2mike&jin

http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/faqs/scripts/FAQsResponse.asp?Category=1&Keyword I know with NY, the state will exchange one for one a Canadian Driver's license, but for most other countries, the state makes go through the learners permit process with road test. At lot have answered this...but a slight twist on some of the answers: (1) Each State is different but more importantly each "Crazy Insurance Agent/Company" is different. (2) Generally Chinese drivers licenses are good for 1 year after entering the US - International DL is recommended for translation of non English writing (3) Our Insurance company, just wanted a copy of the International DL and the Chinese DL to see when the "Issue date" was. This date then became her date of qualified driving...ergo if she had 2 years of driving experience, which she did, she was treated as a 34 year old female with no adverse actions...and more than 2 years of driving experience...bottom line....NO increase to my Insurance Rates! The company was USAA. Your mileage may vary!

Generally, if married on the last day....married for the whole year. However, you can elect to treat her income as all subject to US taxes or not. You need to read updated Pub 17 for any changes. Since she paid taxes on income in China (if it broke threshold) that income won't be subject to US taxes, if you DON't elect to be treated as Taxpayer for all year - called the first year election. So, my suggestion, don't elect, don't report - married and separate, and see how it is to your advantage next year. BTW..to finally answer your question...You can't file single after 29 Dec 2011....YOU WILL BE MARRIED. The issue is are you including her income all year or not? and....are you filing married Joint or Married Separate. The later is the way to go.

Pinyin is not a problem; especially if you are living in a larger city. We filed while I was living in China - and I spent the entire time here until she received her Visa. I, as it was suggested here, used my US address where I thought we would be living (I had two places) and put all of this on the addendum to the application. It all tracked, since I was studying Chinese and living in country. All addresses were in Pinyin, with the only thing on the application being in Hanzi was her name. I did have a mail forwarding service, so anything that went to the US address was forwarded to me. It took about 6-10 days to arrive and clear customs. My mail forwarding used FedEx to forward the mail - whenever there was sufficient quantities. I also had a chinese telephone number listed on all address labels so that they could call if there was an issue. Sometimes the Fedex delivery guy's would call to be sure about where we were. It all worked out great and we had no problems.

My goodness...I just noticed something. I have the windows open, (It's raining and cool) and I don't hear the sound of 'Construction". OMG - I don't see any Construction Towers....during 2006-2009 they were everywhere -- what a big change. As I've walked around Xiamen, a thriving metropolis, I do notice 1. Less Laundries and Open AIr stalls, (2) More "Wine Shops" and "Wine Bars", (3) 6 Starbucks (there were none last year), (4) All the Taiwan Wal-Mart Look alikes are NOW WAL Marts, (5) EVERYTHING HAS GONE UP UP UP, (5) The nice bank man, GAVE ME a plastic case containing a 5 yuan and 1 yuan GOLD PIECE like bankers in the US used to give calendars. (More on the bank, re-patriation of funds, cards when I validate all upon return to the US). Yes China is changing rapidly, up's downs, winners and losers in markets -- starting to sound like all the rest of the developed countries. SIDE NOTE ON COSTS: Son has his obligatory - CHINESE BUG CAUSING HIGH TEMPERATURE yesterday...so high we had to go to the hospital - Dr. Offered IV's or American Medicine in other forms - off to the pharmacy American Drugs - usual stuff all for about $5.00. Why does this stuff cost $5.00 here and $50-$100 in the US? How did the US get themselves/ourselves in this kind of upside down world?

We filed in Mar 2011 and it would've completed in 4 months, had I not made a huge mistake and missed the first Bio-metrics appointment. It costs us 2 months....total out 6 months, (including a returned 10 year Green Card - seems the USPS can't forward them to temporary addresses)

