₦airaland Forum

anizi:
Some shops/stores like macys do tax refund for foreigners, but i think you get back only 50%. U need to have your passport and your return ticket. The catch there is you need to be returning to your country within 2weeks, on your ticket if you still have more than 2weeks to your return date, no tax refund. If your gonna buy much, you can wait until about 13 days to your return date before buying.thats the last i know of tax refund as of last yr.

Some solid info right here@anizi...U are loaded with high profile info o
I'm pained right now cos I bought some expensive stuff in Macy's that if I got my taxes refunded, xxxxx...sigh!
I usually tell people confidently that only UK does tax refunds imma ignorance, I never knew
Pls can you list other U.S. stores with this policy? #ayamjustanoliver#

@ ALL, always remember that Chicago is a no go area for POE as CBP officers there are all related to Donald Trump in some way

jayjay4lyf:
Lifted ban on cash deposits on foreign exchange in banks

Also, BDCs will not receive forex from CBN anymore
Hopefully, commercial banks will all resume PTA, BTA as CBN will give them forex henceforth

nefertitiram:
See why CS is jst awesome. Cut, sew and go! Easy as apea. But the recovery eh! Jesu!

Cut, sew and go ke? If u see complications of CS, u cannot fit shawt o
@firstymum..Devil is a liar o, hmmmmnn
We just thank God for His power in our lives

@twingirls, all I can say is this: May you experience what ONLY WHAT GOD CAN DO in all areas of your life, it is well with you and your family
@kkbabygirl, it is well with you and your daughter in Jesus name. May God grant the Drs grace to do their best, may she recover, and may you find favour with US immigration authority
@favoredgirl: Congratulations...God is good, I imagine your joy

@justwise, I say that always...The blacks hate us more than the whites, at least, they openly display the hate.
When asking for directions, the whites are always willing to show u..
Racism exists, not in doubt, but blacks are so wicked to their fellow blacks and grossly unkind

http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2015/12/chicago-black-christmas-protesters.html#more
See your Chi city, endless drama

cc: Modath, nefertitiram, akindolz

dedalove:
This is to wish the whole house a merry xmas and prosperous new year ahead. Thanks to all the wonderful mothers that have made this forum a wealth of knowledge.
I will like to know if I am suppose to print out my change of intent notification for POE questions or can they confirm it themselves. I will appreciate your replies as I am set to leave soon. Thanks once again.

Pls print it

veleta:
Merry Xmas to everyone here.
Please, Mama's that stay in Abuja, is Kubwa close to British Academy @Prince& Princess Estate, Duboyi.I want to book a hotel in Kubwa but don't know the proximity.Tried Google but couldn't get any tangible info.sorry for deviating.Thanks

Hi
Kubwa is very far from prince and princess estate as well as British academy..
You can get affordable accomodation in town like the catholic guest house in Wuse 2 and ECWA guest house also in Wuse 2...Other missionary guest houses will offer affordable services
Availability of rooms in those affordable places remains a challenge
Goodluck

To think I was so calm during that ordeal is unbelievable...All I can say is that God was with me, coz she kept repeating I will cancel your visa, but I was very calm and I spoke softly and clearly looking straight into her eyes, and i saw that look in her eyes like "won't you beg me"? You can't change their minds, you can only try to convince them and pray to God so begging was not something I even thought of

@customized87, I just voted, your boy is so cute

Hi everyone...
I can't thank God enough for this thread and the wealth of information available here.
I used AF/Delta to Chicago, POE was JFK and my transcript was posted in my previous post. Had my baby and got all my stuff ready, and then

I posted a story on how cheap my infant ticket was when I called Delta.
NL veterans advices me to go to the airport before the departure day and verify which I did and got the said surprise. I got a quote of 47$ on the phone with a Dekta agent after I was asked if my baby had a Nig passprt or US pp, I called to speak to a different agent and I still got same quote before I posted my cost.
I went to airport and got a quote of 500$ plus..couldn't believe what I was hearing, went back and forth but there was no way out.

DH tried from Nigeria but yielded no result, paid that amount and was told that I cud get a refund of the return if baby doesn't not use the ticket within one year and if my baby gets a Nig passprt within that time frame. It was a paper ticket not an e ticket so I was asked to keep it safe incase I will want a refund. I got my ticket from an agent so that might have been the reason for that high cost

Fast forward to departure day, got to airport and had my bags checked in, has an extra bag and delta charged 203$, baby was entitled to check in just one bag of about 20pounds, with the usual additions, car seat, stroller, diaper bag. I was with my mum so moving around with stroller made the airport movement easy.

