Find Cheap Fares: Three Tips for Finding the Cheapest Plane Tickets

Find Cheap Fares: Three Tips for Finding the Cheapest Plane Tickets

Travel agents and flight search websites do not offer the cheapest tickets. With a couple of hours to spare, you can find cheaper tickets so that your next dream trip wouldn’t have to be a financial nightmare. Let me tell you how.

Let’s get that passport stamped!

Cheap Fare Tip No. 1: Connect multiple low-cost flights from different budget carriers.

Most low-cost carriers automatically offer flights from A to B with a stopover in one of their hubs. Sometimes, however, it’s cheaper to use one company for the first leg, another for the second leg, and so on. This is especially true when two or more budget airlines run promotions simultaneously.

For example, you want to travel from Manila (MNL) to Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), round trip. AirAsia offers that route for around USD 750 with a stopover at Kuala Lumpur (KUL). That is, you will be boarding two AirAsia flights: MNL-KUL and KUL-TRZ. Round trip MNL-KUL costs around USD 400, while KUL-TRZ is at around USD 350. Now, if Cebu Pacific can offer MNL-KUL for USD 400, then you can fly MNL-KUL via CebuPac, and KUL-TRZ via AirAsia, saving you USD 200.

A Smorgasbord of Low Cost Carriers

Now, this works well if you have the right kind of passport. For Filipino passport holders, it’s better to transit through visa-free hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and obviously, Manila.

Cheap Fare Tip No. 2: Budget airlines to a hub then transfer to a traditional carrier.

This cheap fare tip is an extension of Tip No. 1. As of this article’s writing, most budget airlines service only regional destinations and thus, do not offer intercontinental flights. Unless you’re lucky enough to reside in a major hub like Bangkok or Hong Kong, you will usually have to face the reality that these kinds of flights don’t come cheap.

A List of Traditional (i.e. not-low-cost) Airlines

These intercontinental (i.e. super long-haul) flights usually come in two segments: one from your city to a hub, and another from a hub to your final destination. For example, let’s consider a flight from Manila, Philippines to San Francisco, California:

• EVA Air and China Airlines via Taipei, Taiwan


• Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong


• Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) via Tokyo (Haneda or Narita)


• Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur


• Air China via through Beijing


• Korean Air and Asiana via Seoul (Incheon, actually)


• Singapore Airlines via Singapore


• Thai Airways via Bangkok

Normally, it’s cheaper to just book flights with just one airline and in just one go. However, it’s a different story when a particular carrier offers promo rates for flights that do not originate from your city. For example, Cathay Pacific offers US$ 770 roundtrip flights from Hong Kong to San Francisco, down from the usual US$1000, but you are in Manila. The workaround would be booking a round-trip Manila-Hong Kong plane ticket that will connect you to that elusive promo flight.

Cheap Fare Tip No. 3: Book flights from official sites.

Flight search websites such as Expedia, SkyScanner, eDreams, Orbitz, tell you that they search all available flights and find the lowest prices for you, but this isn’t always the case. Aside from adding a fee for letting you use their service, they may also increase prices by taking into account your previous search history through cookies that they’ve saved in your browser. After all, you’re more likely to purchase tickets to Europe after searching for EU destinations for the past three days.

Cebu Pacific, for example, cannot be found in flight search websites.

Moreover, many budget carriers, to save on costs, do not publish their prices on other sites. That’s why it’s important to bookmark their websites so you can easily check their sites for special deals.

Cheap Fare Tip No. 4: Use Google Flight Search, then do a bit more research.

How cheap should a flight be? Get a benchmark of ticket costs using Google Flight Search so you can have a rough idea on how much you’ll need to shell out. After jotting down the cheapest fares from the search results, then it’s time to use the first three tips to find the cheapest available fares. Sometimes, Google Flight Search can be so good that you won’t even have to search any further. But if you got a few minutes to spare, a little shopping around shouldn’t hurt.

Use these figures a benchmark.

 

Cheap Fare Tip No. 5: Be on the lookout for new routes.

While most budget airlines are limited to regional routes, some carriers are starting to include intercontinental flights to their arsenal. For example, Cebu Pacific Air recently announced that they have secured rights to travel from Manila to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Guam and cities in Europe. While the actual flights may still be a long way off, it’s comforting to know that Condor Air, a German low-cost carrier, offers direct flights from Rangoon and Siem Reap to Frankfurt, so that opens up a lot of possibilities for those who wish to fly cheap from SE Asia to Europe.

Do you have more tips to share? Do you have questions to ask? Please leave a comment below!

Find Cheap Fares: Three Tips for Finding the Cheapest Plane Tickets

Find Cheap Fares: Asian Budget Airlines Basics

Low-cost carriers, better known as budget, discount, or no-frills airlines, are, as airline companies that offer fares that are much lower than mainstream carriers. About decade ago, most budget airlines exclusively fly domestic routes. Over the recent years, however, many low-cost carriers have started offering long-haul/international flights, making international travel more affordable for more people.

A Smorgasbord of Low Cost Carriers

What’s in this article?

1. Why low-cost carriers are low-cost.


2. Major budget airlines in SE Asia with international operations


3. Strategies and tactics for finding the lowest fares

 

1. How can a budget airlines offer cheap fares?

Low-cost carriers are able to offer dirt-cheap fares through several means. Let me enumerate the three that will matter to you, the passenger:

a. Single passenger class layout

Unlike legacy carriers (United Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Garuda, JAL) that have first class, business class, and economy, all seats in budget airlines are economy class, enabling them to fill seats much faster.

b. Ditching jetways

Whenever possible, low-cost airlines do not use jetways for boarding to cut down on costs. Instead, they require passengers to walk on the tarmac and climb up the air stairs or movable stairs.

c. Baggage Charges

Legacy carriers usually allow at least one 15-kg check-in and one 7-kg hand-carry baggage. Budget carriers, meanwhile, do not provide check-in baggage allowance by default.

d. Non-registration in flight search websites.

