Need info on Manila airport...

[snowman]

Hello people
Looking for info on what to expect in the international airport in Manila. Such as customs, retrieving luggage, taxis, etc.. I may be stuck in Manila for one night because iam arriving so late at night but my destination is Talisay City, Cebu. My fiancee is sending an open ticket to me but i hear there are 2 airports? one for domestic??
Im leaving Jan 15 for 13 days so any info is much appreciated... Thanks much!! Bill

[The Mog]

... in response to Need info on Manila airport..., posted by snowman on Nov 29, 2001

Hi Snowman, with a name like that you wouldnt be from Minnesota would you? LOL..
Ive done that late night arrival bit in Manila before, dont worry about it, but you WILL get hounded by cabbies when you get out the doors. Make sure you stop at one of the money changers and convert $100 or so to get you started , the rates are not too bad. ( ask for some SMALL bills too!)
As was mentioned if your flight to Cebu is on Cebu Pacific or another airline and not Philippine Airlines (PAL), you will be going to the domestic airport for your departure. Its close to NAIA, but the way its set up you just "cant get there from here", hence cabbies have a monopoly.
If you want a place to stay overnight before you leave for Cebu the next day you might try the Copacabana on EDSA, its close to the Domestic Airport and about $35 US a night for a clean safe room with a few places to eat just walking distance from your door.
That way you can take a shower and get a little sleep . Expect to spend around 350 to 800 pesos for your cab ride into Manila, around $7 to $12, its will depend on how tired you are and how many cabbies you want to haggle with after flying for 12 hours ..dont worry, any other cab rides you take will be very cheap, but the Airport is just a no-win situation, best just ask a few cabbies for fares and if you walk away the price will come down 100 pesos each time hehe...

[tito]

... in response to Re: Need info on Manila airport..., posted by The Mog on Nov 30, 2001

I'm not sure why the taxi hassles at the airport still get reported by guys who have been there recently.It has been my expierence twice in the last year to catch a car(not taxi) from the two counters set up as you exit the customs area.There are signs for the "car hire" agencies.You can't miss them.They have attractive girls yelling "Hello sir!Hello sir...".First time it cost me 350P for a Makati hotel and this time 380P for a Roxas Blvd hotel.You pays your money,get a ticket and then escorted to a waiting air con newer model car.Jump in,sit back,chat up the driver and relax.This is the Philippines,boys!Enjoy the ride:)

tito Matt

[Taliman]

... in response to Need info on Manila airport..., posted by snowman on Nov 29, 2001

Hi Snowman,
my wife is from Talisay Cebu also hence my name "Tali-man"
Anyway have not heard from U before.
Please tell the board a little about U and your Love in Talisay?
How did you meet? When? etc....
Welcome to the board

[snowman]

... in response to Re: Need info on Manila airport..., posted by Taliman on Nov 29, 2001

Hey thanks guys!! About me.. Iam 31, Live in Mn,(of course) electrician, never married. Met Cathy in late july through Asia Blossoms and knew after a little over a month that she was the one. She is 21 and a 4 year college grad, just passed her teaching exam and a very sharp girl.She lives in Talisay City. So hey Tali, maybe she knows your wife?? We are engaged and have already started putting together the paperwork as I leave for the phils jan 15. I have had several pen pals over the last year and just havent found the right one but with her, i just knew. So i am taking the chance of a lifetime and hope that it will work.
I have a lot of doubts that are running thru my mind but as i see it theres no turning back, already have plane tickets in hand!! Thanks again,
Bill

[greg]

... in response to Re: Re: Thanks!!, posted by snowman on Nov 30, 2001

What doubts going thur your mind???hehe

[snowman]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Thanks!!Oh Mr Snowman, posted by greg on Dec 1, 2001

Well Greg... Tons of doubts. Why a girl would want to marry me so fast and claim to love me so much so soon. Green card sharking is my main fear. I dont want to go thru this whole process to just get played and used and hurt. And humiliated i might add. People in my life here really will not understand what i am doing and will think me crazy and irrational. I could easily have a woman here as i have a few chasing me now but iam so sick of the american woman attitude!! peace...

[greg]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Thanks!!Oh Mr Snowman, posted by snowman on Dec 1, 2001

Very wise thoughts. Just becuz She's gooood in RP doesn't mean that she's going to be the same here. Just go slow, think with your Big head, get to know her. Most of all don't let her beauty blind You. Mr Peabody

[Jeff S]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Thanks!!Oh Mr Snowman, posted by snowman on Dec 1, 2001

Suggest you read a thread started back in April. It is practically the entire Archive 00052. Best of luck to you.
-- Jeff S.

[donb2222]

... in response to Need info on Manila airport..., posted by snowman on Nov 29, 2001

The international airport is for PAL only, all
other domestic airlines go thru the old airport.
If your flight to Cebu is on PAL, you would use
the same airport.
Customs is a breeze, nothing to worry about.  Retrieving your luggage may take an hour or two.  You might learn that service in America is pretty good compared to other countries.  They are not in a hurry to get you your luggage, and you should not be in a hurry to retrieve it.
Eat on the plane, you won't find much to eat at the airport if you arrive hungry.

If you must spend the night in Manila, try to find a taxi
that will turn on the meter.  Try not to get cheated, but do not worry if you do, it happens to all of us on our first trip.  I have not spent that much time in Manila, someone else here can probably give you more info on hotels and taxis.

Don