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any advices on driving!

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seatala
3/7/2017 07:03 EST

hey,everyone
im a taiwanese girl.
i just got a offer which will work in philippine in the near future.
now i have a big problem about driving...
my boss asks me to learn how to drive and he wants me drive in philippines,somehow,im so scared about driving...(i know it's a shame!!!)

can anyone give me any advices on this issue?

i might work in subic bay or Cavite....

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trappedinhell
3/7/2017 22:32 EST

It's workable. It's just a matter of getting used to the stressful driving conditions for about a year or so. City driving here is crazy; but you can either adapt or reject the driving mentality of Filipinos. I would recommend the former option. Courtesy in driving here is minimal, it's cut-throat driving here. But I think you'll be okay. If you'll be driving inside SBMA (Subic Bay), it's western style of driving there - traffic rules are strictly enforced. It's those small bike (couriers) & those trycycle drivers that are a pain in the ass they will cut right in front of you since they are always in a hurry. Bumper-to-bumper traffic here (Manila) is a "War of Nerves". Just don't get intimidated by these other drivers.

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GaryD
3/8/2017 03:02 EST

Do you intend to learn to drive before you go to the Philippines or once you get there. Who's going to supply the car. If it's only occassional driving it would be less expensive to hire a car and driver as needed.

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LarryKar
3/8/2017 03:36 EST

I've driven in total for over 50 years and here for about two. The number one thing and cannot repeat it enough DRIVE DEFENSIVE. Do not let a life time of inbred logic lull you into a wreck. Logic has nothing to do with driving here. Example: pull up to a corner, apply brakes and signa a left turn. Logic would say the guy behind you will note you are going to turn. No here they will decide to pass you and do so floored and blowing their horn. BE PREPARED!

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ACEPoolPlayer
3/8/2017 07:39 EST

The first question would be do you have a drivers license in Taiwan? Do much do you intend to drive in the Philippines? If you are living, working and driving on Subic, it's not much of a problem. Driving conditions are slow and pretty normal. If you are driving in Cavite, you'll experience a lot of traffic and irregular/erratic driving conditions that is difficult for most foreigners. Most of it is from public vehicles (jeeps/buses/taxis). I drove over 30T miles (50T kilometers) a year in the Philippines for many years. It takes patience and understanding the mentality of the other drivers and the local police but it certainly can be done. Defensive driving is good but it's not always the answer. Many times it's safer and better to be a controlled aggressive driver in the Philippines rather than be very defensive with vehicles cutting you off and taking advantage of you every moment.

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Spruik
3/8/2017 19:36 EST

Just get the BIGGEST CAR you can get.

Nobody argues with a car bigger than theirs.

LOL

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LarryKar
3/8/2017 23:36 EST

Ace: maybe "Defensive" was not the best choice of words. What I was trying to say to our new friend is that especially if she is an experienced driver DO NOT expect normal driving reactions to hold true here. Filipinos will more often react as you least expect a logical minded driver would.

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Spruik
3/9/2017 00:07 EST

I have driven cars in Manila, Cebu and General Santos.

Also in Phnom Penh (another madhouse).

I managed ok, but I soon realised if I would strictly adhere to the rules, I'd be dead before long.

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trappedinhell
3/9/2017 00:11 EST

If you really feel uncomfortable driving in P.I. & your salary is more than enough; as GaryD have said - you could hire an on-call licensed driver. They aren't from an agency or hiring company; but just guys usually retired taxi drivers looking for some extra cash. It run for about 500 Ph pesos for a 12 hours work, plus you may have to provide for his lunch & dinner money for about 150 - 200 Ph pesos. You will have fun in the Philippines, Go for it. There's many Taiwanese nationals here too, running their business. Take the plunge.

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LRod50
3/9/2017 04:50 EST

Sound nice, and very affordable. $10 for a driver or pay $12 a day and get a real pro. Just remember one thing. You provide the car.

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ACEPoolPlayer
3/9/2017 08:34 EST

LarryKar,
"Filipinos will more often react as you least expect a logical minded driver would" Larry, that goes for almost all situations, not only driving.

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Borsia

From: United States
3/14/2017 20:47 EST

In any situation ask yourself "What is the stupidest thing this guy could possibly do?" They won't disappoint you !
Rich Filipinos in nice cars are the most dangerous thing here. Trikes, trucks, jeepneys, owners are predictable. Rich snots will pull crap beyond belief. As far as they are concerned they own the road and can do anything they please at any time.

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yarswollef
3/15/2017 06:50 EST

Biggest vehicle has right away. First come first proceed. Money spent on stripes is waisted

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0bieone
3/15/2017 08:20 EST

Make sure you have BIG Strong BUMPERS front and back!!!
p.s. Motorcycles don't like big bumpers...they avoid at all cost!!

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0bieone
3/15/2017 08:26 EST

Buy a BIG Truck and put real steal bumpers all around. Motorcycles don't like them.. And for you a truck is more safe than a pretty car..!!!

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racer1961
3/15/2017 10:42 EST

"Rich Filipinos in nice cars are the most dangerous thing here. Trikes, trucks, jeepneys, owners are predictable. Rich snots will pull crap beyond belief. As far as they are concerned they own the road and can do anything they please at any time."

Borsia,
I was in a taxi cab about a year ago in Cavite area and the driver told me some of the rich in that area also tend to carry guns and would not hesitate to shoot if they feel you got in their way, they know they can buy their way out of trouble, mind you, This came from a local driver.

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