ed and ying

No expert here - but you will most likely at minimum need SSN or TIN to set up bank account for your SO. The banks have obligation to provide interest statements, etc that you can use with the IRS. Carrying cash is a option - but some risk. I have used wire transfers with Bank of China, cost about $35 here in US. But they are quick and are safe. The funds could be transferred to your USA account. Just ask your bank what is their "swift code" for wire transfer. With that info, your account number and the name on the account, your SO should be able to transfer funds to your account.

Thanks Turtle How could I miss the obvious ? I am going crazy . Ed

Thanks for reply I was going to have Ying add the Chinese characters where they we required. I have software that allows me to visualize Chinese characters and I can cut/paste between email, Word, etc. But It does not work with the "fillable" forms. Anybody have any luck with this. There would be little chance the handwritting could be mistaken. I never thought I could become some obessive of details like this

Hi I searched for a direct answer - sorry if I have missed it. What is the best format for expressing Chinese Names and Places on the various forms. Should it be PinYin with tone mark; or Pinyin with no tone; or PinYin with no tone and direct English replacement where possible ( Chaoyang District or Jinsong Road) or ????? Thanks

Thanks for warm welcome! and advice. No worries - this will be visit 16 to China. I have been north and south - winter/summer. Changchun in January at -20 is a great fun.

Hi, newbie here - longtime guest - After 1 3/4 year wait ,we can start the K1 journey. Ugh ! I hope we can add more to forum than we gain. Anyone with Lao Po/Lao Gong in the BJ area - feel free to send PM. Maybe we can help/support each other? I will be in BJ Dec 11 to Jan 2