Car owning Phillipines

Whats the story with wanting to own a car in the Phils ?

What do you need?

Insurance
Mot
??

Bought one a few months ago, Mine was used, make sure the sellers paper work is good up to date. Needs registration ever year mine has 12 months. Smoke test every year LTO needs the paper work to transfer. No such thing as a MOT or car tax, need Insurance. Buying a new car usually has three years registration on it. Probably missed something out. You need an extra pair of eyes driving over here and clairvoyant lol

Oh and driving licence, I changed my UK one for a PH licence, You will require a drug, pee and eyetest.

Hi Jim, can you let us have more info on exchanging your UK license for a PH license? I understood that you need to have a min of 12 months visa available in order to do that, which rules out visit visa or Balikbayan.

In that case I will just stick to my UK license

Unfortunately, that is only possible for a short while, 3 months I think.

Sorry I should have said my UK License with a 1000 peso note inside

I have a 12 month Balikbayan, or you need permanent ACR card.

As I understand the current rules, you need to have 12 months right to stay in Philippines from the time you apply. A Balikbayan will only give you 12 months from date of entry, therefore will not suffice, with or without an ACR.

Rubbish. I was involved in a car accident in Davao a few months ago, the police were very respectful and helpful and after studying the accident, wrote a report for my car rental company no problem. I was treated fairly and with respect throughout the whole process.
As for hiring a car and driver, you are either very rich or have no idea how much car rental with or without a driver costs. Try P3,000 per day as a starter plus fuel and lunch etc for the driver.
If you think the driving is bad there, try Jordan, Cairo, Rome, New Delhi or Mexico...........

In which case you will appreciate that it's a case of Horses for Courses. Rome is what you're used to so it seems OK, whereas to a visitor it's manic and seems like the driving that you've described in Fils.

Well I have Philippines driving licence good for 5 years, Showed them my " Balikbayan " stamp on my passport.

A boy on a motor bike decided to overtake me as I was parking my car, I was tuning right Indicating as I was just going into the parking slot. He hit my front wing small damage but the kid came off his bike almost hitting the guard who was guiding me in, also there was witness too who got his plate number. The boy got back on his bike and drove off without saying anything. Reported to the police and the LTO. Everybody was on my side saying it was the boys fault.

Most expats drive here, why make a comment like that ?

I got a driving licence in 2012 - expired 2015 - using an international licence (RAC I think) - cost me about 2000p

I drive all the time in the Phils, never a problem for me and I don't think its any worse than driving in Spain or Italy. I have drove in almost every country I have visited.

The secret to driving in the Phils is ..... drive like everyone else and you will be fine.

That's good to hear Jim. When did you get your license as I read that they had tightened up this year.

I think that used to be OK John, but I am told that LTO has tightened up this year.

David, I got my licence this May. transfer my British one to a Philippine one. Can't remember the cost don't think it was much. Did my drug and eye test at 1 pm then got my licence about 3 hours later, albeit a paper one, need to wait about 5/6 months for the plastic one.

Yes they have - I do have another option which I should sort out.