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[QUOTE=RedKilt;2124431]Never happens that way?
I think you just contradicted yourself mate.
We just provided examples (2 out of 2 cases) where it HAS happened.[/QUOTE]Correct and I'm happy to contradict myself. It *rarely* happens that way for me. Possibly it was holiday time as the cause.
2 weeks prior, landed T1 at 7:30 pm, and ran into a similar experience (waited about 2 minutes for white taxi, was at hotel 25 minutes after grabbing luggage). Happy days are here again.
As seen recently in Century Mall (Makati), at the ForEx downstairs.
Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
The Philippine Congress has voted to extend martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2018. Measures imposed under martial law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
[QUOTE=RedKilt;2127133]Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
The Philippine Congress has voted to extend martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2018. Measures imposed under martial law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.[/QUOTE]I think after Marawi a lot of the terrorist are in hiding. But then again that may make them more desperate to come out of the woodwork and do surprise attacks.
[QUOTE=WestCoast1;2126350]As seen recently in Century Mall (Makati), at the ForEx downstairs.[/QUOTE]I usually use ATM or credit cards without FX fees. I think the rates are better. Have not figured out which bank will give better TT rates for US to PI transfers. In some countries, I have been able to find 2 banks whereby I can get very close to the rates I get with my cards, net the fees.
[QUOTE=BusyDiver;2123784]I did some searching and it is not clear to me if you can arrange an UBER ride from Aquino Intl to hotels in Manila. Some report said it was not permitted (posted in 2015) but other posts in 2016 seem to support UBER is permitted. Two questions. Appreciate any confirmation if UBER is available and any for those that have used it any tips on using the service.
Thank you.[/QUOTE]I can't confirm any information regarding Uber, but the Asian ride-share company, Grab, does have a podium and pick-up area outside Terminal 1 at NAIA. After exiting the terminal, turn right and walk maybe 75 meters and you'll see it on the median. It is not necessary to have an Internet connection on your cell phone: the attendant will call a Grab driver for you. From NAIA to Ermita it cost me p193.
[URL]https://app.box.com/s/oh4k2s02uufxu708yqi6nn1tbclzhh99[/URL]
[QUOTE=BusyDiver;2123784]I did some searching and it is not clear to me if you can arrange an UBER ride from Aquino Intl to hotels in Manila. Some report said it was not permitted (posted in 2015) but other posts in 2016 seem to support UBER is permitted. Two questions. Appreciate any confirmation if UBER is available and any for those that have used it any tips on using the service.
[/QUOTE]Uber and Grab are both available.
However, as you will see from some recent posts here, sometimes the white and yellow taxis have few people waiting in line so it's worth checking them first before you rush to book a Uber or Grab.
The other problem when traffic is really crowded is that the Uber or Grab cars will take a long time before they can get to your pick-up point.
You need to consider all options.
[QUOTE=RedKilt;2127133]Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
The Philippine Congress has voted to extend martial law in Mindanao until 31 December 2018. Measures imposed under martial law may include the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, curfews and establishment of checkpoints. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.[/QUOTE]Strictly from the perspective of one who lives in Davao, martial law here appears to be pretty much of a non-issue. I've never, since martial law was declared, been through a check point anywhere in the city, though I pretty much stick to the central parts. If there's an increased police or military presence, it's not visible and there's no curfew, other than that which applies to minors.
I'm driving to and from CDO in about 10 days, and the last time I made that drive, about 10 weeks ago, I think I went through two cursory checkpoints. So the enhanced security apparatus must be deployed around the usual trouble spots.
GE.
So, avoid Eastern, Central and Western Mindanao. I suspect Northern and Southern Mindanao are safe? I have just avoided Mindanao over the years except for a trip to Davao city center.
[QUOTE=RedKilt;2127133]Message from the Australian Consular Information (SmartTraveller) site follows:
Wednesday, 10 January 2018.
Latest update.
Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao, and do not travel to central and western Mindanao, due to very high levels of violent crime, high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Docwiltro;2127617]I can't confirm any information regarding Uber, but the Asian ride-share company, Grab, does have a podium and pick-up area outside Terminal 1 at NAIA. After exiting the terminal, turn right and walk maybe 75 meters and you'll see it on the median. It is not necessary to have an Internet connection on your cell phone: the attendant will call a Grab driver for you. From NAIA to Ermita it cost me p193.
[URL]https://app.box.com/s/oh4k2s02uufxu708yqi6nn1tbclzhh99[/URL][/QUOTE]From my observation, the Grab booths that I have used at Megamall & NAIA T3 are just run by people using the app on your behalf and they add a margin for this service. Using the app directly myself has been 20% cheaper and faster without the filipino manual handling logic.
BD.
I have had problems with Uber and Grab because GPS gets flaky and I am not familiar with a new city so cannot pin point my location. So the designated airport and other pick up points are great. With the Pinoy handling, the ride does not show up on my credit card. It is also cheaper than a hotel car.
[QUOTE=BrainDrain;2128345]From my observation, the Grab booths that I have used at Megamall & NAIA T3 are just run by people using the app on your behalf and they add a margin for this service. Using the app directly myself has been 20% cheaper and faster without the filipino manual handling logic.
BD.[/QUOTE]
There is a lot of negativity in ISG about levels of service in the Philippines and I have also chimed in on occasion, so I feel it is right and proper to acknowledge a significant upturn in 2 recent experiences here in Manila (note that I am in my 21st year of permanent residence so I have a wide range of experiences as benchmarks over the years).
Number 1: I just returned from the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros where I paid my "Annual Report fee", the princely sum of 310 php. The Annual Report is a requirement for all those resident in the Phils on ACRs and permanent visas and must be paid in the first 60 days of each year.
It took me 7 minutes start to finish (last year it was 1 hour plus).
Number 2: Yesterday I visited LTO to renew my Driver's Licence. It took 20 minutes start to finish including the cursory medical and the printing of a new licence with photo and fingerprints. Last time it took me around half the day.
So that's 2 examples of things moving into the 21st century regarding levels of service.
[QUOTE=RedKilt;2132249]There is a lot of negativity in ISG about levels of service in the Philippines and I have also chimed in on occasion, so I feel it is right and proper to acknowledge a significant upturn in 2 recent experiences here in Manila (note that I am in my 21st year of permanent residence so I have a wide range of experiences as benchmarks over the years).
Number 1: I just returned from the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros where I paid my "Annual Report fee", the princely sum of 310 php. The Annual Report is a requirement for all those resident in the Phils on ACRs and permanent visas and must be paid in the first 60 days of each year.
It took me 7 minutes start to finish (last year it was 1 hour plus).
Number 2: Yesterday I visited LTO to renew my Driver's Licence. It took 20 minutes start to finish including the cursory medical and the printing of a new licence with photo and fingerprints. Last time it took me around half the day.
So that's 2 examples of things moving into the 21st century regarding levels of service.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the update RK.
When I went to get my ACR I-card about 4 months ago, took me around 2 hours in SM Aura in BGC. I guess YMMV, however there were multiple steps each with a different line, not such a straightforward process.
[QUOTE=BaboyDave;2132261]Thanks for the update RK.
When I went to get my ACR I-card about 4 months ago, took me around 2 hours in SM Aura in BGC. I guess YMMV, however there were multiple steps each with a different line, not such a straightforward process.[/QUOTE]Two hours to obtain an ACR-I card is ok BDave. I wouldn't worry too much about that, especially with the clusterfuck occurring around most of the government service offices in the malls.
I agree that the multiple steps passing from window to window and line to line is often a bit frustrating but at least you got your card so that's a good output.
[URL]nypost.com[/URL]/2018/01/23/ man-gets-life-for-buying-filipino-children-to-use-for-sex-and-porn /.
Should get it!!