We reached our gate and we were checked in Without any hitch till we were at the entrance of the aircraft when a tall woman(white) and an average heighted man (immigrant, prolly Hispanic) wearing blacked stopped me and said hello..(I thought they were police men and wanted to just check us again since it was that Paris attack period Nov 28th),and I simply said hi'
Lady said Pls come over here, I moved with my mum pushing the stroller and she's like when did u come into the U.S.?at the same time requesting for my passport, so I passed the three passports as I was holding mummy's passprt and babys together with mine. Told her date, she flipped through so you came here to have your baby? I answered in the affirmative,

Immigration-Did you pay all your bills? Don't lie to me, I will cancel your visa if I find out anything you are going to say is a lie and il verify everything and I said ok

Immigration-Can I see your receipt? I showed her and she went through all receipts

Immigration-How much money do you have? I checked and counted, about 100$plus and have some money in my debit cards

Immigration-How much did u come in with?

Me- Mentioned amount and she asked if I declared all to NY immigration and if I told them I was pregnant, I said yes, and she said I will confirm all and if anything is false, I'm canceling your visa right away, I said ok

Immigration-Where did u stay and why did u choose to have your baby in the US? Male officer further asked when I got my visa

Me-Stayed with a family friend at..........address and I wanted to have the best of care for myself and baby, I informed the U.S. embassy in Abuja where I live of my intentions and I got an approval from them, my visa was renewed last year for my honeymoon which I used already last year and that was why I informed the embassy about my change of intent and the female officer said am I saying the truth? I had the letter in my email as I forgot to keep the copy in my hand bag, so she requested for the email which I showed her and she read every single line.

Immigration-Really? Immediately, the male officer intercepted harshly and was like, Y'al keep saying same thing, just admit you came here to get your baby American citizenship and stop all this stories, I get so pissed hearing all these

Immigration- Now the female officer continued...So what do you do in Nigeria?

Me- I am a Medical Dr,
Immigration- Wow, that makes it so bad for you.How will u come for better medical services in the US as a Dr? Why didn't you choose the best Drs in Nigeria to take care of you? As a Dr, you will know the best and even your own professors could have taken good care of you. It's either you are a very bad Dr or you lack confidence in yourself

Me- I was VERY calm and had no trace of tension in me, I was praying fervently and answering her
I said well...the problem with the Nigerian health sector is not the unavailability of good Drs, we have very good Drs in Nigeria, it's the systems, and poor medical infrastructure, so with the best of professors, where medical facilities are not available, not much can be done

Immigration- Well..it's unfortunate then. So I will go further to investigate and if there's any thing contrary, I will cancel your visa

She immediately dialed a number and was on speaker phone when she requested to speak to a certain officer, she immediately turned off speaker
She called out my visa number and she moved away and was on the phone for sometime

She returned to me and said, you are so lucky to have been honest in all your dealings, so I will let you go. Make sure you keep all your receipts for your future travel and have a safe flight

Me- I said thank you, but is it illegal to have your baby in the US?

Immigration-She said no it's not, it's illegal when you lie or try to hide something, or use Medicaid which many people do, take care and enjoy yor trip
I said thank you and moved...

My mum wasn't asked a thing, she was just by me praying silently in her heart.

In all, Chicago isn't worth it, entry and exit, hospitals are expensive, then taxes are high, sales tax 9.25% and the high crime rate that was mentioned over and over again. Also, the Donald Trump movement and spirit is so strong in Chicago. Not to mention the cold in Chi city.

I really thank Modath for posting her point of exit transcript cos that informed my decision of keeping my receipts in my handbag and other documents, let's continue to post all our encounters as that could save someone of falling victim of these people

Thank you all, congratulations to all parents here and I pray God guides everyone and provide all you will need for this trip
I can't mention names, Y'al are the best for your selflessness
I am grateful
@justwise, pls pardon my long post, I said 100% of what transpired so as to help others as I was helped

Merry Christmas to you all in advance

Thanks everyone

lollyberry:
@Popri
can you help me with the no you called for ur baby's ticket

@justwise...its Delta airlines customer service number pls, hope I don't get blocked.

The number is 1-800-241-4141 and you follow the voice prompt

Goodluck lolly berry..note that I'm using Delta/AF to Abj via Paris

Just booked my baby's ticket to Nig and Delta gave me an unbelievable quote of $43.20..
I called from the U.S. so no need to buy it from Nigeria, il pay at the airport on the day of departure.
#feelinghappy#

Firsttymum just saved us today....She is waaaay soo kind..

She responded promptly to my plight and has offered the medication already.

May God Almighty reward you

In urgent need pls..
Is there anyone that can offer me an antimalarial (Adult) in Houston?
It will be replaced by Tuesday just incase u have just a pack

In dire need pls

Thanks..