Forget about Expedia, SkyScanner, eDreams, Orbitz and Google Flight Search. Most budget carriers do not register their flights in these databases, and your best shot at finding a low-cost flight is going directly to their respective websites, which leads us to the next section…

2. Major ASEAN budget airlines that fly international routes

 

After explaining why low-cost airlines are low-cost, let me now give you a rundown of the notable international budget carriers servicing the Asia-Pacific Region:

a. Cebu Pacific Air (CebuPac)

Hands down, CebuPac is one of the lowest-cost low-cost carriers on the planet today. With one-way international all-in fares starting at USD 35, it’s the most affordable among all Southeast Asian carriers that I know. For example, nonstop non-CebuPac flights from Hong Kong to Taipei start at US$160 (via Hong Kong Airlines/EVA Air) , but CebuPac offers fares as low as US$70 – a whopping 56% difference. The catch, however, is that you’ll need to transit through Manila, so that the trip will last for 4 hours (2 hrs HKG-MNL + 2 hrs MNL-TPE) instead of just 2 hours (HKG-TPE direct). But US$90 is still US$90.

Hubs: Manila(Main Hub, NAIA T3), Clark, Cebu, Davao (all in the Philippines)

Destinations: Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, Middle East, Guam, and soon, Europe and the United States. So you may want to apply for a US Tourist visa right now.

Route Map:

Cebu Pacific Route Map

 

b. AirAsia

While the fares are usually not as cheap as CebuPac, AirAsia offers the most varied routes in Indochina (Insular ASEAN countries) and South Asia. AirAsia also offers the cheapest plane fares from Southeast Asia to Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka.

Hubs: Kuala Lumpur (Main Hub, KLIA T2), Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching (all in Malaysia)

Destinations: Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, South Asia

Route Map:

AirAsia Route Map

c. Tiger Airways

Though cheaper than traditional carriers, the budget airline Tiger Airways, from my own recollection, is the most expensive of these three. However, Tiger Airways is important for two major reasons: it’s the only budget carrier that flies to China’s Hainan Island  and it usually offers the lowest fares from anywhere in Southeast Asia to Singapore. I’ll explain more in the next section.

Hubs: Singapore (Changi)

Destinations: Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, South Asia

Route Map:

 

Tiger Airways Route Map

Strategies and tactics for finding the lowest fares

After discussing the major low-cost airlines and where they fly, it’s time to discuss several tactics that will let you cut down on costs wherever you want to go. To read more on that, check my next post.

Find Cheap Fares: Asian Budget Airlines Basics

B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-immigrant Visa Applications: 12 Common Questions

Do I need to have “show money”? Will I need a letter of invitation? Are there any tips and tricks? Let’s talk about those stuff, and more.

Common B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa Questions:

1. What is a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa ?


2. How do I apply?


3. What happens during the interview?


4. What are the documentary requirements?


5. Will I need to have “show money” or an invitation letter?


6. Is there an annual quota on the number of B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa that they approve?


7. How much does a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa Cost?


8. Will the application process be easier if I applied for a Single-Entry B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa only?


9. What is the maximum period of stay when on a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa?


10. Does my travel history count for something?


11. Are there any tips or tricks that I can use during visa interviews?


12. What are the perks of having a valid B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa?

 

This is how a typical US Visa looks like.

1. What is a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa ?

A US B-1 Non-immigrant Visa allows the holder to enter the US and participate in a limited range of short-term business-related activities in the United States such as contract negotiations and business conferences. However, this visa does not allow you to engage in work that shall be paid by a US-based employer.

A US B-2 Non-immigrant Visa allows you to enter the US for tourism, visit friends/family or gain access to medical treatment.

In a majority of cases, US Consular Services issue combined B-1/B-2 visas even if you applied for just one of those visa classes. In my case, I was issued a B-1/B-2 visa even if I  applied only for a B-2.

2. How do I apply?

The four-step application process is quite easy and straightforward. You can check my post, “How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa” for more information.

3. What happens during the interview?

Per standard operating procedure, every consular officer assumes that each B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa applicant intends to immigrate/overstay, and it’s up to the applicant to demonstrate otherwise. To do this, the consular officer usually asks a barrage of questions that help clarify the applicant’s real intent. They even ask multiple questions about the same topic to make sure that the applicant is truthful and honest.

This is how the interview area looks like. Note that I am not the guy in the picture.

To know more, you can read about My US Tourist Visa Interview – August 18 2014.

4. What are the documentary requirements?

Unlike most developed (OECD) countries, the US requires relatively little documentation to support US tourist visa applications. Presumably, the US Department of State uses gap between the date of application and the date of the interview to perform background/character checks on the applicant.

However, applicants are advised to bring supporting documents with them on the day of the interview, in case the consular officer requests for them. There is no official list of supporting documents, but it generally includes the following:

• Certificate of Employment – on company letterhead, with employer signature, shows compensation, date of hire, position, and job responsibilities.


• Registration Certificates – Business, Home, Car, and other sizeable assets.

5. Will I need to have “show money” or an invitation letter?

Not necessarily. “Show money”, or a document showing that you have substantial savings, is rarely requested. In my opinion, it can do you more harm than good. I have heard about some instances where applicants provide a passbook that shows large deposits over a short period, deposits that are not realistic with respect to how much they earn. Moreover, there are instances where the applicant can afford to pay for the trip using only one paycheck. It’s really a case-to-case thing.

Meanwhile, a letter of invitation is not very helpful in B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa applications. Ultimately, the outcome of a visa application is determined by the applicant’s personal circumstances, and not those of somebody else’s.