I might have said this a time or two....I/We could not overcome the tourist visa issue...with a "Ton" of money, cars, houses etc. We visited Macau, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia - were denied Singapore - twice. We understand the rules have changed for Singapore. If you try to meet in a "neutral spot" - it's just as cheap to go to Macau or Hong Kong. She/up should be prepared to put "deposit money" in a bank that is usually tied up for 6-12 months after she returns...as a security deposit. For us it was just a short term CD.....this was a couple of years ago...rules might have changed - of course, depending on visit country requirements. For my two mao's worth - building a resume of going and coming - might/probably helps at GUZ interview time for an immigration visa, but I don't think it does a hoot of good for a "visit visa", at least it didn't in our case. I know I'm negative on your prospects of ever obtaining a visit visa - but it's the continuing manner in which GUZ treats Chinese that makes me think that nothing has or will change in the near term. The most efficient in terms of time and costs to me is to come visit her in China, Hong Kong, or Macau.....you're young you can stand the long flights and still "stay up all night". I fly business or 1st - and it takes me 3 days on each end to recover. Best of luck. BTW KL in Malaysia was a great place to go...a little pricey but they speak Mandarin and English/Malay so it makes the travel really easy.

Griz; Here I sit in the "middle kingdom" on our month long visit - or however long I can get her to stay. The facts from this Tai Tai is that (1) She doesn't care if she ever returns to China, (2) Thinks China is nothing but corrupt - and doesn't trust any Government Official. She believes in the US system of Law, and is ready to apply for citizenship as soon as eligible. She believes that one gets a fair shot here in the US. I of course have tempered that thinking and assure her that there are in fact flavors of justice and fairness. But, in short, she trusts the US, is not scared of anything in the US (Except maybe me skiing, diving, and doing other dangerous things in her mind) and thinks there is nothing in China for women and the average citizen. That's her view - for what it's worth. But for all......I have to here once again talk about the inflation factor in China. I know I've said it before...but this time she is out of her mind with contempt for price hikes. OK, an example - we've only been here 3 days so I don't have real evidence only anecdotal musings.....Our favorite seafood restaurant ...in 2007 it costs about 400-600 for our family of 4/6 to go out to dinner - consume some beer and go home. It crept up to about 600-700 by the time we left at the end of 2008. Last year that same - approximately the same items - rose to between 850-950 just below the 1000 RMB level - as I so painfully remember. Well folks - this year our first outing - same people - approximately the same food - 1175, and I also made the mistake of giving the "server girl" the 25 RMB change because we were in a private room - my goodness did I hear about that....but bottom line....it was 1200 RMB for dinner! I now need to go to the 15 RMB noodle shop and compare prices. With the 9 hour time-zone difference I'm still adjusting and I just got my wireless working. Boy did Google P...OFF the CHinese Gov't. If you have a GMAIL account or use GOOGLE search you might as well forget about it when located in China. I had to forward all my mail, and alert everyone to use my "Other EMAIL Account"...because downloads won't work, connection times are measured in 10 minute blocks.....mysteriously all the other stuff works! I also notice other subtle changes....Banks are closed on Saturday, the MAX RMB extraction out of HSBC is 2500 RMB a hit, and gas is still higher in cost than Hawaii. We work with the Banks on Monday....and my wife informs me we can depart for Home - at anytime....!!!

