The Passport Issue and 33 Hours Trip to Brazil.

stt_cibubur

Well-Known Member
Cager
Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
137
Just recently I came back from Brazil for emergency visit , planned to stay there 2-3 weeks, it became 2 months.
End of May my husband went to Brazil for a project but after 2 weeks there , this was 1st of June he had stroke and I had to fly to Sao Paolo asap, the problem was that my passport was due for extension and actually was under process. I've paid it and got the appointment for photo and interview on 29 June.
Panic mode on!.
I called the immigration and asked if possible to bring forward the appointment because of family matter, he told me to contact the immigration I picked for interview, so came to this immigration office and I asked if I could have quick emergency passport and pay extra, he said no.. Maaf bu, kalo mundur bisa, maju tidak bisa!... ooh ffffff !!!!
Then I called my agent to see the possibilities. She came back to me that I can have same day passport for 2,2jt. I know its costly but I need it , so I submitted all docs on Friday morning , sitting nicely waited for my number to be called BUT because at 11 am they're all gone for Juma'tan, my docs was not done, I had to come back at 1pm , which mean my passport will only be ready on Monday , another delay.
Finally I got my passport on Monday at 4pm. Couldn't get decent flight to Sao Paolo, many of them fly via USA, which I could not do as I need a US transit visa. The only options were Qatar and Emirates. After searching skyscanner, I found Emirates ticket for Monday 13 June the following week with 8 hours transit in Dubai, but wtf I do for 8 hours , I was thinking to book the capsule hotel in Dubai but then its only for sleeping, no food no drink, so forget it. I didn't book anything at the end
I checked in online so all I need is to drop the bag and get proper boarding passes. all went smooth. 9hours later I was in Dubai on my own, like lost chimp lol.
Wandered around looking for lounges, they were all expensive , and has time limit in it. Then I opened Flio apps, from there I get Euro 39.9 for 6 hours, nice foods, sofa bed with pillow and blanket Slept for 3 hours in this place.
My next flight to Sao Paolo take 14.5 hours ( A380 ) so wasn't so bad then domestic flight to Navegantes then to Gaspar where hubby was.
When I arrived in Sao Paolo, they only checked for vacs certificate ( WHO version) and I got 30 days visa stamp. By that time hubby was already out from hospital, and surprised, he joined the driver to pick me up.. with limping walk.
2 weeks has passed, his BP went up again, so we visited Cardiologist and he changed his prescription and then 4 days later we went to see Neurologist. The project was delayed and no one was coming to replace him, so I had to stay and babysit until the project was done. The Brazilian workers were sooo sloww.. nothing get done in time. so everything delayed and delayed, was planning to fly early July ( before 14th) .. not a chance!
Luckily I've met Indonesian Consulate who helped me to sort out my visa extension, we went to Federal Police, they granted 30 days extra .
We were trying to get the tickets home since mid July , all the flights were full ..Qatar was like $4500 one way.. so we waited and waited and finally got Qatar tickets for 7 August. In the last one week we relocated to Blumenau ( German town).
All flights were smooth, lounge access in Doha.
when we arrived in CGK, all you need to scan the peduli lindungi, before entering the fence, then at the immigration counter, they asked me "where is your ticket? .. wtf. I was coming home, why they need to see my ticket. .weird!
Waited ages for baggage, when finally out I asked the transport guy who stands in the middle of hall offering taxi . Mas, Pesan Grab dimana? , I know that I used to get GrabCar from top floor of parking lot, because I wasn't sure if its still there. He replied' Grab nggak ada disini, adanya di terminal 1" .. Liar!!
We walked straight toward carpark building and the Grab guy were there. so I booked the car and waited in there. done 350rb to Cibubur.
7 PM , 9 August .Home sweet home.
 