6. Is there an annual quota on the number of B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa that they approve?

No. Quotas do not apply on tourist visas. As long as you can convince the consular officer that you don’t intend to immigrate or overstay, your application will be approved.

7. How much does a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa Cost?

A B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa costs US$ 160, or PHP 7040 (as of August 23 2014). This amount is non-refundable and non-transferrable, so be extra careful when filling out deposit slips.

A US Visa Fee Deposit Slip. Note the top-right hand corner that shows a unique receipt number.

8. Will the application process be easier if I applied for a Single-Entry B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa only?

The US Embassy in Manila rarely issues single-entry visas, if at all. I wouldn’t really know because all approved applicants in US Embassy Manila are granted 10-year multiple entry visas. Maybe, this is the reason why consular officers are extra strict during the visa interviews, as there’s a higher risk for illegal immigration when one is granted a multiple entry visas.

As of 23 August 2014. the US Embassy Manila issues 10-years Multiple Entry B-1/B-2 Visas only.

9. What is the maximum period of stay when on a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa?

You may be allowed to stay for a minimum of 30 days on US territory, and up to a maximum of 6 months. Note, however, that the allowed length of stay is really up to the border protection officer that you will meet upon entry to the United States.

10. Does my travel history count for something?

There are many first time travelers who were granted B-1/B-2 visas. However, as a general rule, applicants who have travelled abroad – and didn’t overstay – are more likely to be approved. For example, the consular officer asked me about previous travel so I told him that I have travelled to about 7 countries before I applied for a US Visa. But then, there are many other factors that are considered, so the lack of previous travel history doesn’t automatically cause denial.

As a general rule, previous travel counts.

11. Are there any tips or tricks that I can use during visa interviews?

Yes. Be honest and straight to the point. Provide sensible and informative answers. For example, if an officer asks you why you want to visit the US, don’t say “Because I think it would be nice”. This is too vague and it doesn’t say a lot about your intent. Instead, say something like, “I want to go there out of sheer curiosity.”, or, “I want to go there because I want to see snow.”

The visa officer may also appreciate a little sense of humor. After all, they interview hundreds of people each day and a giggle or two can brighten things up a bit.

Be calm. Getting uncontrollably nervous may do you harm, especially since you’ll be more likely to say stupid and irrelevant things. Just remember that this is just a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa and not a ticket to eternal life.

12. What are the perks of having a valid B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa?

Having a US Visa does have other perks, but let me discuss that in my next post.

Do you have other questions about B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa? Please leave a comment below!

B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-immigrant Visa Applications: 12 Common Questions

Experiences: My US Tourist Visa Interview - August 18 2014

The interview with the US Consular Officer is the single most important step towards getting a US tourist visa. Along with the fact that there’s no standard interview questionnaire, many visa applicants tend to freak out as their appointment date approaches. To help you get an idea about what happens during a visa interview, let me share my story. So here we go.

US Tourist Visa Interview : Before the Interview

I have completed all the basic steps on August 9^th 2014, and I was fortunate enough to find an interview time slot on August 18^th at 7:30 AM. I arrived at the US Embassy in Roxas Boulevard, Manila, at around 6:00 AM, and I immediately noticed the large number of applicants, all scheduled for interviews from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.

There’s a 7-eleven just across the road so I decided to pass time there. I highly suggest that you empty your bladder before leaving your house, as the nearest public toilet, located about 500 meters away at the junction of Sta. Monica and Guerrero Streets., opens at 9:00 AM. You cannot even go near that facility before it opens because there’s a big dog guarding the door and it looks rabid to me.

The nearest toilet that should’ve been open at 7AM is closed. Argh.

US Tourist Visa Interview: Pre-screening Process

I prepared the following for the US Tourist Visa Interview:

• Machine-validated visa deposit slip


• DS-160 application confirmation


• Appointment confirmation


• 1 piece 2×2 picture


• A piece of tissue paper, just in case I will need to cry after the interview.

I was allowed to enter the embassy premises at 7:15 AM. There are a bunch of official US Embassy employees to assist applicants and the process is really streamlined, so there’s very little room for confusion.

I also brought the following documents, just in case they ask for it:

• Bank statements


• Employment Certificates


• Utility Bills

Essentially, the pre-screening process goes like this:

1. Go to the counter that validates your appointment schedule and issues an queue number.


2. Stay in the first waiting area outside the embassy building. Wait for your number to be called.


3. Go to the second counter (inside the building) to submit your photos and to check if you’re applying for the correct visa class.


4. Go to the second counter for biometric capture (fingerprints).


5. Stay in the second waiting area inside the embassy building. Wait for your number to be called.


6. Go to the assigned counter for your interview with the consular officer.

 

The Applicants’s Waiting Area inside the US Embassy Grounds

US Tourist Visa Interview: The Interview

Okay, so the public announcement screen thingy lit up and it showed: 4049 8, which means that I (applicant # 4049) should go to counter 8 for the interview. All the other applicants before me were interview for around three minutes each. I felt like mine lasted forever.

Truth be told, I was slightly cocky (and slightly annoyed) because I felt like he was going to deny my application because he wasn’t asking for documents. Apparently, consular officers usually don’t ask for documents unless they feel like you’re lying. It also seems that the US Department of State has already done a background check on me even before the interview started.

This is how the interview area looks like. Note that I am not the guy in the picture.

This is exactly what happened during my US Tourist Visa Interview. Verbatim.

Visa Officer (VO): Please state your full name and date of birth please.

RJ: Rey Joseph Nieto, DD Month YYYY.

VO: Where will you go in the US?

RJ: San Francisco.

VO: What’s the purpose of your visit to the US?

RJ: Well, I wanna see snow, among other things.

VO: Huh? There’s no snow in San Francisco.

RJ: (teeth clenched) Really?! My Aunt A****** said I’ll be able to see snow after a 2-hour drive from her place. Don’t worry, I’ll blame her when I get there.