KayLayChi:
Of course fake go full Naija. Me I bought Aveeno wey go reach my baby for a year then I switch to Boots soap. Buts it's always advisable to test products on baby first before buying in bulk, what happens if your baby reacts to it?

Hi hi
Pls can u assist with an estimate of Aveeno baby stuff u used for a year?
Intend buying for like a year as well

Thanks

firsttymum:
dusting powder? It's called agnesia.

But anyway There are now things like diaper rash and skin rash creams that clears the rashes very fast. I know they sell it in naija, but I saw better ones in Walmart... For like $2.

They also have badass vaseline here.

For the antenatal drugs... I came with my pregnacare, but when I got here, Na pack my Dr pack ANC drugs give me. It's totally free here.

Then the duduosun part.... Hmmmm... That soap that's harsh for some adults not to talk of a baby.

She can add Tribotan baby cream from nija, VERY effective from reviews I get, had to send some to my friend in UK at some point, she didn't get result from other ones she used
Duduosun soap is too harsh for a newborn, acid content high for that tender skin, pls be cautious

modath:
Nothing much apart from drugs, most especially antibiotic for yourself, i wasn't given after my C-section & it wasn't funny...

I took pure coconut oil & shea butter from here,

I also took sponge (yoruba tinz ) to baff bambino.

If you are into pap/ogi, please take it from Naija, If you manage to get , it costs an arm & a leg or Nefertitiram fufu ogi..

Will Edit if i remember any other thing...

Every other thing boku for there...

Yu can add antimalarials, nija bathroom slippers, sleeping hair net if applicable to u, etc

neks31:
These airlines aren't smiling o! Pls can anybody point me to an airline doing promo or discount!! BA is 540k or maybe I'm seeing double! Arik is relatively fair but I'm traveling with a 4 yrs old diva n moving her from flight to flight will be a major challenge for my bloated sef! Sone1 Epp me pls.

Check AF /Delta, or ask ur agent to check for u, esp if u are so sure of ur date..My agent just got a good deal for me
All d best

@uptown, Congratulations...!!!God granted you favour.
We all happy

Tobermom:
Thanks dear

That's so sad...sorry about your ordeal, I can't even imagine that not even in pregnancy..
Just manage till next week and get the items you shipped later.
Some people are so hard to please, chai!
It is well...

gaggle:
@Popri, I totally understand and agree with what you said but the Dr that did the scan for me in naija sounded so sure. He even showed me the baby's legs with nothing in between, showed me three lines abi dots he called clitoria whatever although me I could not see any of wat he was pointing at on the machine but I had to agree with him since he is the professional. So when I was told to do a scan here I was like no need except absolutely necessary. Na so I do alaroro until day of delivery and I was surprised! I am thankful to God I didn't spend so much on clothing for the baby cos I was hoping to pass down wat my 1st daughter used. Anyhow na God do am for me :-D

Congratulations oo, na God win last last...Thank God you didn't do much pink.
God bless your son

Congrats Olokings and gaggle..God bless your lil ones..
@gaggle, that's so disappointing I must say, our health system in Nigeria lags behind fi sure but I also have to reiterate at this point that 2D scans dont show details as much as other higher ones and 2Ds are most common in Nigeria, even hospitals in the US use 2D and you still pay almost 200$ for that scan here and may go wrong as the view isn't so clear, not totally the radiographers fault or Dr (Not all scans are done by Drs) but is good to be honest as a clinician if you not sure of the differentiation.

My advice: Always go for repeat scans at a later date in a different centre to clarify to avoid surprises and Ultrasound scans esp 2Ds are not 100% even here in the US I've heard cases of wrong sex revealed...

Welcome firstymum, just trials but God's favour supercedes every other thing..
Lufthansa is a big NO for me henceforth, I enjoyed them in the past, but e don do, preggy or not..

Rest well and I wish u supernatural birth

Hi everyone,
Congrats to all the new mamas, successful POE stories and visa interview stories, both posted and concealed
Just to emphasize to us that after all is said and done, pray, pray, pray!
A friend just told me of how someone was sent from JFK yesterday, didn't get the whole details but she had 12k USD, she declared all, she had all her documents, declared her preg, they counted her money and called the hospital, dunno what the person in the hospital admin said about cost and that was it..
She was sent back

May God not allow this happen to anyone of us o..

Abo mi re o.....[/quote]Hey congratulations! We thank God for favour.
Enjoy your shopping and wishing u safe delivery

firsttymum:
Popri U didn't mention my name ....

