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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 11, 2010
Submitted new passport application. Finally. It is easier in Kuala Lumpur, and cheaper, than in Jakarta. It's good news.
The new photos where 15 Ringgit, the signature of the guarantor 20 Ringgit, and the 48 pages passport cost Can $105. I was also able to pay in cash in Canadian dollars ( I had some left, just enough for the passport). They had no change though (always hichups, haha), and the whole sum has to be in one currency. No 100 dollars plus 15 Ringgit. Luckily, some guy who was just picking up his passport had a 5 dollar bill, so I gave him the ringgits and he gave me the bill, and I will be getting a 48 pages passport instead of 24. (opted for 24 pages for a 100 because I'd have to go exchange money and it was already three - I'd have to come back again the next day)
The Embassy agreed to send my new passport to the Canadian Consul in Penang, so I am free to leave Kuala Lumpur and I don't have to come back here! Malaysia doesn't require a visa from Canadians. You get 90 days automatically, and free, upon arrival, so this is a good place to ask for your new passport. 15 to 30 days in another country might be not enough. So, if you are traveling in Asia and need a new passport - get it in Malaysia!
Another great thing - I was able to get a guarantors signature from someone local. They gave me an address where they guy looked at my documents and signed that it's me. It cost me 20 Ringgit, while Embassy normally charges 150 for it. 6 dollars instead of 50 - makes a difference for a backpacker. At the same time I think it's ridiculous that this can't be done in Jakarta, and that a foreigner in another country who has never seen me before can be my guarantor for a fee!!! More trustworthy than all my documents, my old passport, and my word!? Oh well, it's Canada. The world where many thinks don't make sense. It worked well for me this time. The final price for a new Canadian passport - 111 dollars in Kuala Lumpur vs. 160+ in Jakarta.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 10, 2010
Kuala Lumpur, first day... Back to the same hostel, 12 Ringgit a night for a dorm bed. The filthy girl who was here two months ago is still here. I haven't seen anyone living like this except on TV - her stuff makes a pile and the pile makes her nest. The hostel shouldn't allow this, but I guess her staying here for months and paying, they just tolerate this slob. I will post a photo later.
Went to the Canadian Embassy. Seems like getting the passport here will be easier than in Jakarta. And cheaper. Also, there is the possibility that they will send it to Penang. I will talk to them again about it tomorrow when submitting all the paperwork. So far looks like good news - maybe I will not have to come back to Kuala Lumpur to pick it up.
For a moment I was considering flying to Manila. But Malaysia gives me 90 days of stay here and for free. Philippines only 21 days, I think, then extending them to two months cost. So, considering everything (the costs especially) I am staying in Malaysia and I will go North. There will be time to see Philippines later.
My life has always been about freedom and I shall continue to walk this path.
Safe travels ! ........... Stan
Check out my Photography Portfolio
stan@ancientnomad.com
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