VO: Who will be paying for your trip?

RJ: Myself.

VO: What’s your job?

RJ: I am a travel writer but that’s just a sideline.

VO: Do you own that company?

RJ: Well, I own the site and I run pay-per-click ads on it. But my day job is proposal writing, I telecommute.

VO: How much do you earn a month?

RJ: **** US dollars. No bonuses explicitly stated in the contract.

VO: You earn that just for writing?

RJ: Yes, and I am very thankful. And that’s also why I am here right now. (smiles)

VO: (smiles).What do you do in that writing job?

RJ: I write technical proposals in response to invitation to tenders from energy companies, national governments, non-governmental agencies etc. The US Embassy in Baghdad was actually one of our clients.

VO: What’s the name of your company?

RJ: *****

VO: (lights up) Ah, yeah! I’ve seen their people when I was in Baghdad. (It appears this officer was formerly stationed in Baghdad).

RJ: That’s cool. They’re great people.

VO: Where did you study?

RJ: UP Diliman.

VO: What did you study?

RJ: Theoretical Mathematics. I know it’s not related to my job. (laughs)

VO: So how long do you plan to stay in the US?

RJ: I don’t have concrete plans yet. Possibly five plus minus two days. I plan to spend Christmas there.

VO: What countries have you visited?

RJ: Italy in 2002, then a long lull up to 2013, then Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, and Indonesia.

VO: Why didn’t you travel between 2003 to 2012?

RJ: I was a Government Science Scholar, a DOST Scholar, so I wasn’t allow to travel abroad until they lifted that travel ban mid-2012. I hopped onto a plane as soon as I got the news. I literally hopped when I boarded the aircraft bound for Singapore in 2013.

VO: (smiles) What is your living situation?

RJ: I am single if that’s what you’re asking. (The officer literally looks like Ryan Gosling who ate just a couple of extra Big Macs. Really cute. LOL so it was a relatively subtle Freudian Slip.)

VO: No, I mean, where do you live?

RJ: Ah! I rent an apartment in Mandaluyong City. My landlord is a close relative.

VO: Do your younger siblings live with you?

RJ: I live alone. I don’t like complications.

VO: Where are your siblings?

RJ: I am not really sure. I am not close to my immediate family. Days of our Lives stuff. Trust me.

VO: (nods gently) Do you have kids?

RJ: I’d love to, but I can’t.

VO: Why?

RJ: I bat for the other team (smiles and winks)

VO: (laughs) So I guess we can strike out the possibility of you marrying someone over there. (smiles)

RJ: Yeah, I need to go the gym more.

VO: (laughs)

RJ: Don’t you laugh. (smiles) I am well aware of the reality that I have ceased to become the bastion of insurmountable beauty that inevitably bordered on absolute perfection.

VO: (laughs) Okay, your visa is approved. Please wait for 5 business days for your passport to be delivered at the designated address.

RJ: Really?

VO: (smiles and nods)

RJ: Don’t I get a piece of paper or something?

VO: (shuts eyes and shakes head)

RJ: Oh, okay! Thanks!

VO: You’re welcome.

RJ: Peace out! (flashes the V sign on both hands).

VO: (smiling and confused stare).

So there, my US Tourist Visa (B-2) application was approved.

US Tourist Visa: After the interview

So I went home and waited, and waited, and waited. After a few hours, I visit the US Embassy Website to check my application status. To my horror, the status popup showed that my application was under administrative processing!

This means that an application is undergoing further investigation.

However, the next day, I checked the same site again and I got this message:

This means that the visa has been issued and all you need is wait for your passport to be sent back to you.

For US Tourist Visa Interviews, It appears that the term administrative processing can mean two very different things: that you’re being background-checked OR the embassy guys are just taking their time to paste that visa sticker on your passport. So there it is. My US Tourist visa has been issued and I am just waiting for the courier to deliver it to me.

Do you have questions about the visa interview? Please leave a comment below!

 

 

Experiences: My US Tourist Visa Interview - August 18 2014

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa - The Basics

Applying for a US Tourist Visa in Manila have always been surrounded by a plethora of myths. Some say the embassy asks for “show money”, while others say someone in the States should invite you over. That’s why, out of curiosity, I applied for a tourist visa myself. Now let me tell you how it goes.

US Tourist Visa: The Basic Facts

The United States Embassy issues many different kinds of visas depending on your purpose of travel.  However, the most common type of visa issued is the B-2 or Tourist visa. If you want to go the US for a holiday, to visit relatives, or anything that falls under general tourism, then this is the visa category for you.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no quotas for this visa category. As long as you can convince the consular officer that you have no intention of illegally immigrating to the United States, you will be fine. Moreover, you may be glad to hear that unlike tourist visa applications for other OECD countries (Japan, EU, South Korea, etc.), B-2 US Tourist Visa, under normal circumstances, require very little documentation.

Apply for a US Tourist Visa well ahead of your planned travel dates. With the sheer number of visa applications being processed each day, there is a slim chance that it may take more than a month or two before your visa is issued.

US Tourist Visa: A Quick Rundown of the Steps

Let me enumerate all the basic steps involved in applying for a US Tourist Visa in Manila:

1. Fill out the online application form.

All US Tourist Visa Applications start online.

Fill out the DS-160 online application form at the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs Website. Gone are the days of paper-based processing: today, all visa applications start here. If you are more comfortable with using Tagalog, the website and its forms provide you with a language option.

The same website also offers a Tagalog version.

 

2. Pay the US$ 160 Visa Application Fee.

Print out a deposit slip form from the Consular Affairs website. Note that each form has a unique receipt number so don’t print more than one. As of August 2014, the application fee for B-2 Visas is US$ 160 or PH₱ 7040.

A US Visa Fee Deposit Slip. Note the top-right hand corner that shows a unique receipt number.

