scos
Champion Member
- Jun 11, 2012
- 1,026
- 48
- Category........
- Visa Office......
- Manila
- Job Offer........
- Pre-Assessed..
- App. Filed.......
- 2012-08-01
- AOR Received.
- 2012-10-16
- Med's Request
- 2013-05-02
- Med's Done....
- 2013-05-07
- Interview........
- Waived
- Passport Req..
- 2013-05-02, In-Process: 2013-06-04, Decision Made: 2013-07-25
- VISA ISSUED...
- 2013-07-30
- LANDED..........
- 2013-08-18
So I was chatting with the missus last night and got her report on Saint Raphael. Looks like we won't be going through them. These were her impressions (she couldn't find the video she took on her phone).
1. The building is like a commercial plaza I guess would be the best term. She said the unit was way in the back.
2. When she found the door the ONLY signage that a company called Saint Raphael Travel and Tours existed there was an 8.5x11 paper taped to the door (at this point she was not impressed).
3. When she entered she said it was a large open space sort of like a warehouse. It was full of fast food prep equipment (stoves, fryers, etc). There was a clear area in the middle of the room with a table and chairs (she guessed a "meeting area").
4. There was a small office off to one side where she met a woman who was apparently the travel agent. She didn't mention a computer (though I would imagine they must have one). But the agent didn't consult one.
5. The web price of $683 ($410 for flight and $283 for taxes and fees) turned out to actually be a little over $1100. The reason? Taxes and Fees. I told my wife the $683 was supposed to INCLUDE all taxes and fees. There was a Cathay flight they were saying they could do for $900ish.
6. My wife asked about paying by credit card but they said cash or bank draft only (knew that one already).
7. They mentioned something else about checking the reservation to verify it after it is made (what?). Kind of curious, won't THEY check it? Kind of sounds like once they make the call to the airline and take your money you are on your own. Maybe not, but sure sounded like it.
In the end, my wife said she didn't have a good feeling about the place and wants me to book through the airline. After checking Cathay I may end up booking direct with them and asking for the 1st time immigrant rate.
Supposedly people on here have had good experiences with Saint Raphael, and they may indeed be fine. But for around a hundred more dollars I think I will play it safe.
1. The building is like a commercial plaza I guess would be the best term. She said the unit was way in the back.
2. When she found the door the ONLY signage that a company called Saint Raphael Travel and Tours existed there was an 8.5x11 paper taped to the door (at this point she was not impressed).
3. When she entered she said it was a large open space sort of like a warehouse. It was full of fast food prep equipment (stoves, fryers, etc). There was a clear area in the middle of the room with a table and chairs (she guessed a "meeting area").
4. There was a small office off to one side where she met a woman who was apparently the travel agent. She didn't mention a computer (though I would imagine they must have one). But the agent didn't consult one.
5. The web price of $683 ($410 for flight and $283 for taxes and fees) turned out to actually be a little over $1100. The reason? Taxes and Fees. I told my wife the $683 was supposed to INCLUDE all taxes and fees. There was a Cathay flight they were saying they could do for $900ish.
6. My wife asked about paying by credit card but they said cash or bank draft only (knew that one already).
7. They mentioned something else about checking the reservation to verify it after it is made (what?). Kind of curious, won't THEY check it? Kind of sounds like once they make the call to the airline and take your money you are on your own. Maybe not, but sure sounded like it.
In the end, my wife said she didn't have a good feeling about the place and wants me to book through the airline. After checking Cathay I may end up booking direct with them and asking for the 1st time immigrant rate.
Supposedly people on here have had good experiences with Saint Raphael, and they may indeed be fine. But for around a hundred more dollars I think I will play it safe.
