Your Personal Guide To Moving Abroad

January 22, 2015 Erica Ho 9 minute read

This is part 1 in The Only Guide to Moving Abroad You'll Ever Need series.

Between Karina and me living abroad for almost nine years collectively—and Sydney jetting off for New Zealand soon—we’ve cornered the market on this.

Your Personal Guide To Moving Abroad via @maphappy

Documentation Flights Travel Trip Planning Visa

Long Layovers: Don’t Forget About the Transit Visa

January 12, 2015 Sydney Johnson 2 minute read

Now that you have a better idea of where to take advantage of a stopover, it’s time to talk about the unfun part. How to get out.

Long Layovers: Don’t Forget About the Transit Visa via @maphappy

Documentation Passport Trip Planning Visa

What To Do if the Passport Expires Before the Visa

December 11, 2014 Sydney Johnson 1 minute read

There are many circumstances in which a passport’s life might extend that of a visa.

What To Do if the Passport Expires Before the Visa via @maphappy

Asia Countries Documentation Trip Planning Visa

Tourists Can Now Visit China for Up to 10 Years

November 13, 2014 Erica Ho 1 minute read

I stopped visiting China sometime when I realized I had handed the government over $560+ in tourist visa fees.

Tourists Can Now Visit China for Up to 10 Years via @maphappy

Airports Documentation Flights Security

Your Global Entry Card as Counts as Valid ID

November 3, 2014 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

That means if you’re a Global Entry member, you can show them that card instead of your driver’s license at the security checkpoint.

Your Global Entry Card as Counts as Valid ID via @maphappy

Documentation Travel Trip Planning Visa

What To Do If Your Visa Has Been Denied

July 15, 2014 Erica Ho 2 minute read

The unthinkable has happened. You’ve gotten denied for a visa but you’ve already paid for the flight.

What To Do If Your Visa Has Been Denied via @maphappy

Customs Documentation Trip Planning

Can I Bring Someone Else Through Global Entry?

June 17, 2014 Erica Ho 1 minute read

I cheer every time I’m out of JFK in less than 20 minutes. But what if I was traveling with a boyfriend? Is my dating pool only limited to Global Entry members?

Can I Bring Someone Else Through Global Entry? via @maphappy

Documentation Travel Trip Planning

Proof of Onward Travel? You’re Going To Need It

October 3, 2013 Erica Ho 2 minute read

If you’ve got a one-way ticket to another country, then you’re going to want to listen up. Assuming you’re not going there to live.

Proof of Onward Travel? You’re Going To Need It via @maphappy

Customs Documentation Trip Planning

How UK Citizens Can Get a Global Entry Promo Code

September 17, 2013 Erica Ho 1 minute read

U.S. citizens need not apply. Seriously.

How UK Citizens Can Get a Global Entry Promo Code via @maphappy

Documentation Passport Trip Planning

The Process for Joining the Global Entry Program

April 1, 2013 Erica Ho 2 minute read

The last thing I like to do after a 17-hour trip is to stand in line at customs for over an hour. (I’d rather be taking a shower.) But you gotta do it, unless you’re a Global Entry member.

The Process for Joining the Global Entry Program via @maphappy

Documentation Passport Travel

What Actually Happened When I Lost My Passport

March 6, 2013 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Fortunately, I wrote the primer for this one. Unfortunately, it actually happened.

What Actually Happened When I Lost My Passport via @maphappy

Documentation Expat

How To Register and Get Your Absentee Ballot

October 4, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Because you’re out of the country gives you no excuse not to vote! Come on, clickie and find out how to do your patriotic duty and be glad you’re not Australian.

How To Register and Get Your Absentee Ballot via @maphappy

Airports Customs Flights Travel Trip Planning

How Long Does It Take to Clear Immigration?

September 10, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

About 18 minutes just after noon in July at Chicago O’Hare. That’s what this government website says, anyways.

How Long Does It Take to Clear Immigration? via @maphappy

Airports Customs Documentation

The Global Entry Program Puts You in Front, Literally

July 25, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

See you suckers on the other side of immigration! The Global Entry program lets you beat the crowd and you don’t even have to be anyone important or fly 3 billion miles a year.

The Global Entry Program Puts You in Front, Literally via @maphappy

Documentation Travel Trip Planning Visa

What You Need to Know About Applying for a Visa

July 6, 2012 Erica Ho 2 minute read

There’s a couple of terms you’re going to have to get yourself acquainted with if you’ve never applied for a visa before.

What You Need to Know About Applying for a Visa via @maphappy

Documentation Flights Trip Planning Visa

Do I Get the Visa or Book the Flight First?

June 25, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

This question is a little like the chicken or the egg. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that in most cases, you’re safe booking the flight without the visa.

Do I Get the Visa or Book the Flight First? via @maphappy

Airlines Documentation Flights

Fly the Right Airline To Reduce Time at Customs

June 18, 2012 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

If you’re running short on time, flying a carrier from a different country may reduce the time you have to sit in immigration. Yep.

Fly the Right Airline To Reduce Time at Customs via @maphappy

Documentation Travel Trip Planning

Bring a Pen Along for the Ride on the Plane

May 24, 2012 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

You’ve got to fill out all of those custom forms somehow, right?

Bring a Pen Along for the Ride on the Plane via @maphappy

Airports Documentation Money Trip Planning

Explaining the Mystery of the Airport Departure Tax

May 23, 2012 Erica Ho 1 minute read

If you’ve spent all your Philippine pesos before you leave the airport, you’ll be in for a rude surprise on the way out: It’s called the airport departure tax. But understand it and you might even be able to get it refunded.