I'm trying to compute an estimated cost for my Fiance's trip to Manila US Embassy. The plane fair for her and her Mother is paid(approx 280.00 round trip for two), as is the Bayview Hotel room for one day(approx 68.00). Already paid the $131.00 for visa application. We still need to pay for cab fare for two people from Talisay City to Mactan International Airport in Lapu Lapu City(two ways- to and back to Talsiay City for two). Also They want to take the Bayview Hotel Taxi Cab to the hotel, which I don't blame them. They will also take it back to the airport once they check out the next day. So in my mind, we are looking at food for two for about 7 meals, i estimate. I know the hotel gives free breakfast, but whatever works there. Just trying to get an idea of how much money I should send her for this trip. We need to pay for courier service at embassy for delivery of her visa to her home. How much does that cost? I'm going to get her once she gets her visa, so i guess i'm trying to conserve somewhat. Any ideas??? maybe someone can break down an estimate of costs for me. please tell me in USD, if possible, thanks!

Did you forget about 2 days for medical, need to also allow for delays if any? wish we were at the interview stage, just got our first RFE

We are already past the medical stage. We are done with all that. My question pertains only to the cost of the trip for the interview. Thank you

hi..maybe around $400-$500...thats just my estimate...

Seems like 400.00-500.00 for about a day and a half stay seems high. Maybe I'm lost, as there isnt anything to pay other than taxi fares and meals.

i think $50-$100 is more than enough for just a 2 days stay in manila for an interview if the plane fare and hotel was already taken care of

From what I saw while I was there, you could just base your cost estimate pretty close to what it would cost you here in the states. The cost of living in Manila (for most things) is pretty comparable to here. Lot more expensive in Manila than in the provinces. One night in the Manila Airport Hotel was $56. Food is still a little cheaper than here. I don't think I'd be comfortable unless my wife had at least a couple of hundred in her pocket on top of the hotel, airfare and fees at the embassy.

I used to live near Talisay City too and I stayed at Bayview Park for my interview. Here's my cab expenses

Talisay City to Mactan Airport = 250.00 (depends on traffic) (x2) = 500
Manila Airport to Bayview Hotel = 575 ( i used the airport taxi) + driver tip = 600
Bayview to Manila Aiport (i used regular taxi + driver tip) = 200

Total = 1, 300 pesos = appx 28 dollars

Maybe 100 to 150 dollars. This includes fare, meal and extra money

Flight suggestion:
cebu - manila
OUTBOUND
9:45 am Depart Cebu (CEB)
Arrive Manila (MNL) 11:05 am
RETURN
6:00 pm Depart Manila (MNL)
Arrive Cebu (CEB) 7:25 pm
$115 roundtrip per person
(*this is flight dates on the 21st and coming back on the 22nd of October.)

Bayview Hotel Park
Suprior Room
Includes: Breakfast Buffet
71.89 w/ taxes and fees
Check in: 10/21
Check out: 10/22


* I don't know the dates so wasn't able to check the right pricing for the whole package..

Why this useless suggestion? The OP says the plane fare and hotel stay have already been taken care of. Please use your brains, if you have any.

Why this useless suggestion? The OP says the plane fare and hotel stay have already been taken care of. Please use your brains, if you have any.
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ANG SAMA NAMAN NITO, NAG SUSUGGEST NGA EH.. Hmmp!

nipe busu? ah~~ nipe como !!!

stayed at bayview for my interview also and some other occasions... tip for cheaper food: dont eat inside the hotel [except for their free bfast deal] for a small meal i paid P700 for lunch and not even worth it... there's chowking and yellow cab outside of the hotel and much more...

we took the regular taxi as well... P200 for a taxi is not bad even if thats over priced compared to P500-800 hotel taxi... just my opinion

good luck on the interview !

God bless!

I think the courier service is 205 pesos (Air 21)....so probably allow 300 to 500 pesos for that..probably if she is in the province it has a different fee...

you better give extra money for your fiancee in case of emergency...


its better to eat outside the hotel ,coz. its pretty expensive in the babyview restaurant...

there is a hotel near at the embassy . they will just across the street from the hotel to the embassy.i will try to surf it what sthe name of the hotel.there are cheap hotel like 15 dollars per night. i think they will get the cheap one its only for one day.or maybe 2 days. anyway her mother is not allowed to get inside at the embassy, only her and the petitioner is allowed. so tell her to leave her mom at the hotel.they dont have to stay at the expensive hotel.i stayed at the cherry blossoms hotel before it only cost at 30.dollars i get the cheap one anyway it doenst count in my visa .they dont need a taxi going to the embassy she will just ride a trycycle for only 4 dollars. so its up to you..

As you know Bayview has a free breakfast for two, 'all you can eat' at lest it was when I was there. Make sure they get the tickets they will need them to eat
if your going cheap skip the hotel cab, they charge more. Asiaroom.com will be a lil-cheaper then the 68 bucks if you book online for Bayview. You can find a clean hotel room thats way cheaper then Bayview.

Please be respectful of other members here. If you disagree with a post, do so in a civil manner.

Thanks,

VJ Moderation.

I disgree.

I have only made a few trips to Manila, But I found nice American Style hotels for 1,400 pesos per night, and excellent restaurants with breakfast for around 80 pesos. I was close to SLEC and USEM.

a hundred to hundred fifty bucks is more than enough. lucky girl =)
i'm paying for all my expenses in this 'journey', DS forms...medical etc..

Anyway...Goodluck on her interview!