This is easier than one might expect considering the traffic, which in Manila, like all big cities, is chaotic. Jeepney drivers drive with one eye on the traffic and the other searching for customers. Make eye contact and nod or stretch out your arm, palm down and close your fingers and your ride will stop. With luck it will have pulled over to the side of the road, if not thread your way through the traffic and climb aboard.

Watch your head! You will be shuffling along inside the jeep bent at right angles to a vacant bit of bench and it’s a good idea to hang onto the hand rail on the roof. If there is a gap in the traffic before you’ve found your bit of bench, the driver will be heading for it. Also be aware of your fellow passenger’s toes, if you inadvertently do step on someone’s toes a smile and saying “ay sorry” should avert any serious recriminations.

The standard bayad (fare) for a jeepney is 7.5 pesos (AU$0.20) although if you are going for a long ride, more than 4.5 kms, expect to pay an extra 50 centavos (AU$0.01) per kilometer. Pass your money down the jeep saying “bayad” along with a recognizable land mark near your destination. Your fellow passengers will pass the money to the driver whose hand will appear above his shoulder to accept it. Like wise your change will be passed back the same way.