Yeeepeeee congratulations ... Wish u a successful stay dear

Ha! I typed ur name o, for some strange reason, I deleted it mistakingly while editing, my bad!
You are always on point o, thanks for your selflessness, was surprised to know u were a Dr and had so much time to research like that, weldone...
I'm ur colleague, not currently working tho, but mehn, my level of info not even close to yours, kudos!

May Gods favour be your backbone

I am so grateful to God for coming across this wonderful thread...Many selfless people here, God bless you all.
I specially want to thank those that posted their negative experiences so we learn and not fall victims, not everyone is this kind...For Nef,Modath, and on Ochio.....lol can't remem the posters name that was sent back sometime back from Chicago, I thank u all @tvegas,
Phema, Olokings(ur last min advice), beryl, gosh! Can't type all ur names here but thanks for ur tips

Had my visa b4 I was preg, used it alrdy but I did all d necessary things..
Chose JFK as POE, used AF/Delta from Abj-Paris-JFK-Chi, got fit to fly from ports health after the one from my Dr was checked, paid 2k
Flew in at 33weeks 3days not really showing so CBP didn't knw I was preg


Asked for my passport and boarding pass, after which he asked for address of where il be staying, as I was about bringing it out from my bag he said never mind I see it on ur landing card.

He then asked to verify the amount I declared I answered in the affirmative and asked why I was travelling with such cash, so I said I was here for holiday and childbirth to pay all my hospital bills. He said he's sure I've contacted hospital and Dr and I said yes, was about giving him the letter and he said NO, never mind.
Asked if it was my first childbirth, and I said yes.

Asked what I do in Nig and hubby and I answered, so he said u want to give ur baby the best healthcare unlike what's in Nigeria yea? He was looking at me and smiling and I said yes..
Just said submit ur card on ur way out and have a wonderful stay, just looked at my passport and saw the stamp til March 2016..

I give all thanks and glory to God, I had all my docs imma handbag but nothing was checked, no secondary inspection or seizure, money was not recounted also..
Resting

Nogen:
Congrats my darling.

Congrats once again Nogen...Your story is amazing!
Keep reaching for the stars

nefertitiram:
Hehehe, yes ooo! She's the one o!

Congrats Nef, so happy for you...
Can't wait to meet her
Ciao!

modath:
Good day House...

Update on the nightmarish POE called Chicago ORD, this time,its point of EXIT..

I checked in at the airport with my precious cargo, got our boarding passes & still had about an hour and a half to kill so was just chilling at the lounge, boarding was called at 9:40 but still was lounging, at 10, decided to roll myself, Baby, hand luggage jejely to the plane, only to hear at almost the entrance of the plane from two custom official...... "ma'am, this way", i was fingerprinted and the drama began...

1."You came in 50+ days ago,so your only mission was to have a baby here? * With a sinister smile on the male officer's face*... i answered in the affirmative &

2. Why didn't you go to missouri as you declared at entry?... "i preferred to stay in chicago where i have family and also got an ok deal...

They were buttering up with one & two, No 3 came!!

3. What govt benefits did you enjoy on this journeym, i answered none, they now asked to see receipt & zero balance, i said "its likely to be in my checked in baggage, the male officer said, we may have to ask for your luggage cos we are not likely to take your word for it...

I said hold on let me check my hand luggage cos i had some docs in it, may find it in there, he & the lady officer just said no need and took my hand luggage, diaper bag & hand bag and proceeded to empty them (the lady officer was even asking about my connection to the various biz cards in my wallet), by sheer luck, it was in there & he told me [b]congrats, cos he was about to CANCEL my VISA with PREJUDICE..[/

God is with you Modath...Welcome home
Congratulations!

shanaka29:
Hi guys,

i hope you can help a sister here. I'm due mid november and was planning to use El paso birth center.
The catch is that i've been diagnosed with a low lying placenta, hence, preventive c-section for me at 37 weeks mandatory.
Problem is i'm at risk of hemorrhage at any point in the third trimester and God forbid, if it happens before 37 weeks, the baby would be premature and need extra care.
So now we have 3 major problems:
- Pray that nothing happens (bleeding and stuff) and for our lo to stick as long as possible for her own sake
- Assess if it would be reasonnable to fly long distance with a placenta preavia

Hi Shanaka, placenta previa should be handled with care. Your Doctor will know the type/grade which you fall under and will advise you appropriately; however, even if your doc says its mild, my advice is that you should make every effort to travel earlier than your scheduled date cos u about 28 weeks now, and placenta migration theory may not apply to u now...Save yourself from uncertainties.
@ Nogen, congratulations, God is faithful..
@ firsttymum, u just entered ghost mode for some days, kilode?
Y'al should stay blessed