ItemPercent
January€ 73
February€ 135
March€ 67
April€ 77
May€ 67
June€ 140
July€ 122
August€ 245
September€ 248
October€ 158
November€ 75
December€ 81
ItemPercent
January€ 99
February€ 885
March€ 84
April€ 89
May€ 98
June€ 852
July
August€ 2963
September€ 1369
October€ 1270
November€ 120
December€ 121
ItemPercent
January
February
March€ 48
April€ 59
May€ 56
June€ 55
July€ 54
August€ 2046
September€ 2097
October€ 1966
November€ 53
December€ 54
ItemPercent
January€ 90
February€ 1259
March€ 77
April€ 83
May€ 61
June€ 1584
July€ 1285
August€ 1642
September€ 1289
October€ 1659
November€ 91
December€ 95
ItemPercent
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Philippines

DieselUnleaded
Nov , 2022

€ 1.35

€ 1.16

Dec , 2022

€ 1.24

€ 1.19

Jan , 2023

€ 1.16

€ 1.10

Feb , 2023

€ 1.14

€ 1.19

Mar , 2023

€ 1.06

€ 1.07

Apr , 2023

€ 0.95

€ 1.04

May , 2023

€ 0.89

€ 1.05

Jun , 2023

€ 0.89

€ 0.99

Jul , 2023

€ 0.90

€ 0.98

Aug , 2023

€ 0.98

€ 1.15

Sep , 2023

€ 1.09

€ 1.24

Oct , 2023

€ 1.16

€ 1.30

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Oct , 2023 1.16 1.30
Sep , 2023 1.09 1.24
Aug , 2023 0.98 1.15
Jul , 2023 0.90 0.98
Jun , 2023 0.89 0.99
May , 2023 0.89 1.05
Apr , 2023 0.95 1.04
Mar , 2023 1.06 1.07
Feb , 2023 1.14 1.19
Jan , 2023 1.16 1.10
Dec , 2022 1.24 1.19
Nov , 2022 1.35 1.16

Car rental price statistics in Philippines

  • Average Price Icon
    € 267.19
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 149.00
    Highest daily price:
    Toyota Fortuner
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    109
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    42
    Most popular model:
    Toyota Vios
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    10
    Location with most cars:
    Clark - International Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 38.2 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    EUROPCAR - Manila - City Centre
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Useful links if renting a car in Philippines

Other Car Hire Locations in Philippines

We specialise in car rentals throughout Philippines to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Mactan Cebu Airport
€39.5
 
 
Compact 5 5 3 from €39.5 per day
7 seat minivan 5 7 1 from €65.3 per day
Standard 4 5 4 from €51.2 per day
Manila
€25.7
 
 
Compact 5 5 3 from €25.7 per day
7 seat minivan 5 7 4 from €40.2 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €36.2 per day
Makati
€25.7
 
 
Compact 5 5 3 from €25.7 per day
7 seat minivan 5 7 4 from €40.2 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €36.2 per day
Clark Airport
€39.5
 
 
Compact 5 5 3 from €39.5 per day
7 seat minivan 5 7 1 from €65.3 per day
Standard 4 5 4 from €51.2 per day