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MNL Airport - PAL Planes copy.jpg

MNL Airport


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MNL Airport


Arriving at MNL - Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Here’s a quick informational video (amateur video) to give you a sense of what to expect when landing at MNL.

Note that Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are NOT connected to each other (i.e. you cannot walk between terminals).  It can be a 10 - 30 minute taxi ride between terminals, depending on traffic.

Terminal 1: International Terminal
Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana, EVA, United, Jetstar, Thai Airways

Terminal 2: Philippine Airlines Terminal
This terminal is exclusively for Philippine Airlines passengers.

Terminal 3: Local Terminal
All Nippon Air (ANA), Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Delta.

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Airport Pickup


Airport Pickup


Airport arrivals & Departures

Terminal 1            

 

Terminal 1:

Pic 1. Upon exiting Terminal 1 Arrivals, cross to the Greeter's Area and take the RIGHT ramp

Pic 2. NAIA Airport Terminal 1 - Greeting Area

The driver will be waiting in the arrival extension area.  As you exit the main terminal, you will see the view in Pic 1.  The reception area is on the lower level, so take the RIGHT ramp to the arrival extension area.  

After you clear customs, you will exit the baggage claim area through double doors. Here, still inside the airport building, you may be approached by hotel/taxi/limo drivers. Tell them you have a car waiting and continue your way out of the airport. Follow signs to the "Greeter's Area".

Once outside the air-conditioned terminal, look for the flow of people almost straight across the street and you will see the sign above the sidewalk that says "GREETERS' AREA" Pic 1

The main reception area is one floor down (via a ramp) at ground level.  At the top of the ramp are signs telling you which way to go (right or left) depending on the first initial of your last name - - - - IGNORE these signs and take the "RIGHT ramp" to the arrival extension area.

At the bottom of the RIGHT ramp, look into the crowd across the street behind the fence. The driver will be directly across from the area labeled TUVWXYZ. He will be holding a sign that says " APAC Bioskills /  *Client Name* ".  This Pick-up point is labeled letters TUVWXYZ, Pic 2. & 3.

The representative will have a list of everyone's names and will check your ID, so please have your passports handy. 

 

 

 

Pic 3. TUVWXYZ Waiting Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terminal 2:

Pic 4. Terminal 3 - Bay 17 Waiting Area

At Terminal 2, you will clear immigration, claim your bags at the baggage area, then pass through customs.  Once you pass customs and exit the passenger-only area, see Pic 4

The representative will be waiting at Bay 17 holding a sign that says " APAC Bioskills / *Client Name* " 

The driver will have a list of everyone's names and will check your ID, so please have your passports handy.

 

 

 

 

Terminal 3:

Pic 5. Terminal 3 - Bay 7 Waiting Area

Pic 5. Terminal 3 - Bay 7 Waiting Area

At Terminal 3, you will clear immigration, claim your bags at the baggage area, then pass through customs.  Once you pass customs and exit the passenger-only area, see Pic 5


The representative will be waiting at Bay 7 holding a sign that says " APAC Bioskills / *Client Name* " 

The driver will have a list of everyone's names and will check your ID, so please have your passports handy.

 

Airport Taxi

Metered Taxi

There are 2 types of taxis that can enter the airport.  Metered taxis are yellow, typically a Toyota Vios or Altis (Also known as Yaris or Corolla).  However, there can be a long line depending on traffic and the number of passengers arriving.  Although this is the cheaper taxi option, if you don’t want to wait for 20-40 mins, you can get a coupon taxi (details below).

Estimated cost from MNL to Hotel: P250-450 or $6-10 USD, depending on traffic

(P70 flag down (first 500m); P4 each addt'l 300m; P4 each addt'l 2 mins))

Coupon / fixed rate taxi

This is the second type of taxi allowed into the airport. Coupon taxis are typically white Toyota Innova that look like a 4-door minivan.  Some rental car companies may approach you saying "taxi" and their personnel are permitted companies with airport ID.  However, these drivers negotiate/haggle their flat rate and may approach you as you are exiting from the baggage claim area. Instead, simply ask an airport official or guard "where is coupon taxi" to find the correct vehicle. 

Benefit: If you don’t want to wait for a metered taxi, or have 4 people and lot of luggage, a coupon taxi is a good option. 

Estimated cost from MNL to Hotel: P600-900 or $15-20 USD

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Passports and Visa Requirements


Passports and Visa Requirements


Passports and Visa Requirements

An important reminder to check that your passport is not due to expire within 6 months of your travel date to the Philippines.  If you need to renew your passport, please do so as early as possible.

Travelers from most countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas; however, depending on your length of stay in the Philippines, please check with your local Philippines Consulate General Office for current visa requirements for your country.  USA, Japan, Korea, and other No Visa required for less than 30 day stay. Philippines Consulate General Website of Japan.

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Getting Around


Getting Around


Getting Around

Uber or Grab Taxi

If you have a local SIM with data for your smartphone, the best way to get around Manila is using Uber.  About the same price as taxis, Uber is the most safe and reliable mode of transportation.

(See Arriving in Manila for instructions on how to purchase a local prepaid SIM.)
Uber App

Taxi

Taxis are the next best way of getting around.  If you are using a smartphone, you can download the GrabTaxi app to book a taxi.
Grab Taxi App

Take only taxis that turn on the meter.  If the drivers don't, politely request that they do.  If the meter is "broken" or the driver gives you a flat rate, the best strategy is to get out and find another taxi.

Taxis only accept cash and rarely give change, so make sure to carry small bills with you.

You can expect to pay P150-P250 for a taxi ride for travel to most places in Manila (P40 flag down rate + P15 per 1 km). See Taxi fares in Manila.

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Currency


Currency


The currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP or P).

As of July 30, 2015:
USD $1 = PHP 45.71 
PHP 1 PHP = JPY 2.76 

The Hotel can exchange currency.  You can also find more favorable exchange rates at money changers in Mall of Asia.

Current Exchange Rates here

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Safety


Safety


While the Philippines is a beautiful country with kindhearted people, it is also a developing country.  We want everyone to have an amazing stay here and so are including some safety precautions you should take while in the Philippines (and in general while traveling to any developing country).  If traveling to the Philippines for the first time, perhaps keep these things in mind:

  • Always keep a close eye on your belongings (especially your purses, ladies).  Try to keep bags at your side or in front of you at all times.
  • Security guards and metal detectors are common for hotels and malls in Manila.  They may ask you to open your bag upon entrance, which is standard procedure, so no need to be alarmed.
  • If you are in need of directions, security guards are your best resource, as typically they are everywhere, friendly, and speak English.  
  • Confirm the price before agreeing to buy/order anything, especially if the price is not listed.  If food is listed as "market price", ASK HOW MUCH it is before ordering it.
  • If a taxi driver refuses to turn on the meter, get out and find another taxi.
  • Be careful when crossing the street!  Cars generally do not yield to pedestrians, so always watch out for cars (especially those making a turn) before crossing.
  • Avoid drinking the tap water; we suggest drinking bottled water. 
  • Avoid wearing flashy/expensive jewelry and watches.
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Electrical Power


Electrical Power


Power Plugs - 220V

Outlets in the Philippines are 220-230v. 

Most modern electronics (smartphones, laptops, newer gadgets, etc.) are compatible with both (110-220v range), but check the appliance to make sure.