Monthly Archives: October 2017

Blogs, Travel

Inviting family and friends in Denmark

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Life in Denmark is good. I am not saying living here means we are wealthy. What I am saying is, we have enough of what we need here, provided of course you have the job to support it.

Having been born and raised in the Philippines, I can see a huge difference on the situation of living here compared to where I grew up in. Given that, I have an innate longing to let my friends and family experience what I experience here.

So every time I have the chance, I invite them for a visit here. I do not pay for my friends application, rather, I act as their host while they are here in Denmark.

With the recent changes in rules and regulations here in Denmark, it can be tricky to invite people. But it is very do-able. As a matter of fact, my husband and I have invited quite a few number of people already.

Here are the things that you have to know first.

  1. Be familiar with the VFS Denmark- Manila website. This site will tell you everything that you need so make sure you go through this site thoroughly.
  2. Since you are inviting friends/ family members, it is given that they will stay with you so they should choose FRIEND/FAMILY VISIT. If in case they will not stay with you, then they must choose TOURISM WITH HOTEL.

NOTE:

*Application is applicable in case you are travelling for visit boyfriend, girlfriend, partner and        fiance.

A visa grants you the right to spend a maximum of 90 days per 6 months (180 days) from the entry date in the Schengen region and should you choose, you can also apply for a multiple entry visa.

  1. They have to fill-up the VISA application form and make sure that all fields are properly filled.
  2. You have to fill out the invitation form. Make sure as well that you have filled out all of the fields.
  3. Visa Fee. There is a difference between applying in Cebu and Manila in terms of the visa fee. See below.
    2017-10-18 18_56_50-Denmark Visa Information - The Philippines - Visa Types - Short Stay - Friend_ P
  4. Checklist. In order to check if they have everything, make sure that they print our this checklist and verify if they have everything.

    checklist

Now that you know those things, here is the application process (for applicant):

  1. Go to the VFS Denmark- Manila website and download the VISA APPLICATION FORM and CHECKLIST.
  2. Fill out the application form.
  3. Prepare all the needed documents for the application including the invitation form.
  4. Schedule an appointment to pass the application. You can also opt for walk-in. But do note that walk-in applicants are accepted only until 9:00am.
  5. Go the VFS Demark office to submit your application. Remember to bring cash for the visa fee.

Note: Here are the documents/things you need to bring to VFS.

  • Visa application form
  • Checklist
  • Visa application fee
  • Invitation letter
  • Photo copy of invitee’s passport and residence permit
  • Itinerary
  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Ticket reservation

You can also bring other documents that you think might help in your application

  • Birth certificate
  • Letter of employment
  • Business registration
  • Property titles

The processing time for the visa is around 2 weeks so just be patient. Once available, they will send you a message to pick up the visa.

For the inviting party:

  1. Fill out the invitation form properly. Do not forget to sign it.
  2. Send a copy of your passport and residence permit to the applicant because they need to submit that as well to the embassy.

Here are the links that you need to remember: 

VFS DENMARK- http://www.vfsglobal.com/Denmark/Philippines/index.html

Invitation form:  http://www.vfsglobal.com/Denmark/Philippines/pdf/VU2_form_141217.pdf

Checklist: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Denmark/Philippines/pdf/Visit-Other-Relatives-And-Friends.pdf

Visa application form: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Denmark/Philippines/pdf/Schengen_Visa_Application_Form.pdf

 

Goodluck! I hope your application gets approved! 🙂 ❤

 

 

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How to Prevent Theft

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“Pas på lommertyver.”

When you take the public transport here in Copenhagen, you must be very familiar of that line.

Translated, it means, “Beware of pickpockets”!

Pickpockets in Copenhagen. Yup, there are thieves in Copenhagen, just like there is in any other cities around the world! Unfortunately though,  the number of pick-pocketing cases have risen the past years. As a matter of fact, organized group thieves are already working here in the city.

So, what can you do to avoid losing your valuables? Let me give you these tips.

Oh wait, you might be thinking, who is this woman? How dare she give me an advice on how to avoid pickpockets? Well, for one, I was born and raised in the Philippines and have lived in Manila for a long time. If you don’t get the point, let me be more clear. If you walk on the streets of Manila looking all rich and fancy, you’ll go home a pauper. No wallet, no phone, no nothing. Nada! I am not proud to say this but I lost my iPhone two times in a row in Manila and my wallet was taken out of my very own hands right in front of our condominium gates. So, it is safe for me to say, I learned my lessons. And I became more vigilant everywhere I go.

Back to the tips.

  1. Make sure your bag is properly closed. Don’t ever think that since you are in Copenhagen you can just go around the city with a widely open bag! Copenhagen Isn’t as safe as it used to be so better zip that bag properly or risk losing your valuables.
  2. When biking, make sure to tie your bag to the bike handle. Biking is very popular in this country. People bike going to the office or to school. Of course bikes are better when they have baskets, but do remember though to tie your bag on the handle so that it’ll not be snatched while you are biking. Yes, it happens. Bags do get snatched here, so be warned. Or buy one of those luggage ties to make sure your bag is safe.
  3. Don’t just leave your bag anywhere. Make sure you are holding your bag all the time or keeping it close. If you are in a public place never ever keep it out of your site. Avoiding theft
  4. When wearing a sling bag, put the bag in front of you. I mean, need I say more? The greatest opportunities for thieves is when you bag is behind you. You sure don’t have an eye on the back of your head so you will never see if they are already working their magic.
  5. When wearing a backpack, use a small padlock. 
  6. Don’t put your wallet or phone on your back pocket. If you do, make sure to have a chain. Regardless whether your wallet is as thick as this or not, be ready to say goodbye to your wallet once you put it in the back pocket.wallet-cash-credit-card-pocket

For group of organized thieves:

  1. If they are locking you in the middle, break free. I do not care if you have to push them (lightly), break free. Do not let them corner you. Just say ‘unskyld’ after. 🙂 ❤
  2. Call 114. If you really feel threatened, put your phone into good use before they actually try to steal it.
  3. Scream! I actually did this before. A group of girls were trying to corner me and felt so unsafe. So I screamed at the other girl who didn’t look so tough and they all ran off. I don’t care if your mom told you not to curse, but this is your time to say words your mom will not be proud of!

Truth is, some of these tips might help (or not). But what I am very certain with one thing that will work, VIGILANCE. Your valuables are your responsibility. If you do not want them stolen, make sure you are taking precautions to avoid it.

If, this will not work for you, nothing ever will. Time to take that insurance for all of your items.

PS

If you are really paranoid already, try getting yourself one of those anti- theft bag. I’m sure they are a big help, not unless of course you forget them on the train. ❤ 🙂