The 6 Challenges I Faced When Leaving Penang

Leaving a country or city is always a mission and Penang was no different. In fact it had its fair share of challenges. But, as always we overcame those challenges and it feels good.

Challenge 1 – Packing

Two months in Penang our stuff seemed to be spread throughout the house and mingled with the Owner’s own things. We had to go through toys and clothes, plates and sheets. To be honest it was a mission that took much longer then expected.

Conquer

But triumphantly we came with 3 bags and left with 2! You can understand we have been trying to do this since Manila so it was a great achievement. We may have 3 carry on bags, but the big luggage is down to 2!

Challenge 2 – USA ESTA VWP

So apparently a friend of mine told me this morning that she had to organise a visa for the US. Having booked tickets for next week I had no idea about this and jumped on it straight away. Receiving a link from a travel agent friend I found I had to purchase a $69.99 Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to obtain a Visa Waiver Program. In essence $69.99 each to not have to obtain a visa?! CRAZY!

However I went ahead and rang the USA ESTA VISA on +61 280 155 465 and she informed she could do it all over the phone.

“And I have to get one for each person.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“That’s really expensive, isn't it?”

No response.

Conquer

I gave her all the details and in minutes had 3 visas in my inbox. Apparently mine had problems with the expiry and they were trying to reach me, thank God they didn’t.

Unconquered

After complaining on Facebook it turns out that the USA ESTA VISA is an agency charging you $60 more than what the US government charge. Yes the US charge $10! I immediately called them asking them why they never told me that when I complained about the expense and how do they justify charging an extra $60?

They were able to refund my application, but since the other 3 were already completed and in my inbox they were unable to refund those. That’s a loss of $179.97! They sent me an email saying it states on their website they are an agency. They failed to understand that it was a phonecall and no such advice was given to me. Despite warnings and speaking to management they would not budge. So I guess this challenge was a failure.

Please remember to book your ESTA for the VWP through the official website - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The agency website is a replica of this site, so do not be fooled. I booked and paid for my ESTA on the official site and you also receive confirmation immediately. 

The ESTA lasts 2 years for multiple entries of 3 months at a time. We will have to go back to the US plenty of times to get our moneys worth from the scammers USA ESTA VISA!

Challenge 3 – The Hire Car

We had decided to drive the car to Labelle in Georgetown to save on some taxi costs. But then there was the matter of our little MyVi. It’s like a mini car, compact in fact.

Conquer

However with our newly 2 bags we managed to fit one in the boot, one in the back and kids squished in a corner. All 2 large suitcases, 3 carry-ons, 2 backpacks, 1 handbag and 1 food bag forced into our tiny car.

On top of this win was the amazing service at Labelle. As we drove up to the office to drop the car they had organised a taxi to take us to the airport at local prices. We paid the office and they paid the cabby. We cannot express our gratitude to Labelle enough and if you are in Penang you definitely need to hire a car from them.

Challenge 4 – Airport Check in

We arrive at Penang with plenty of time to spare for once and when we reach the check-in counters they are only doing baggage drops and we have to use the check-in computer-thingos.
Josh tries to check-in and all of us are on the screen. Well wait, no my 2-year-old son is missing. We decide not to check in and head to the service desk.

Conquer

We find out the flight is overbooked and Caius does not have a seat assigned to him. They go through a lot of effort to move people, relocate people and finally they give me 3 seats in row 5 hot seats and Josh again scores the exit row. Score, thank you Air Asia! 

Challenge 5 – Boarding

The ticket says gate A6. We are running late due to my fiasco with the US visas. I’m mad, angry and now A6 has no one there. We read the departure board and it’s changed to A1 the complete opposite end.

Conquer

We run to A1 and arrive. Other people are running late, obviously all went to A6.

Challenge 6 – Assigned Seats on an overbooked plane

We sit in our seats only to find out they are not together. My two kids are with a stranger and I am on the other side.

Conquer

The stranger is more than happy to swap with me. I am sure she thinks she won in this situation.

And there you have it. The six challenges I faced when leaving Penang. 5 wins, 1 loss. I’m still fuming over the whole VISA thing, but running for the plane and the whole craziness with the seating on board it’s fizzled to just a pouting tantrum.

Serves me right for rushing things. I was so stressed they wouldn’t let us in the country I should have done more research. Next time.

Let’s hope we don’t face these challenges again, because we have 4 more flights in the next week!

Would love to hear about your travel challenges. You can comment below or email me. And if you had no idea this post was even here, sign up for our email newsletter and be informed of every new post! Love to have you on board.