Vehicles

1. Kotse

   Car

   Usage

   From Spanish "coche" — the everyday word for a private car

2. Bus

   Usage

   Used as-is from English. Manila's EDSA has a dedicated busway, the "EDSA Carousel"

3. Bus na pang-probinsya

   Provincial bus

   Usage

   The long-distance coach to the provinces. In Manila each company has its own terminal, so show it with your destination

4. Tren

   Train

   Usage

   From Spanish "tren". Rail is limited in the Philippines, so in practice it means the Metro Manila lines

5. MRT

   Usage

   Runs north–south along EDSA. It beats the traffic but is packed at rush hour, and there is a bag check at every entrance

6. LRT

   Usage

   Lines 1 and 2 — the handier option for Intramuros and Rizal Park. A separate system from the MRT

7. Jeepney

   Usage

   The icon of Philippine transport. Read the route painted on the side; fares are passed forward hand to hand, and you call "para!" to get off

8. Traysikel

   Tricycle

   Usage

   A motorbike with a sidecar — the main short-distance ride, reaching side streets no jeepney covers. Check the fare before you get in

9. Pedicab

   Usage

   A bicycle with a sidecar, also called "padyak" — for very short hops

10. Kalesa

    Kalesa (horse carriage)

    Usage

    A carriage dating from the Spanish era, still running for tourists in Intramuros and old Vigan. Agree the price and the length of the ride first

11. Taxi

    Usage

    Say "meter po" before you set off. Also spelled "taksi"

12. Grab

    Grab (ride-hailing)

    Usage

    Shorthand for ride-hailing in the Philippines. The app fixes the fare, so there is nothing to negotiate

13. Motorsiklo

    Motorcycle

    Usage

    Used when renting; people also just say "motor". Without an international licence and helmet you risk a fine

14. Habal-habal

    Habal-habal (motorbike taxi)

    Usage

    The motorbike taxi of the provinces, common on mountain roads and islands. Seats are sometimes extended for several riders — helmets are often missing, so use your judgement

15. Angkas

    Angkas (app motorbike taxi)

    Usage

    Originally the verb for riding pillion, now the name of the motorbike-hailing app in Manila and Cebu. Helmets are provided and the app fixes the fare

16. UV Express

    UV Express (shared van)

    Usage

    A shared van on a fixed route that leaves once full. Faster than a jeepney and better for longer distances

17. Bisikleta

    Bicycle

    Usage

    From Spanish "bicicleta" — for renting a bike on Bohol or Siquijor

18. Eroplano

    Airplane

    Usage

    With over 7,000 islands, domestic flights matter. From Spanish "aeroplano"

19. Barko

    Ship

    Usage

    The large inter-island passenger ship, on long routes such as Manila to Cebu

20. Bangka

    Bangka (outrigger boat)

    Usage

    The distinctive Philippine outrigger canoe — the workhorse of island hopping. They do not sail in bad weather, so leave a spare day

21. Ferry

    Usage

    The fast craft on routes such as Cebu to Bohol. The English word is what everyone uses

22. Ambulansya

    Ambulance

    Usage

    Show it to have one called. The emergency number in the Philippines is 911

23. Trak

    Truck

    Usage

    Used when describing an accident or road conditions

24. Rent-a-car

    Rental car

    Usage

    The English term works. Cars here usually come "with driver". Bring your international licence and passport

25. P2P bus

    Usage

    Short for "point-to-point" — a non-stop, seat-guaranteed bus linking the airport and major malls. Worth it when you have luggage

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