If you are travelling to another country for the first time, this blog is for you! Just keep reading and learn the step by step process of what are the things that you have to do when travelling to another country for a short time vacation.
The first time I flee the country for a 4 day vacation in Singapore, I was so nervous and so confused 😓 . I guess I was really obvious that I had no idea of what to do 😭 . It was so different from my domestic trips. It's like the Mactan-Cebu International Airport just widen itself and I don't know where to go. It's like, suddenly, I'm lost. Good thing that my cousin living in Singapore is also very responsive in Messenger whenever I ask her what to do and where to go. People in the airport are also very approachable and led me to the right place. So don't worry guys, everything will be fine and you will surely get to your destination! As for now, I will be your guide to your first trip to Singapore!!! 😉
Pre-Departure (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) Procedures:
1. Get inside the airport and prepare your TICKET and ID , check your schedule for check in
2. First Security Check - where your baggage and carry on will go into an x-ray machine.
3. Check-In Counter - where you will get your boarding pass with your seat and gate numbers
NOTE: You will be asked to pay for the Philippine Travel Tax of Php1,620 for international travels and I believe I was asked to pay another amount for a Terminal Fee of Php750. Just prepare Php2,500 to be on the safe side.
4. Second Security Check - same as the first security check
5. Immigration Office - first time travelers often take a lot of time in this area.
Here are the things that you have to prepare in this office:
Your passport - it has to be Unexpired DFA-issued passport (at least 6 months valid). Please don't attempt to book an international flight if you don't have them yet. You don't really wanna waste your money here 😄.
Your Ticket with a Return Ticket- make sure you've got a two way ticket. The immigration in the Philippines is too strict. Without your return ticket, you won't be able to get on the plane. The immigration would want to make sure that you still have a job to return to in the Philippines.
Valid ID (Employee ID) - Yes, the immigration would want to make sure that you still have a job to return to in the Philippines. Cases nowadays is that, some Filipinos fly to get a job in another country. Guys, that is a big NO NO. If you wanna work abroad? Let's do it in a legal way, okay?
Additional Documents -From what I remembered they were doubtful of my purpose of travel, so they asked me for the following:
- My NSO and my sponsor(cousin in Singapore)'s NSO
- Pay Slips (at least 3 months of pay from the month of your flight)
- Bank Account Balance Receipt
- Invitation letter from my sponsor together with other papers like her complete residential address and contact information, proof that she's working in Singapore (could be her Company ID), proof of her financial capacity, tour tickets (e.g. Universal Studios Ticket, Wings Of Time, etc.)
Good thing I was ready! And there were few that I forgot but luckily, I've got friends who helped me get those documents and sent it to my email. 😁
- Pocket Money - I only had Php18,000 at that time for my 4 day trip (already changed to Singaporean $) and the immigration officer said that it wasn't enough. Still, I have my cousin to support me there, so they didn't really have a choice but to let me fly. But just to be safe, you might as well want to increase the amount from what I had at that time. 😉
6. Waiting Lounges - where you can relax and wait for your schedule to board
Also remember, be in the airport at least 3 hours before your flight schedule. It took me an hour before I was able to get out from the immigration office. And hopefully, it won't happen to you.
Another piece of advice, DO NOT WEAR something that makes you look like you're applying for a job there. Just be casual and they won't doubt you. That was my mistake according to my cousin. 😁
Now, you're ready to go! Enjoy your first trip! 😎
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