Was just wondering if you or anyone else has had success with this approach? My wife has a CCB account in China with a bit of money left in it. She wants her sister to send her a card that will let her withdraw these funds here in the U.S. whenever we need a bit more at the end of the month. Anyone see how this would be possible? (Or the funds could be deposited in a different bank in China as well.) Thanks, Aaron A subject NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART. I tried my BofA Card at several CCB ATM's in China and it didn't work. However, I didn't go to a CCB bank and try it. This TRIP, starting 2 Nov is ostensibly to "CLEAN" up some of the Administrative details of property, banking, family - in China so it is high on my list of TO DO's. I've been able to move virtually any amount to China, and via various accounts convert it to RMB and get it into various CD's or other investments. Although I have talked about it and thought about it I have not tried to 'repatriate" any significant amounts of RMB/USD to the US. Excuse the cut and paste, but the best advice that I have seen on the issue, is contained in a "expats web blog", which kind of goes over several methods - some more viable than others. Dated from 10-2010..... Chinese Yuan Investment - Recent China Trip A couple weeks ago, I spent 5 days in Shekou, a part of Shenzhen China, to open a Chinese Yuan or Renminbi (RMB) bank account and make some local currency financial investments. Investment case 1. US$ has been losing value overseas under US monetary policy for most of the last decade. Fed compromising dollar in order to reduce effective foreign debt burden, stimulate exports, and create the illusion of robust equity markets. Recent quantitative easing policy is effectively a stock dividend – printing new shares with no change in capital. Implementation of this policy in the coming months will put more downward pressure on buck if Fed follows through. 2. Diversification out of US$ is an increasingly necessary risk reduction measure, especially for those who live abroad or plan to so in future. Effective US$ cost of living in many areas of the world has increased 50-100% or more in last 10 years, due in large part to US$ depreciation vis-à-vis other fiat currencies. 3. US$ interest rates are near all time lows for all durations of fixed income instruments – both public and private. Most of these investments don’t even keep pace with the true rate of inflation. Current risk premium is low as well making so-called ‘high yield’ bonds not very ‘high yield’. There are still a few currencies which offer higher yields at reasonable risk through certain domestic fixed income instruments. The Chinese Yuan is one of these. 4. The Chinese Yuan is still a government controlled currency and as such, has lagged many other foreign currencies including some in Asia. Since July 21, 2005 when PRC government began implementing currency reform (ie moving gradually away from US$ peg), Chinese Yuan has appreciated just 25% against US$ vs. 68% for Thai Baht, 64% for Japanese Yen, and 47% for Brazilian Real. Since China is an export dominated economy, depressing local currency’s rate of exchange has worked in its favor. But given the large PPP gap this has created between China and North America/EU/Japan, there is increasing political pressure for it to allow for more rapid appreciation of RMB or risk a trade war. The IMF estimated that, by PPP, one US$ was equivalent to just RMB3.8 back in 2008. The current rate of exchange is 6.64. 5. As a ‘managed currency’, Chinese Yuan exchange rate to US$ exhibits low volatility compared to free market currencies. Moreover, there has been a clear secular appreciation trend since 2005 liberalization which was only interrupted during 2008-09 financial crisis when US$ index quickly gained value on top of leveraged investment unwinding. Even during that period, RMB did not lose any ground. It just temporarily stopped appreciating. Risks 1. If another global financial crisis materializes, there would likely be short term upward pressure on US$ index as many foreign levered investments using US$ for financing would be quickly re-deemed and converted to cash. From July 2008 low to March 2009 high, this index jumped 24% on such de-leveraging. However, RMB was one of the few currencies not to decline against US$ during that period as mentioned above. I believe its status as a controlled currency helps to mitigate this risk. 2. Since RMB is not a freely traded currency, it is effectively less liquid than something you trade in online FX account. Moving in and out of it is more cumbersome and requires higher transaction and time costs. This makes it unsuitable as a short term investment. 3. A few months before Beijing Olympics, relevant banking and finance rules for foreigners were relaxed somewhat to accommodate a big influx of tourists and have not been changed since. Going forward, Chinese government might change regulations again to the detriment of foreign account holders, especially if its relations with US sour or a trade war ensues. 4. Since inward and outward remittances overseas require physical presence of owner, an account holder would have a problem if he was for some reason unable to obtain a China visa. However, this risk is largely mitigated by the Union Pay system which allows daily withdrawals up an equivalent of RMB 10,000 per day at competitive exchange rates and at a fee of just RMB 15 per transactions at participating overseas ATMs. 5. If an account holder is married to a Chinese citizen and later divorces her, she could easily discover the existence of the account and possibly claim ownership of half according to Chinese divorce laws. The best way to mitigate this risk is to close account and transfer funds overseas before getting married to a local. 6. If a person dies while holding such an account, his heirs would probably need to visit China and hire a local lawyer to take over ownership of the account. Steps involved 1. Opening a Chinese commercial bank account requires you show-up personally, similar to private banks in Switzerland and Andorra. You will need to bring and show your passport. Your bank account will be multi-currency including RMB and most leading globally traded currencies. This will allow you to wire-in and directly deposit currencies such as US$, Euro, or Japanese Yen. 2. Converting your foreign currency deposit into RMB also requires your physical presence. So after you open the account, you will need to fax wiring instructions to your foreign financial institution and wait for funds to arrive. The government limits foreigners to US$50,000 worth of aggregate Chinese Yuan purchases per calendar year at commercial banks. FX transactions made by foreigners are instantly uploaded into a centralized national database so using multiple banks will not get around this. But the regulation can be easily bypassed for amounts above US$50,000, at a slightly higher transaction cost, by using official foreign exchange bureaus (外币代兑点) or (FXB). These are actually subsidiaries of the commercial banks but fall under different rules. So, for example, if you remitted in US$60,000, you could convert US$50,000 into RMB directly at the bank, wire the remaining US$10,000 to a nearby FXB, convert to RMB, and wire it right back to your bank account. 