Buying a motorcycle in the Philippines as a foreigner - and what about Driver's License?

BUYING your own motorcycle is what might be the best solution to get around, if you plan on staying for a longer period in the Philippines.

If you live in a city where there are taxis, it should not be necessary, but if you live in the Province or like to explore areas outside of the city, then consider to get a 2 wheeler!

If you pay it cash, you can register it in your own name. Buying a new bike is of course recommended, as the registration process for used vehicles is complicated. 

Do not expect to get a number plate any time soon, though. I have been driving my new Honda XR150 without plates for 6 months already...

I have bought 3 brand new motorcycles during my stays here in the Phils:

September 2008: a Honda TMX 155, price 72 000 pesos cash price.

This is my TMX155, I modified it with some CB parts back in the days. It has a 4 speed gearbox, very hard to start as the compression is high, and the kick likes to kick back! No electromotor here. Strong bike with a lot of torque!

I paid this down in 3 years, but that is not a good solution, as you are stuck to the payment with all interests even if you want to pay it down faster. 

September 2017: a Yamaha YTX125, cash price 47 000 pesos. I got it financed over 2 years, so it was paid in full a year ago. I still keep it, as a small car, as it has a sidecar.

A great motorcycle with long seat, and a nice luggage rack.

January 2020: a Honda XR150, cash price 86 000 pesos. I opted for credit 2,5 years, or 30 months.

A solid on/off road motorcycle for tall people. 13 horsepowers, great torque, 5 speed gearbox.

I bought these bikes on credit, so the price will of course be much higher this way, but I consider it like rent to own. 

The problem is that you will need a Filipino to get the credit for you, in their name. And, obviously, they might steal it from you anytime they want. That happened with my TMX.

You could buy a used motorbike for around 35 000 pesos, but if you are a foreigner, they might inflate the price considerably. 

If you buy second hand, you should go for a Honda, as the spare parts are readily available, especially the TMX versions. There is a lot of China copies of those Hondas, but I can not recommend them as there is usually not so big difference in pricing, neither new nor in the second hand market. The  quality however may be very very bad!

Most so called Business models here, like the Honda TMX125 and CB125, or the Yamaha YTX125,  Bajaj Kawasaki CT100 and Chinese bikes such as Rusi or Pinoy etc, have a 4 speed gear box. It should not worry you if you are not planning to go for very long and fast rides.

The TMX Supremo 150cc has a 5 speed gearbox, and of course also the more expensive bikes like Yamaha XTZ125, Honda XR150 and upwards in the price segment.

The problem with buying a used motorcycle is that it probably needs a lot of repairs and upgrading, as the roads are not very good, and many drivers overload their bikes. So bearings, bushings and suspension might have to be changed. I recently spent 16 000 pesos on my YTX125 with sidecar for a full upgrade. 

There are very few accidents in this world, in my opinion. Most so called accidents can be avoided by using your brain, and maintain your vehicle properly. Never drive agressively on the road. Here in the Philippines, people usually drive like there are no rules, overtaking you both left and right, driving towards you in YOUR lane, forcing you out in the ditch etc.

Buy a proper helmet, it will cost around 2000 pesos and up. Also buy some boots or decent shoes. 

AND ALWAYS WEAR THE HELMET! Even wear long pants and a jacket, plus gloves if you are going for a longer trip.

Be aware that you will only be able to get a basic insurance, a third part liability or whatever it is called. It is basically useless, so drive carefully! 

Driver's License

Remember that your international Driver's Licence is only valid for 3 months. I have a Filipino License since 2008, renewed of course. But if I did not have it already, the guys here in Digos would not let me have one, unless I have a valid visa for more than one year on the day of application. They showed me the Law. However, I know that the practice varies from location to location.

You must go the the LTO (Land Transportation Office) to inquire. If they accept you, you need a medical certificate. Those Doctors have their offices usually just outside the LTO in most places.

You will not be obliged to take a practical exam on a motorbike, or for a car, if you already have a license from another country. However, they will ask you to take a written test. Or they might ask you a gift so u can skip it.

I have a license valid for car, motorbike and tricycle.
If they refuse to give you one, remember, they might expect and hope for some cash under the table. I never did such a thing, but just know that it may be the reason they are difficult.