With your deposit slip in hand, it’s now time to pay the visa application fee. The easiest way to pay is through an over-the-counter payment at any Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) branch. Note that there are some BPI branches that are open on Saturdays, such as the one in 5/F Shangri-La Mall in EDSA-Shaw. The BPI teller will machine validate your deposit slip. Keep this document with you because the embassy staff will ask for it on the day of your appointment.

For more detailed information, please click here.

3. Schedule an Interview/Appointment

A day after paying the visa application fee, book your appointment either online or through the US Embassy’s call center. In my opinion, it’s better to just book it online because the system will automatically provide you with an appointment confirmation slip. Print this slip and show it to the consular officers on the day of your appointment.

4. Go to your appointment, be interviewed.

Be at the embassy at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. In my opinion, it’s better to arrive really early because there are other factors that may be involved in this process other than the actual interview. In particular:

4.1 Lining up outside the embassy

Outside the embassy are large signs that tell you where to line up. There’s one for 7:15am appointments, one for 8:00 am, and so on. The order in which your application will be processed, with respect to other applicants who belong to the same time slot, depends largely on your position in the line.

4.2 Biometrics

This is relatively quick and easy, except if you have scars on your fingers and other stuff that may make it tough for the machine to recognize your prints.

This is how a fingerprint scanner in the US Embassy looks like.

4.3 2×2 Photos

The consular officer will decide whether your 2×2 pic is acceptable or not. In my case, the officer rejected the pics I brought because it has shadows. Luckily, there’s a Kodak Shop inside the embassy grounds and you can get one in just 5 minutes, but the wait time can be longer if there are lots of people.

4.4 Emergency Appointments

Some applicants don’t undergo the usual appointment setting process (e.g. groups, seamen, PWDs, elderly, etc.) and they are usually the first ones to be interviewed. This is the same reason why I was interviewed at 10 AM despite my appointment being set at 730 AM.

4.5 Issues with Electronics

The US Embassy prohibits entry of any electronic or flame-generating devices into its grounds. These include mobile phones, lighters, cigarettes, digital watches and USB dongles. That’s why I strongly advice against bringing these stuff.

After the interview, the consular officer will typically inform you about the results, i.e. whether you passed, failed, or something else. But that will be discussed in my next blog post.

Do you have questions about applying for a US Tourist Visa? Ask me by posting a comment below!

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa - The Basics

Baguio Hotels: Where to Stay in Baguio City on a Budget

The are lots of Baguio hotels because tourism and Education are the pillars of city’s economy.There are lots of choices for your accommodation throughout the city. Here are some recommendations based on your needs, your wants, and your budget.

General Tips when Choosing Budget Accommodations in Baguio City

1. Hotel location is not a big issue in general. Most parts of the city can be reached by taxis for less than PHP 70. Location will matter only if you prefer to walk for the most part. Unlike most cities around the world, cab drivers in Baguio do not expect tips. They will give you your change up to the last peso. Now, it’s up to you if you want to give a tip or not.


2. Go to Agoda.com if you want to play it safe, or you can also go directly to a hotel’s website to book rooms. This is practically a must during peak months (summer), but not so much during the rainy season (where there aren’t a lot of tourists, see next point)


3. Hotels slash their rates in off-peak months, by as much as 50 percent. They may even throw in free breakfast and stuff.

 

Now, let me list down some of the places that I have reviewed during my stay in Baguio City from July 11^th to 14^th, 2014.

Baguio Hotels: Carlone’s Place

Carlone’s Place hotel

Location: Session Rd corner North Drive, near Victory Liner Depot

Rates: Cheapest rooms at PHP 600 per night for a single deluxe room.

Rating: Annoyingly Unforgettable

Features:

• Basic Bed and Breakfast


• Shared toilet and bath


• Wi-Fi

PRO: Carlone’s Place is just a few steps away from the Victory Liner Bus Terminal and that’s probably its main advantage over other lodging establishments: it’s the first low-cost hotel that you’ll see.

CON: Unfortunately, it’s probably the worst one you’ll ever find. Scant furnishing, terrible ventilation, chipped off wall paint. This is just like one of those decrepit short-stay motels in Cubao, Quezon City.

Verdict: No. Just no.

Baguio Hotels: Holiday Park Hotel

Holiday Park Hotel

Location: Abanao Extension St., near Good Taste Restaurant.

Rates: Php 1800 for a two-person room, Php 1500 for same during off-peak season

Rating: Best Value for Money

Features:

• Your own Toilet and Bath


• CATV and Wi-Fi


• Housekeeping


• Non-crowded elevator

PRO: The rooms are clean and well-furnished. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. It’s just a short walk from a number of touristy places like Café by the Ruins, Good Taste Restaurant, and Burnham Park. Another five-minute walk and it’s the famed (or now-infamous?) Session Road.

CONS: No room service, but 24/7 food establishments surround the entire building and that includes the famous Good Taste Restaurant, also open 24/7.

A Deluxe Suite at Holiday Park Hotel Baguio

Verdict: If you’re after privacy, zero hassles and proximity to a lot of tourist-oriented areas and you’re willing to shell out a bit extra, this is the place to go. This was where I stayed.

Baguio Hotels: Upstairs Bed and Bath

Upstairs Bed and Bath

Location: Near junction of Leonard Wood Rd. and North Drive, a 5-minute brisk walk from Victory Liner Terminal.

Rates: Php 250 per night, dorm type

Rating: Best Option for those with a Shoestring Budget.

Features:

• Dorm-type accommodation, double-deck beds


• Wi-Fi


• Shared T&B

PRO: The rooms are clean and well-furnished. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The interior looks very elegant and relaxing. And best of all – it’s really dirt-cheap!

CONS: Shared accommodation means you’ll have to be able to tolerate lots of snoring roommates.