3. Eventually, you may want to convert your RMB funds back to US$ and repatriate them to your home country. At Chinese commercial banks, such conversions for foreigners are restricted as follows: a. If you convert your US$ balance directly to RMB, you will not be allowed to convert back at the bank. You will need to wire the funds to an FXB, have them make the conversion, and then have them wire the funds to your overseas financial institution. b. If you withdraw your US$ balance in cash (up to US$10,000 per day allowed), pay a foreign cash withdrawal fee of 0.4%, convert cash to RMB at bank, and then deposit funds back into your account, you will be given 24 month FX receipts for each of these transactions. These receipts will allow you to convert your funds back to US$ directly at bank until the 24 month period expires. The most you will be allowed to convert to RMB directly at bank is US$50,000 equivalent value per calendar year as mentioned above. This is probably the most expensive way to go. c. Since you will be issued a Union Pay ATM card, you can also withdraw up to RMB10,000 per day (roughly US$1,500) at participating overseas ATMs at attractive exchange rates and a local fee of just 15 RMB per transaction. For ATMs with no extra fees, like the ones in Taiwan, this is probably the cheapest way to go. 4. Summary of account opening and investment steps a. Show-up at bank during business hours with passport and if you don’t speak Mandarin, a translator. b. Take a number and wait to be called. c. Fill-in required forms, let them copy your passport, and deposit at least the minimum (10 RMB) in cash. d. Receive ATM card and for some banks, a passbook. e. Speak with someone about how to use online banking system. f. Ask for a copy of inward wiring instructions. g. In the evening, fax instructions to your overseas bank or broker to remit US$ funds into account. h. Check next day at bank to see if funds have arrived. Transfer usually arrives overnight from US. i. Convert up to US$50,000 directly to RMB. j. Speak to personal banker about available CDs and other products, choose, and invest. Direct round trip transaction costs using FXB to convert back to US$ as per 3a above 1. Fee to wire transfer US$50,000 from Charles Schwab to bank is US$25. 2. After exchanging US$49,975 to RMB, fee to wire these funds from bank to FXB is 20.5 RMB. 3. Effective Bid/Ask spread 1.4% using FXB to convert back to US$. 4. Wire transfer fee from FXB back to Charles Schwab is 180 RMB. 5. Total round trip cost is US$743 or 1.49%. Direct round trip transaction costs using no-fee ATM to convert back to US$ as per 3c above 1. Fee to wire transfer US$50,000 from Charles Schwab to bank is US$25. 2. If we conservatively estimate that funds will be withdrawn via 50 ATM transactions, fee is 750 RMB (50 X 15). 3. Effective Bid/Ask spread varies but is approximately 0.2 – 0.4%. using ATM to convert back to US$. 4. Total round trip cost is US$237 – 337 or 0.47 – 0.67%. List of PRC Banks See this Wikipedia link for a fairly recent list with sub-links for each institution: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_banks_in_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China Initially, I chose Bank of China given its comprehensive (urban/suburban/rural) branch network throughout China and convenient location in Shekou. But I switched over to Bank of Communications next door when I discovered it offered a more attractive investment product. How to invest your RMB As a foreigner, you are not permitted to invest in 3rd party domestic funds offered at the banks. But you may invest in CDs or bank sponsored products. 1. Current demand and CD annualized simple interest rates offered at all PRC banks. There are no entry or exit fees for these investments a. Demand: 0.36% b. 3 M: 1.91% c. 6 M: 2.2% d. 1 Y: 2.5% e. 2 Y: 3.25% f. 3 Y: 3.85% g. 5 Y: 4.2% 2. Jiu Jiu Tian Li (久久添利) product offered by Bank of Communications pays a monthly cash dividend based on investment performance. The fund invests primarily in the local bond markets but also a bit in local equities and construction. Most importantly, it guarantees a monthly cash dividend of at least 1.75% annualized. Performance to date has been much better than that. Below is its track record of annualized dividend payments through last month which yields a cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) so far of 6.1%, much better than any of the CDs. However, momentum has declined as of late on the back of a weak domestic equity market. Keep in mind that this bank is owned by the central government and guarantees a monthly annualized cash yield of at least 1.75%. 2010/10: 5.14% 2010/9: 4.7% 2010/8: 4.4% 2010/7: 4.3% 2010/6: 3.1% 2010/5: 5.7% 2010/4: 5.0% 2010/3: 5.9% 2010/2: 6.0% 2010/1: 7.6% 2009/12: 8.0% 2009/11: 8.5% 2009/10: 7.1% 2009/9: 7.6% The entry cost to get into the fund is 2% and exit cost is 2% if held less than a year, 1.5% if held 1-2 years, 1% if held 2-5 years, and 0 if held over 5 years. Given this fee structure, you probably should not invest unless you plan to hold it at least 2 years. END OF BLOG: FOR MY TWO MAO, since I don't like anything that smells illegal is to try and use the ATM method if I can avoid the fees, via BofA. If I can't get that to work well, then I will just pop for an HSBC world account or try the BOC in Los Angeles, Washington, or New York. If I can't get that to work - then search out an FX bank in Hong Kong to make it happen. One other concern that is still in my mind is the issue of our Lao Po's becoming USC's and what or how that might change the banking relationship. I know they all keep their ID's and only lose the passport - but sooner or later that registration will need to be renewed and that is where I think the eventual difficulties will arise. Best of Luck to all of you in this issue. It's not trivial for non-trivial amounts of money. (Anecdotally I know a Chinese guy who bought a very expensive house in Hawaii - $50K USD a day - until he had the money moved....they had to wait to close!)