Just recently I came back from Brazil for emergency visit , planned to stay there 2-3 weeks, it became 2 months.
End of May my husband went to Brazil for a project but after 2 weeks there , this was 1st of June he had stroke and I had to fly to Sao Paolo asap, the problem was that my passport was due for extension and actually was under process. I've paid it and got the appointment for photo and interview on 29 June.
Panic mode on!.
I called the immigration and asked if possible to bring forward the appointment because of family matter, he told me to contact the immigration I picked for interview, so came to this immigration office and I asked if I could have quick emergency passport and pay extra, he said no.. Maaf bu, kalo mundur bisa, maju tidak bisa!... ooh ffffff !!!!
Then I called my agent to see the possibilities. She came back to me that I can have same day passport for 2,2jt. I know its costly but I need it , so I submitted all docs on Friday morning , sitting nicely waited for my number to be called BUT because at 11 am they're all gone for Juma'tan, my docs was not done, I had to come back at 1pm , which mean my passport will only be ready on Monday , another delay.
Finally I got my passport on Monday at 4pm. Couldn't get decent flight to Sao Paolo, many of them fly via USA, which I could not do as I need a US transit visa. The only options were Qatar and Emirates. After searching skyscanner, I found Emirates ticket for Monday 13 June the following week with 8 hours transit in Dubai, but wtf I do for 8 hours , I was thinking to book the capsule hotel in Dubai but then its only for sleeping, no food no drink, so forget it. I didn't book anything at the end
I checked in online so all I need is to drop the bag and get proper boarding passes. all went smooth. 9hours later I was in Dubai on my own, like lost chimp lol.
Wandered around looking for lounges, they were all expensive , and has time limit in it. Then I opened Flio apps, from there I get Euro 39.9 for 6 hours, nice foods, sofa bed with pillow and blanket Slept for 3 hours in this place.
My next flight to Sao Paolo take 14.5 hours ( A380 ) so wasn't so bad then domestic flight to Navegantes then to Gaspar where hubby was.
When I arrived in Sao Paolo, they only checked for vacs certificate ( WHO version) and I got 30 days visa stamp. By that time hubby was already out from hospital, and surprised, he joined the driver to pick me up.. with limping walk.
2 weeks has passed, his BP went up again, so we visited Cardiologist and he changed his prescription and then 4 days later we went to see Neurologist. The project was delayed and no one was coming to replace him, so I had to stay and babysit until the project was done. The Brazilian workers were sooo sloww.. nothing get done in time. so everything delayed and delayed, was planning to fly early July ( before 14th) .. not a chance!
Luckily I've met Indonesian Consulate who helped me to sort out my visa extension, we went to Federal Police, they granted 30 days extra .
We were trying to get the tickets home since mid July , all the flights were full ..Qatar was like $4500 one way.. so we waited and waited and finally got Qatar tickets for 7 August. In the last one week we relocated to Blumenau ( German town).
All flights were smooth, lounge access in Doha.
when we arrived in CGK, all you need to scan the peduli lindungi, before entering the fence, then at the immigration counter, they asked me "where is your ticket? .. wtf. I was coming home, why they need to see my ticket. .weird!
Waited ages for baggage, when finally out I asked the transport guy who stands in the middle of hall offering taxi . Mas, Pesan Grab dimana? , I know that I used to get GrabCar from top floor of parking lot, because I wasn't sure if its still there. He replied' Grab nggak ada disini, adanya di terminal 1" .. Liar!!
We walked straight toward carpark building and the Grab guy were there. so I booked the car and waited in there. done 350rb to Cibubur.
7 PM , 9 August .Home sweet home.

Sorry to hear about your husband, glad he is well enough to pick you up at the airport! Also flying internationally this summer was ridiculously expensive...
 
Sorry to hear about your husband, glad he is well enough to pick you up at the airport! Also flying internationally this summer was ridiculously expensive...
Thanks Daff , he wasn’t that well when he picked me up with a driver, it was difficult to get in/out of the car, his right leg was still bit stiff. His voice was bit slurry. But he is almost fine now, 98%!
When I flew out my ticket was $1550 with Emirates and ticket back was $1750 with Qatar. Couldnt get cheaper then 2K with Emirates.
 