Verdict: If you’re after a decent, no frills, super affordable, basic place to stay, then this one’s for you.

Baguio Hotels: Other notable establishments

1. Paladin Hotel – just across Holiday Park hotel. Rates are around 33 percent lower than Holiday Park. They currently run an off-peak promo: 500Php pax, minimum of 2 per room.
   

   Paladin Hotel

   
   


2. Eurotel – rates start at Php 800 a night, but Eurotel is quite infamous for being a “lover’s hotel”. The taxi drivers I’ve spoken with beg to differ, so it’s really up to you.

Eurotel Baguio

Do you have questions about the hotels featured in this article? Or do you have your own recommendations? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Baguio Hotels: Where to Stay in Baguio City on a Budget

How to Go to Baguio: Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get to Baguio: What are my options?

A Victory Liner Bus

Baguio is just one short bus ride away from Manila. There are two major bus companies that ply the Manila-Baguio route: Genesis Transport and Victory Liner. Now let me help you choose which is one’s the best for you.

Bus Company	Service Class	Terminal	Trip Duration	Fare (PHP/USD)
Genesis	Joybus (Deluxe)	Cubao Pasay Avenida	6 hours	PHP 675 / USD 16
	Standard A/C		6 to 8 hours	PHP 445 / USD 11
Victory Liner	First Class	Cubao Pasay	5 to 6 hours	PHP 750 / USD 18
	Standard A/C	Cubao Pasay Sampaloc Caloocan	6 to 7 hours	PHP 445 / USD 11

How to Get to Baguio: What’s the difference between Joybus/First Class and Standard A/C?

First, Joybus/First Class buses offer greater comfort.

Aside the obvious differences in pricing, Joybus/First Class seats are bigger and more comfortable than Standard A/C seats. Standard A/C buses usually have around 50 seats with 2 seats on each side of the aisle. Meanwhile, Joybus/First Class buses have three seats per row (two on one side of the aisle, one on the other) and there are just around 30-ish seats in the entire bus.

Victory Liner – First Class Seats

First Class seats have wide leg rests and are very generously spaced – you can literally lie down without worrying about hitting the passenger at the back. Even the seats on the two-seat side of aisle have individual arm rests.

Second, Joybus/First Class buses have built-in restrooms.

Joybus/First Class buses also have restrooms while Standard A/C buses do not. Enough said.

Third, Joybus/First Class buses offer a drastically shorter travel time.

Because Joybus/First Class buses have built-in restrooms, there’s very little need for scheduled stops along the way. Consequently, the bus can take advantage of all the expressways: the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) cutting the travel time from the usual eight hours to as low as four.

Personally, I prefer the Victory’s First Class buses because it’s the most stress-

free. That way, I was able to just hop off the bus at their Baguio Terminal and start sightseeing (and pigging out) right away.

How to Go to Baguio: What’s the bus schedule?

Standard A/C buses leave terminals every hour. However, Joybus/First Class buses have specific schedules. The earliest trip for Genesis Joybuses is at 4:00 am while the last trip is at half past midnight (12:30 am). Meanwhile, the first trip for Victory Liner First Class buses start at 6:00 AM and the last trip is at 12:15 am.

For a complete list of bus schedules, check the section “How do I book a trip”?

How to Go to Baguio: What’s the best time/schedule to leave Metro Manila?

The length of the journey heavily depends on how much traffic there is from the TPLEx exit up to Baguio. Last trips are usually the best option because there’s virtually zero traffic, because everyone’s asleep. Besides, it’s easier to sleep on the way when everything’s dark.

How to Go to Baguio: How do I book a trip?

PinoyTravel offers the easiest way to book a trip to Baguio. The site lists down all the trips for any given day and it lets you purchase tickets on the spot. Note, however, that you can only purchase tickets up to three days from the date of departure.

Manila to Baguio Bus Schedules and Bookings

Should you decide to go to Baguio at the spur of the moment, you always have to option to buy Joybus/First Class tickets as a chance passenger (i.e. walk-in passenger). While there are no guarantees as to whether you’ll get to have a seat or not, some of the people I’ve talked to said it’s best to try your luck on the last trip (the midnight schedule). But worry not: these limited seat availability applies only to Joybus/First Class buses. There are a lot of standard A/C buses so you won’t have to cancel your travel plans, even if worse comes to worst.

How to Go to Baguio: Which is better, Genesis or Victory?

I’ve tried both buses and it’s quite clear that Victory is victorious because they have newer buses and there are fewer stops in general.

How to Go to Baguio: Which is the right terminal for me?

All Manila-Baguio buses offer reserved seating, so you don’t have to worry much if you’ve booked a seat in advance. If you’re a chance passenger, however, the best choice would be the Cubao because both Victory and Genesis have terminals are just across each other. If you’re leaving in the wee hours of the morning, then the northern Avenida/Caloocan Terminals are advisable because they have Baguio-bound buses round-the-clock. Now, if you’re coming from the airport (NAIA terminals), the best choice would be Victory’s Pasay Terminal, as it’s just going to be a few short minutes away.

If you have other questions about this post, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you at the earliest!

 

How to Go to Baguio: Frequently Asked Questions

Money Changer Fraudster - The Fast Change in Bali, Indonesia

A common Bali Money Changer fraud tactic in Bali, Indonesia is the Fast Change. I was supposed to exchange my US dollars in a small money changer shop along Jalan Legian (Legian Road). Jalan Legian is a main thoroughfare in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, like Singapore’s Orchard Road, or Dubai’s Khalid bin Al-Waleed St..

Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

I guess I can call myself lucky because I was able to get out of the place in time, but let me share this with you so you won’t fall victim to this modus operandi.

Back in June 2014, Indonesian banks and other very official-looking currency exchange shops offer an exchange rate of USD:IDR = 1: 11,700. On the other hand, other shops offer 1:12,200 or more. That’s a major difference of almost 5 percent! But just like the old saying, it’s too good be true.