We just bought tickets to China and China Eastern had on their website a notice of a "fuel" surtax being implemented for North American Routes, i.e. generated from North America. 2 adults and a 21 month old - $4489.00 for Business - up a "tick or two" from previous trips. I also have to laugh at the "extra fees" for the VISA as well as the Chinese stick it to US folks who want VISA's -- just the price we pay! SO I'm out $5K and I haven't packed our bags yet!!! I was barely able to get Lao Po to go back this year....I'm afraid when she sees what "inflation" has done to food prices in China she will flatly refuse to make the trip again.

I would recommend two things. First, if you file prior to departure - they have been pretty fast at getting the biometrics appointment letters out. That has been happening - on average - about 2 weeks. On the biometrics form it has a block to request a different date for the appointment. You can hold this until just before the scheduled biometrics date to send in - or shortly after (in the event you forget about the appointment like we did...my fault). They will just automatically send you another appointment letter....as soon as they receive your request. There is a penalty...the new appointment is about 4-6 weeks hence. Altogether getting your wife well past the dates she needs to travel, the objective. As mentioned, most people will NOT TRAVEL to China on an expired Green Card with a 1 year letter extension. The problem is China letting her out of the country with an expired GC. They just don't get the meaning of the letter. Most, tend to travel other places without issue, and of course reentry to the US is a non-problem. Best of Luck