Just recently I came back from Brazil for emergency visit , planned to stay there 2-3 weeks, it became 2 months.
End of May my husband went to Brazil for a project but after 2 weeks there , this was 1st of June he had stroke and I had to fly to Sao Paolo asap, the problem was that my passport was due for extension and actually was under process. I've paid it and got the appointment for photo and interview on 29 June.
Panic mode on!.
I called the immigration and asked if possible to bring forward the appointment because of family matter, he told me to contact the immigration I picked for interview, so came to this immigration office and I asked if I could have quick emergency passport and pay extra, he said no.. Maaf bu, kalo mundur bisa, maju tidak bisa!... ooh ffffff !!!!
Then I called my agent to see the possibilities. She came back to me that I can have same day passport for 2,2jt. I know its costly but I need it , so I submitted all docs on Friday morning , sitting nicely waited for my number to be called BUT because at 11 am they're all gone for Juma'tan, my docs was not done, I had to come back at 1pm , which mean my passport will only be ready on Monday , another delay.
Finally I got my passport on Monday at 4pm. Couldn't get decent flight to Sao Paolo, many of them fly via USA, which I could not do as I need a US transit visa. The only options were Qatar and Emirates. After searching skyscanner, I found Emirates ticket for Monday 13 June the following week with 8 hours transit in Dubai, but wtf I do for 8 hours , I was thinking to book the capsule hotel in Dubai but then its only for sleeping, no food no drink, so forget it. I didn't book anything at the end
I checked in online so all I need is to drop the bag and get proper boarding passes. all went smooth. 9hours later I was in Dubai on my own, like lost chimp lol.
Wandered around looking for lounges, they were all expensive , and has time limit in it. Then I opened Flio apps, from there I get Euro 39.9 for 6 hours, nice foods, sofa bed with pillow and blanket Slept for 3 hours in this place.
My next flight to Sao Paolo take 14.5 hours ( A380 ) so wasn't so bad then domestic flight to Navegantes then to Gaspar where hubby was.
When I arrived in Sao Paolo, they only checked for vacs certificate ( WHO version) and I got 30 days visa stamp. By that time hubby was already out from hospital, and surprised, he joined the driver to pick me up.. with limping walk.
2 weeks has passed, his BP went up again, so we visited Cardiologist and he changed his prescription and then 4 days later we went to see Neurologist. The project was delayed and no one was coming to replace him, so I had to stay and babysit until the project was done. The Brazilian workers were sooo sloww.. nothing get done in time. so everything delayed and delayed, was planning to fly early July ( before 14th) .. not a chance!
Luckily I've met Indonesian Consulate who helped me to sort out my visa extension, we went to Federal Police, they granted 30 days extra .
We were trying to get the tickets home since mid July , all the flights were full ..Qatar was like $4500 one way.. so we waited and waited and finally got Qatar tickets for 7 August. In the last one week we relocated to Blumenau ( German town).
All flights were smooth, lounge access in Doha.
when we arrived in CGK, all you need to scan the peduli lindungi, before entering the fence, then at the immigration counter, they asked me "where is your ticket? .. wtf. I was coming home, why they need to see my ticket. .weird!
Waited ages for baggage, when finally out I asked the transport guy who stands in the middle of hall offering taxi . Mas, Pesan Grab dimana? , I know that I used to get GrabCar from top floor of parking lot, because I wasn't sure if its still there. He replied' Grab nggak ada disini, adanya di terminal 1" .. Liar!!
We walked straight toward carpark building and the Grab guy were there. so I booked the car and waited in there. done 350rb to Cibubur.
7 PM , 9 August .Home sweet home.
Sending hugs, you really seem to have had a lot to deal with, glad your hubby is recovering well xxx
 
I’m glad your husband is ok.

I really liked my trips there 15-20 years ago. Stayed in Rio for a few weeks the first time, and SP for a week.

One reason I always try to keep a healthy stash of frequent flyer miles is for emergency trips like this. Not transiting the US can make things difficult.
 
Sending hugs, you really seem to have had a lot to deal with, glad your hubby is recovering well xxx
Hugssss Bad_azz , thanks . Yeah it seem so , the God is testing my strength and here I am still standing and wiggle about lol
 
Last edited:
I’m glad your husband is ok.

I really liked my trips there 15-20 years ago. Stayed in Rio for a few weeks the first time, and SP for a week.

One reason I always try to keep a healthy stash of frequent flyer miles is for emergency trips like this. Not transiting the US can make things difficult.
Thanks Jaime, Actually I like Brazil , it was not like I expected, the place is called Gaspar- Santa Catarina, tiny little town with only several thousand citizens. Nice, clean, friendly and the food was great.. specially the Brazilian BBQ.. hmm yum.
Every weekend we ( the project team) explored different places like Balneariu Camburio, Pomerode, Blumenau, all this German escapees places lol.

I used my Emirates miles to exchanged with Swarovsky jewelry years ago. Lol. Eventho If i have enough miles, the flight wasn’t available. Unless I fly via USA, not possible , because to get transit C visa it will take weeks and weeks and its only can be done in Sao Paolo.
 
Yes, transiting in the US should be avoided at all costs, it's a complete nightmare. You have to enter the country and go through their hostile immigration and then exit again a few minutes later to get your plane.
 
Yes, transiting in the US should be avoided at all costs, it's a complete nightmare. You have to enter the country and go through their hostile immigration and then exit again a few minutes later to get your plane.
Hubby missed the plane in Miami when he was flying home from Honduras. The immigration was slow as slug and massive queue.
 
Thanks Jaime, Actually I like Brazil , it was not like I expected, the place is called Gaspar- Santa Catarina, tiny little town with only several thousand citizens. Nice, clean, friendly and the food was great.. specially the Brazilian BBQ.. hmm yum.
Every weekend we ( the project team) explored different places like Balneariu Camburio, Pomerode, Blumenau, all this German escapees places lol.

I used my Emirates miles to exchanged with Swarovsky jewelry years ago. Lol. Eventho If i have enough miles, the flight wasn’t available. Unless I fly via USA, not possible , because to get transit C visa it will take weeks and weeks and its only can be done in Sao Paolo.
Oh, I loved the Rodizio style restaurants in Rio. I’d go a couple times a week in 2005 for lunch. $8 buffet, and I was full until late at night. Walking around the restaurant it was almost like you were ice skating, from the meat drippings on the floor as the waiters made their rounds to the table.

