Hi IT Eagles and Friends!
We’re 2 days away from our much awaited MALAYSIA Conference! There are a few more items that I forgot to include in the final info pack. I don’t want you to miss these important items, so I decided to do an add on to our final Info Pack.
This is really the final INFO PACK .. promise !! :)
This is just my attempt to ensure that we will all have a wonderful time in MALAYSIA. Please be reminded that we have a big number of participants and ensuring the well-being of everybody will not be that simple..
Here are a few last minute reminders …
A. AIRPORT
- The traffic congestion in the NAIA airport area (T3) has gotten worst. From the entrance to the departure bay, it took us almost an hour. There is a still a long que at the airport immigration area. So, please try to be at the airport 4-5 hours instead of the age old advice of 2 hours before your flight.
- You need to fill up the Etravel online departure form before proceeding to the immigration area. You may register within 72 hours (3 days) prior to your departure from the Philippines. Travelers are enjoined to present their proof of eTravel registration prior to boarding their flight. The https://etravel.gov.ph is the only official website of eTravel.
ETravel is a web-based online platform that is mobile-responsive. There is no meed to download an application to use Etravel.
- You may also fill up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before your departure from the Philippines. You may register within 3 days prior to arrival in Malaysia. Use this link to go to the online registration : https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
B. GCASH
Good news! Our GCash is accepted in Malaysia and Singapore. All you need to do is log in to the GCash app, tap "pay via QR", and select "pay with Alipay+" You may then scan the QR code of the store and you're good to go.
C. GRAB CAR
GRAB Car app works in Malaysia and Singapore. There is no need to download another app. Your current Grab Car app will automatically work there. Pls refer to our Conference Info Pack for other transport options while in Malaysia.
D. CURRENCY EXCHANGE
You get more value for your dollars from Currency Exchange dealers outside of the airport. Our advice is to change a smaller amount at the airport, enough to pay for your transport to the city. Then have your bigger dollar bills changed to Malaysian Ringgit in malls where there are Currency Exchange dealers.
E. SIM CARD
There are a lot of SIM card vendors at the airport. There are SIM promo for ten days at a low price. You can share the internet service to those who are with you, through the hotspot option on your phone.
F. ACCOMODATION
If you haven’t booked for your accommodation, please make sure to choose a hotel close the conference venue. Most of the missionaries who arrived early have chosen the CENTERSTAGE PETALING JAYA Hotel which is a stone throw away from the venue. Rooms for two costs at a little over Pesos 900/ day. You may book directly from famous booking sites such as Agoda.com.
Since most hotel arrivals are in the wee hour of the morning (set 3am) , this hotel won’t have any check in person to welcome you. You will see on the closed door a sign with instructions on how you could access your room key. You need to call the person who can assist you on the phone number indicated on the sign. Having a local SIM card at this point will surely be vital for you to contact the hotel staff.
G. PASSPORTS & OTHER DOCUMENTS
Be conscious of your passport at all times. Hold on tightly to it and never let it out of your mind. Losing it is one of the worst thing that can happen to you on this trip. “Better lose your wallet but not your passport … but the best is to keep them both”
Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.
Our office have provided you with almost everything that the immigration officials may ask from you. Please read all of them, so when asked you would know what to present to the officer. Your lack of knowledge on what the documents are for may bring suspicion in the mind of the interviewer and may subject you to more interrogation.
Don’t throw away the documents when you are cleared in Manila. You might need to use them on your arrival in MALAYSIA.
DON’T bring diplomas, college transcript of records, etc…If you are separated for additional questioning, the immigration officer may ask to see the documents that you have on your bag. If he finds any of those college documents, they will be used outright as proof that you are not going to MALAYSIA for the conference but only to look for an employment. You will outright be offloaded by the immigration officer.
All government employees are required to present an official travel clearance if they plan to travel outside of the country. By this time, I hope that you have the document ready for presentation to the immigration officer when asked.. You will not be allowed to leave the country without it.
H. SAFETY
Let me remind you for the nth time … crossing the streets of Malaysia is not easy and could be dangerous to the uninitiated. Their cars are right hand drive and they drive on the left side of the road. PLEASE FOCUS and don’t let your mind wander when crossing the streets there.
Secure your wallet and passport in the best possible way. There are snatchers in any major cities of the world. KL & PETALING JAYA though are a relatively safe places.
H. INFO PACKS NOS 1-6 and this FINAL ADD ON INFO PACK
1. PRINT .. please have all of the INFO PACKS printed out and in your possession at
all times. Please use the documents as reference or guide documents that
you could refer to always.
2. READ … please read and re-read in order to familiarize yourself already even before
being on the ground. Those who joined us in the previous conference who got
lost on their way to the venue, regretted not having read the instructions.
Don’t repeat their mistakes !!!
ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL TIME IN THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF MALAYSIA!!!
SO EXCITED …
Ptr. Gani Sison