Actually, I have been to China 3 times already and I lived there for 3 months in the summer of 2009 and 2010. I loved living there. In regard to the advice I was looking for, it was mostly to try and find out how me living there at the time of the interview might affect our chances of getting the visa approved. I was basically hoping to maybe find some people who were living there when they had their interview and how they dealt with the situation. Well, from my perspective, I think there are "tons" of reasons that one would want to be with their wife. I realize that you are already married, but it is my personal belief that the adjustment for a marriage of the cultures is difficult, and living there just let's your relationship grow while she is in familiar territory. I won't go on with all the positives, but from the "Interview Perspective", I can't help believe that it is "VERY POSITIVE" when going for the interview and ultimate granting of the visa. I'm sure someone has some statistic on the issue, but my personal experience is that "no one" that I know who has lived in China at the time of the interview has been denied (This is an opportunity for someone who knows someone or it happened to them to set the record straight) again, from my personal knowledge. I think, if you will spend some time learning CHinese (Enroll in a class...don't waste time - speaks to a common language), living together, supporting her from a family perspective - what could GUZ not like about it....for it's committttmentttt! I lived there - and it was an easy Flight down to GUZ and back in one day if I had the need or the desire to do so. I could attend sessions or get documents easily reviewed at GUZ as well as talk and discuss with the VISA officers in the process. I can see NO DOWNSIDE, other than the issues you have already brought up - and if you have those covered.....HAVE A GREAT FLIGHT !

We have already decided that since I was advised by USCIS that it could take another 6 months or more for them to make a decision for our petition, we can't take being apart from each other any longer and I AM going there to be with her. Again, this is not for a DCF. It is me living in China while our petition is pending. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice or direct me to someone who lived in China while their non-DCF petition was pending so I can ask them how they handled the situation. Not sure what you mean by advice while you were awaiting a positive decision on the petition. As far as living in CHina - to me it's no different, technically from living in the US. The issue is either you are willing to take the jobs that are available to you or you have sufficient resources to not need to work. I was lucky in that I didn't need a job - but many of my friends in China worked, some with legal visa supporting jobs and many with local - English Teaching Schools - either way, you can earn enough to pay the rent and get by. They will not pay enough to live like a westerner, if you are in a city of any size. If you have specific questions about living and getting by in China - there are a ton of us who have lived there and, depending on the region, can give you most of the information you need. There are really no secrets to living there....it's like living any other place in the world. If you have specific questions or concerns please email or ask on the board --- there is a lot of experience here, from multiple perspectives and regions. Best of Luck --- BTW, I think you will gain a valuable insight into the Chinese Culture by living there.

Yes, or a Drivers License, State ID Card...or any other Gov't Issued-Picture ID, if travel is all contained within the US.

My wife and I went to the United States to visit my family in February of this year and stayed for a month. I didn't think to keep ticket stubs but we do have photos of the trip with my wife and I with various family members and at various locations. Why would you need "ticket stubs" when both of your passports are "STAMPED" with exit's and entries to the US/CHINA for this trip?[/b] That said - I'm tired of living in China and am ready (have been - stayed in China because of my wife) and the immigration process for her is a little daunting for me. All these forms and whatnot to complete. You haven't seen NOTHING YET....it only get's worse and then better, but the forms are never ending. For you it will be slightly easier than most because you might have the two years before the green card, but you have the "other issues" and a child that will just exacerbate the 5 year process! Also - I'm worried I won't pass the financial part of the application because, as a teacher here in China, I don't make that much money. We have saved up a decent amount though - enough to get us over to the US and start a life there. If you're worried...then you definitely need a cosponser that is a "qualified cosponser". Being qualified means making enough money, without financial disaster written all over their past/present life and without 25 other dependents. Get this all lined up NOW or GET your plan together to meet this issue head on! I have "other friends" that I went to school with in China, young (Well of course everyone's young compared to me) - not so much disimilar with your situation - and once they got to the US are finding it very hard to find jobs - for which they qualify. Yes, they also taught English while they were learning Chinese in China, and they have degrees from US Colleges. The US is a very different place than it was when you left. So - with this information - what do you think our chances of having a successful application are? I think, and it's like everyone else's opinion or other part of their anatomy - you have a 100% chance of a successful application. However, it will be 99% based on you and your wife's "hard work" and "diligent mindfulness" of all the details contained in the simple, straightforward, and easy to interpret rules relative to US immigration. Of course I'm being less that honest - the process is broken, it is a morass of redundant entries on various forms, but all of us have gotten through the process so you can too. There is the element that no matter what you say or do, the GUZ luck of the draw deals you a bad VO/bad hand and it takes you a year plus to "unscrew it". This rarely happens when there is a marriage, long term relationship, and child involved. Living in CHina, also seems in many cases, to negate some of the common relationship issues. You will be fine, listen to the people on this board that have the "specific to your case" experience, diligently complete the required actions, and you will be fine. If you don't feel like you are an "EXPERT" in the VISA process - YOU AREN"T READY TO APPLY! Best of luck, you'll be successsssfullllll....