South America is pretty interesting. My grandmother was born in Argentina before WW1 while her father was building grain silos for a US company. I’ve been to Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Panama and Paraguay in the region. All are pretty interesting places to visit.

I checked for reward flights CGK to GRU. I have miles in one Colombian airline program that has Star Alliance partners. Absolutely nothing, though.

One way tickets can be really expensive. Sometimes a round trip can even be cheaper than 1 one-way ticket. Find a ticket that is freely changeable, or has a low change fee. Using miles to buy merchandise is usually not a deal for you.

A stroke can be really bad, I’m glad your husband has mostly recovered. My father in law had a brain aneurism 5 years ago or so, and he still needs a full-time helper or nurse. Can’t walk, talk or go to the bathroom on his own. He can use his left hand to eat with a spoon, but not much more.
 
Stroke is very bad and mostly no warning
My dad died of a stroke, my brother also got it, it's been 10 years and he still can't lift her right hand and having difficulty to talk.
Glad to hear your hubby continues to improve, wish him fully recovered.

We will return to Indonesia next month with water Qatar air, the most direct flight from PHC to JKT, less than 21 hours incl. 4 hours transit in Doha. QA is indeed very expensive now. A bit surprised with the price listed on our tickets - return biz class enough to buy an LCGC car in Indonesia. Luckily, I opt tickets from my travel allowances instead of travel budget. no need to top-up.
 
Oh, I loved the Rodizio style restaurants in Rio. I’d go a couple times a week in 2005 for lunch. $8 buffet, and I was full until late at night. Walking around the restaurant it was almost like you were ice skating, from the meat drippings on the floor as the waiters made their rounds to the table.
South America is pretty interesting. My grandmother was born in Argentina before WW1 while her father was building grain silos for a US company. I’ve been to Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Panama and Paraguay in the region. All are pretty interesting places to visit.
I checked for reward flights CGK to GRU. I have miles in one Colombian airline program that has Star Alliance partners. Absolutely nothing, though.

One way tickets can be really expensive. Sometimes a round trip can even be cheaper than 1 one-way ticket. Find a ticket that is freely changeable, or has a low change fee. Using miles to buy merchandise is usually not a deal for you.

A stroke can be really bad, I’m glad your husband has mostly recovered. My father in law had a brain aneurism 5 years ago or so, and he still needs a full-time helper or nurse. Can’t walk, talk or go to the bathroom on his own. He can use his left hand to eat with a spoon, but not much more.
Almost every nights for 2 months i had buffet breakfast and buffet dinner , its incl in hotel price. And buffet lunch on friday because there was no dinner on Fri, Sat and Sunday night. The hotel restaurant shut completely on weekend except the buffet breakfast which was in diff restaurant and only open for breakfast.
Very often on weekend we went to Villa Germanica ( Blumenau Oktoberfest) place and had Pork knuckle lol.

My partner didnt book me return ticket because we wasnt sure when we need to fly back. So he bought me 1 way & 1 way. I was thinking to fly to Peru or Columbia first to get flight home, I know I can get free visa for those countries. But No I’ve waited patiently with Vinho and Queijo lol.

hubby had the incident in the project site while he was having coffee with his team, suddenly his arm loses the power , he dropped his cup, his right leg was paralyzed and his voice was slurry. He was rushed to local hospital but then moved to bigger hospital in Blumenau after few hours.
Within 24 hours he gained his power , he was able to lift the cup and jug of water but couldn't walk properly. With good Cardiology and Neurology, he has been having daily therapy and on 7th day he was discharged from hospital.

According to the Neurologist , the causes of the brain bursting /raptured was high blood pressure Stress and cold weather, his BP was like 180-200 , the stress part was from the “Slow workers” he dealt with. Because The dateline for the project was End of June!
 
Stroke is very bad and mostly no warning
My dad died of a stroke, my brother also got it, it's been 10 years and he still can't lift her right hand and having difficulty to talk.
Glad to hear your hubby continues to improve, wish him fully recovered.

We will return to Indonesia next month with water Qatar air, the most direct flight from PHC to JKT, less than 21 hours incl. 4 hours transit in Doha. QA is indeed very expensive now. A bit surprised with the price listed on our tickets - return biz class enough to buy an LCGC car in Indonesia. Luckily, I opt tickets from my travel allowances instead of travel budget. no need to top-up.
Thanks Wisnu, Yeah now we know . High BP, Stress and blood cloth are the triggers.

Indeed, Qatar is more expensive than Emirates these days , I heard Turkish Airline is cheaper, I will try that next time I go to Amsterdam.
 

Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0)

Follow Us

Latest Expat Indo Articles

Latest Tweets by Expat Indo

Latest Activity

New posts Latest threads

Online Now

No members online now.

Newest Members

Forum Statistics

Threads
5,966
Messages
97,385
Members
3,035
Latest member
Les 819
Back
Top Bottom