This tactic is very similar to the Santo Domingo Sting, a similar scam perpetuated in the streets of the Cuban municipality of Santo Domingo, Cuba. The scam involves the exchange of large sums of money to confuse you, their customer.So let me tell how the Bali version works.

Money Changer Fraudster – Step 1: The Con Tricks

The money changer fraudster, right after you tell him how much you want to exchange, uses a confidence trick to gain your trust. He will engage you in a bit of small talk while they prepare the stuff for the transaction. He will ask you relatively mundane things like how long you’ve been in Bali or which hotel you’re staying.

Just like Frank Abagnale, though far less gorgeous.

Just like what the section title suggests, the money changer uses these confidence tricks to build rapport and gain a bit of your trust. This makes it easier for him to deceive you later on because you will be less cautious than you would be if you were in front of a total stranger. Remember, sharing a laugh or two doesn’t make the two of you best friends.

Money Changer Fraudster – Step 2: Wads and Wads of Cash

The money changer fraudster will use small bills to create piles upon piles of cash that are tough to count in just one glance. The denomination of choice is the IDR 20,000 bill, as it’s small enough to let them pile it up, but not too small as to elicit suspicion. Fraudulent money changers also prefer to use old and worn bills because they stack higher than newly printed ones.

This is worth only US$1.67. Yes, just one dollar and sixty-seven cents.

Remember that US$1 is worth about IDR 12,000. Hence, a single US$ 100 bill is equivalent to around 60 pieces of IDR 20,000 bills. I usually exchange a minimum of US$ 300 so that translates to a whopping 180 pieces of IDR 20,000 bills!

He will usually group these bills into stacks of IDR 100,000. This is to give you the impression that he’s making it easier for you to keep track of what’s going on. However, things get slightly confusing when he’s already on the 10^th stack or more.

Money Changer Fraudster – Step 3: Pile & Drop and Closing Statement

After they’ve “finished counting”, the money changer fraudster will ask you to verify total amount of bills stacked on top of the transaction table. After you’ve confirmed the amount, he will start to combine all the small stacks of IDR 20,000 bills into one big stack. Then here comes the catch.

Something like this, but with smaller denominations and older, worn-out bills.

Using a bit of sleight of hand and with his hand lying low, he will let one or two of the small piles fall into the table’s drawer. You may find this hard to notice because his hand, along with the paper bills he’s holding, block your line of sight. He also does this really fast, presumably due to hours upon hours of “pre-game practice”.

Before you can react, the money changer will then hand over the large pile of cash and tell you something similar to one of the following:

• “Take it home now. You cannot trust locals.”


• “Count it in the hotel, it’s dangerous, this is a public place.”


• “Be careful, that’s a lot of money.”

Of course, the instinctive reaction would be to stash the cash into your bag or wallet and walk away, and he wins.

Money Changer Fraudster: The Recap

Let me recap the basic steps of the Fast Change:

1. You tell the money changer fraudster how much you want to exchange.


2. He uses a few con tricks to build your trust.


3. He starts to form small stacks of worn-out low-denomination bills.


4. He asks you to verify the amount.


5. He quickly combines everything into one stack, letting a small stack or two fall into his drawer, out of your line of sight.


6. He tells you something to create a sense of urgency to leave the place.


7. You go home short-changed, literally.

So how do you avoid money changer fraudsters likes these? Check out my other post, Money Changer Woes? Here are 5 Helpful Tips!.

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Share your experiences in the comments section below!

Money Changer Fraudster - The Fast Change in Bali, Indonesia

Cebu Pacific Air’s Piso Fare Promo: How does it Work?

Cebu Pacific Air’s Piso Fare promo has caught the fancy of many would-be budget travelers and backpackers. After all, who wouldn’t want to go to far-flung place at virtually no cost? But before you get your panties in a bunch, let tell you how it exactly works.

First, Cebu Pacific’s Piso Fare isn’t really “Piso”.

Cebu Pacific’s Piso fare costs more than “piso” (₱1 / USUS$ 0.03). Instead, “piso” refers to the base fare only. This means that the final amount that you’ll have to pay may vary based on additional carrier-imposed fees and government taxes. Among all these additional costs, the biggest chunk can be blamed on the fuel surcharge, the value of which depends on the distance to be travelled.

Here’s a summary of all these additional fees as of Jun 23^rd, 2014:

1. ₱ 120  - Web Admin Fee,


2. ₱ 200 to ₱ 550 – Fuel surcharge for domestic flights


3. ₱ 900 to ₱ 5,400 – Fuel surcharge for international flights


4. ₱ 50 to 550 – Terminal Fees


5. ₱ 430 to ₱ 1,138 – Country-specific taxes


6. Check-in Baggage

For example, I booked a round-trip September 2014 piso fare flight to Hong Kong. The total base fare was ₱ 2, but the miscellaneous costs jacked up the total price to ₱3734.51.

Effectively, this means that a one-way ticket from Manila to Hong Kong is around ₱1867 (US$ 43). But then, the cheapest non-promo round-trip fare to Hong Kong costs more than ₱ 7000 (US$ 160), so the piso fare option is still very cheap.

Second, Cebu Pacific’s Piso Fare Seats are Limited.

If you want more choices, click the monthly view link.

Piso fare seats are limited. That’s why you will need to adjust your schedule so you can find a flight with available piso seats. First, choose a date that falls within the travel period where the promo applies. If the initial results page does not offer piso fares or has piso fares on inconvenient dates, click “monthly view” so you can see all your options. It’s worthy to note that non-booked piso fare seats from an older promo may still be available, so be on the lookout for those.

Choosing the monthly view option will show all the dates with available piso fare seats, just like in the image show below:

Cebu Pacific Piso Fare Monthly View

Third, you don’t need a credit card to pay for Cebu Pacific’s Piso Fare seats.

