The Global Expat Hub
PhilippinesPhilippines drives on the right. Here is how to rent, buy and get legal behind the wheel.
🚗
RentingShort-term rental for the scouting trip, long-term rental and subscription cars for the first months; deposits and insurance excess.🛒
BuyingNew versus used prices, dealer versus private sale, registration, road tax and import duty on a car you bring.🪪
Your foreign licenceHow long you may drive on it (typically 3–12 months), whether an International Driving Permit is needed, and which countries' licences can be exchanged without a test.📝
Getting a local licenceTheory and practical tests, medical certificate, translations, typical fees and waiting times in Manila.🛡️
Insurance & inspectionsMandatory cover, no-claims history from home, annual roadworthiness tests.⛽
Running costsFuel about $1.05/litre, tolls, parking and low-emission zones.Rules of the road
- Drive on the right; overtake on the left.
- Speed limits, alcohol limits and phone rules, and how strictly they're enforced.
- Roundabout and right-of-way conventions that catch foreigners out.
- Official rules: The LawPhil Project (Arellano Law) ↗
Official & reference sources
Labelled partner · Advertise with usCar rental & purchase partnerLong-term rental, leasing and trusted dealers in Manila for newcomers
One labelled partner per page. Paid placements never influence the Philippines liveability score, safety rating or warnings.
Starter content generated from the country data model. Replace with sourced, dated copy before launch. Last reviewed: not yet.