Question for those who recently interviewed at USEM

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Are they still allowing you to "check" you Cell Phone at the Security Entrance?

When I was at the Embassy in January of this year I had to turn-in my Cell Phone prior to entry and retrieve it upon exit, are they still doing this or are you simply to not even bring it?

[AbbynSheryl 0]

yes u need to leave the cell phone outside with someone bcz no storage in the embassy, abby n sheryl

[cEzYcHiC 0]

No electronic gadgets are allowed in the USEM.

There are no lockers anymore and if you are caught with a cellphone, you will be denied entry.

I even had to throw my cellphone charger and headset because they don't allow it inside.

[RyaNRiza 1]

If you have someone who will go with you, you can leave your gadgets while he/she waits outside the US Embassy building. If no one will accompany you, better leave it at home/hotel.

Good luck!

[pseith 0]

OK, I was at the Embassy in early March to get my CENOMAR. I left my cel phone outside with my then fiance (now my wife), but had my digital camera with me when I went in. I had to check it at the security line on the way in. I was so excited to get out with the CENOMAR approval that I forgot to claim my camera on the way out! We were halfway in a cab to the Mall of Asia when we had to backtrack so I could get it! So if they don't allow you in with it, you can check it on the way in. Just don't forget it on the way out!

[bowgirl 8]

OK, I was at the Embassy in early March to get my CENOMAR. I left my cel phone outside with my then fiance (now my wife), but had my digital camera with me when I went in. I had to check it at the security line on the way in. I was so excited to get out with the CENOMAR approval that I forgot to claim my camera on the way out! We were halfway in a cab to the Mall of Asia when we had to backtrack so I could get it! So if they don't allow you in with it, you can check it on the way in. Just don't forget it on the way out!

I think they only allow USC (and someone with them) to leave their phones at the counter. That's what I noticed when we (me and my husband) went there last March for his certificate in lieu.

[abbielovesjeremy 5]

I think they only allow USC (and someone with them) to leave their phones at the counter. That's what I noticed when we (me and my husband) went there last March for his certificate in lieu.

yes that's correct. that's what we did too when my hubby and i went there for his paper.

[Mystic Heart 0]

its BEST to just NOT bring any electronic gadgets at all to avoid any inconvenience. if you have any electronic device with you, you will be automatically given a rescheduled interview.. i just had my interview last oct 22

[NinJones 18]

I think they only allow USC (and someone with them) to leave their phones at the counter. That's what I noticed when we (me and my husband) went there last March for his certificate in lieu.

yes that's correct. that's what we did too when my hubby and i went there for his paper.

Same here .. only applicants accompanied by a USC are allowed to leave their gadgets at the USEM counter. There are people outside (the ones you would normally say 'fixers') are having a little bargain to keep your cellphone for 150 pesos (per phone) ... It's a strange business, but yes, they do wait outside and return your things back

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Same here .. only applicants accompanied by a USC are allowed to leave their gadgets at the USEM counter. There are people outside (the ones you would normally say 'fixers') are having a little bargain to keep your cellphone for 150 pesos (per phone) ... It's a strange business, but yes, they do wait outside and return your things back

Yeah... NO...

I don't think I'll recommend that she leave her iPhone with someone while she's inside. Much safer to leave it as her cousins' apartment and make me wait the 30 minutes transit time to get back after the interview.

She mentioned that some employees at Starbucks across the street are also offering similar service and I still don't think I'd agree.

[NinJones 18]

Same here .. only applicants accompanied by a USC are allowed to leave their gadgets at the USEM counter. There are people outside (the ones you would normally say 'fixers') are having a little bargain to keep your cellphone for 150 pesos (per phone) ... It's a strange business, but yes, they do wait outside and return your things back

Yeah... NO...

I don't think I'll recommend that she leave her iPhone with someone while she's inside. Much safer to leave it as her cousins' apartment and make me wait the 30 minutes transit time to get back after the interview.

She mentioned that some employees at Starbucks across the street are also offering similar service and I still don't think I'd agree.

It's never recommended .. but some people are just not aware. It's really better not to bring any or have a friend wait for you outside the USEM.

.. I entrusted them my hand sanitizer and cologne tho

Edited October 29, 2009 by NinJones