Credit cards remain to be the most popular method to pay for piso fare seats. However, there are other ways to pay for your tickets. Aside from credit cards, Piso Fare bookings can be paid through:

1. Debit cards (e.g. UnionBank EON Card)


2. ATM cards via ATM Machines (e.g. BDO and Megalink member banks)


3. Bancnet Online


4. LBC Branches nationwide


5. Bayad Center


6. Robinsons Department Stores

To check your bank’s eligibility, or for a complete list of payment options, click here.

Instead of credit cards, I use a Visa/Mastercard debit card. My UnionBank EON Visa Debit Card, for example, costs only ₱ 350 per year to maintain, there’s no required maintaining balance, and it works almost just as well as any credit card.

Fourth, mind the piso fare promo’s fine print.

It’s too good to be true if it sounds too good to be true.

Cebu Pacific Piso Fare seats come with additional terms and conditions, most of which are far from trivial. Let me list them down, one by one:

1. Piso fare bookings are non-refundable, so don’t book one unless you’re certain that you’ll use it.


2. Piso Fare seats are still rebookable, but are subject to fees and seat availability.


3. You can still increase your baggage allowance up to four (4) hours before your flight schedule. Any later than that and the excess baggage costs will be pretty hefty.

 

Fifth, piso fare or no piso fare, here are a few extra tips.

•  Hand-carry Luggage: Cebu Pacific (and most other airlines) are pretty lenient with hand-carried baggage. The standard maximum weight is 7 kg but this rule is seldom enforced. I have even seen people who bring big bayongs on board.

1. Fluids in Bottles: Airport security confiscates – with no exceptions – any sealed bottle or container whose volume exceeds 150 mL. If you plan to bring a hand sanitizer, liquid soap, or whatever, make sure that the package is small enough. In case you really need to bring one, put that container in your check-in baggage. Lighters and matches are also confiscated.


2. Check-in Baggage: Airline companies in general are also lenient with excess baggage if the weight is over the limit by just a kilogram or two. If you’re extra nice to the check-in counter person, he may even let you go over 5 kilos or more. For example, I was cracking jokes with the check-in counter guy in Changi Airport. He then found out that my excess baggage was 6 kilos, but he just gave me a cynical smile and let me go.

 

If you have additional questions about Cebu Pacific’s Piso Fare promos, or flight bookings in general, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

Also, don’t forget to like The Backpacking Writer on Facebook or follow me on Twitter!

 

Cebu Pacific Air’s Piso Fare Promo: How does it Work?

Money Changer Woes? Here are 5 Helpful Tips!

Money changers are a fact of backpacking life. Sadly, some budget travelers fall victim to cunning tactics because they’re unfamiliar with the destination, there’s a major language barrier, or these scheming money changers are simply too good. To help you a bit in dealing with this, here are several very useful tips.

Tip No. 1: In most countries, money changers ask for your valid ID.

A Philippine Passport

Money changers, per local laws, require your valid ID so they can proceed with the transaction. Your passport is usually the best option. For security purposes, however, budget travelers like you may opt to leave your passport at the hotel and present a colored photocopy instead. This requirement is true for many countries like Singapore, Thailand, Italy, those in the Middle East, and those in the European Union.

Money changers may also accept international driver’s licenses, but not always. Some don’t require ID’s in places where enforcement is lax, but it’s better to bring an ID so you won’t waste valuable time.

Tip No. 2: Money changers like major currencies in higher denominations.

Backpackers should bring major currencies in higher denominations whenever possible so you can get better rates. US dollars, Euros and Japanese Yen are the most widely accepted. If you don’t live in the US, EU, or Japan, you can still buy US dollars from your local bank.

Local brick-and-mortar money changers typically offer two rates: one for the highest denominations and another for the lower ones, with the first rate being more favorable than the latter by around 5 percent. For example, a money changer along Legian St. in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, offers USD:IDR = 1:11,700 for 100 USD bills, and just USD:IDR=1:11,200 for 50’s, 20’s, etc., a whopping 4.5% difference.

Tip No. 3: Banks are money changers, and they’re your safest bet.

Banks are typically the best money changers and most of them will accept major currencies without requiring you to open or maintain an account with them. I usually research about the banks surrounding my hotel before my flight and check which ones offer the best rates. However, if you don’t have the time to do this, most banks post their daily rates right at their front door.

Backpackers like you may also have the option of exchanging currency at the airport, but the rates are usually very low. This is why you may want to exchange just enough to cover taxi fare to the hotel and other urgent expenses. Unless you’re familiar with the local scene, I suggest that you deal with companies with easily verifiable reputations. Better be safe than sorry.

Tip No. 4: Count your money before leaving the money changer.

 

Remember to count your money before leaving and while still in front of the counter. If there’s a discrepancy, you don’t want this to be a case of your word against theirs. You may also want to have people around you so there are witnesses in case things go wrong. Shady establishments will easily figure out that you’re not a local through several means, such as your accent, the way you look, or even the general manner in which you conduct yourself – and they may take full advantage of that fact.

Tip No. 5: Be Alert. Avoid money changer scams.

Most money changers post their rates in their shop front and some of them entice budget travelers and backpackers by posting absurdly good rates. But then, there’s always a catch. If you’re gutsy enough to go to a local money changer, at least be familiar with the most common tactics used by fraudsters.

For example, some offer extremely high rates but ask for substantial commissions. Some use wads of smaller bills to overwhelm and confuse. There are those who use similarly-colored bills with lower value.  The list goes on and on.

Do you have other useful tips or experiences to share? Please leave a comment below!

Don’t forget to like The Backpacking Writer on Facebook or follow me on Twitter!

Money Changer Woes? Here are 5 Helpful Tips!