Heck, Red, I've only gotten those permits from AAA when I traveled down under, I'd have no idea where in China to get one, but I'll bet ya can. If you can't find out how to get one legally.... E-mail me a AAA form for one and I'll get the distinguished law firm here in Fushun of Zhang, Feng, and Wu (the Chinese version of the 3 Stooges' Beatem, Cheatem, and How) to print you up an "official" Chinese one lickity split....Would ya like red stamps all over it? No problem. It's China. tsap seui Ok, here's how I did it in CHina. I went online to a place, I think in Texas, anyway it was an "International Drivers License Mill" (THink VISA MILL) printed off the instructions - complied with the instructions sent my money....and BINGO, I had both my wife's and my Chinese Drivers License - Internationalized. Too Easy! Also, my wife used it along with her CHinese Drivers license - which must be carried along with the International one - for the first year in the United States - or I should say...under her 3rd drivers test - which she finally passed! (As I remember the first time was not stopping at a stop sign and the second time was not putting on the seat belt...UGH)

Perhaps the letter should be like a women's skirt.....long enough to cover the subject and short enough to be interesting. Our's was 2 pages..FYI....mostly needed to layout "reasons" why I was living in China, School attendance, and 500 previous marriages. Whatever you do stick to the facts...and it will be fine.

Mark XiaoZhu - had a good answer. As examples: (1) My wife also bought a property prior to our meeting. Fortunately, we both continued to live in China - and when the NEW building finished, she was able then receive the "book" or title to the property. She had to wait until the property was delivered, then she had to wait until the developer "paid" the government for some kind of development costs - then she was able to finally get the book. She did this in person, but since she was her own "Head of Household" Hokou holder, she could not delegate to anyone...based on the purchase of the house being the reason she got to be her own head of household. (2) Last Fall, we returned to CHina, and put her 'deeded" parking space up for sale. She investigated, and then took her cousin to the "White Book Place/Notary Bldg" and got him a power of attorney to close the sale - if and when it sold. It did, he took care of it, and it worked like clockwork. Note...she and he "HAD TO GO TOGETHER" to sign the document at the Government Notary office. Some replies here indicate that she may be able to produce it via the Chinese consulate her....it is outside of my experience. (3) My wife had a house built for her grandfather when his mud/straw house fell down 3 years ago. When she built it...she had not title. It seemed that for that village/area - they were not ready to take any "Changes" and she just had to wait. She contacted her Uncle - who's wife does most of the 'local" government process for the village - and said to let her cousin register the house in his name...since it was a small town....everyone knew the entire story...and low and behold when the time came, last year sometime, the house got registered with the Government folks and the title is in the cousins name. My wife also - owned several "farm plots" that she "transferred over" to her uncle so he could continue to farm the land....it required her physical presence in the Province/area.....so as others say....it varies by location, type of property, and sometimes by a mix of family registration issues. This is only an idle observation....but from my perspective...it's a plane ride...I would have my wife go back and clean up the property issues...of course getting everything set up from here via phone...so that it could be accomplished quickly. If she's very busy then it's an option that isn't available and perhaps a "power of attorney" via the consulate is the way to go. Best of Luck.

Agreee, I would just re-submit the "white paper with included translation"....many Chinese do not have a birth certificate as we understand it...but almost totally rely on family registration via the Hukou. I suspect all will be good. Best of Luck

I suppose most would not want to answer this because of the "differences" in local rules, habits and practice. But, having discounted the fact of a "specific" location - first you need to think through the issue. Forget all the urban myth associated with doing business and/or owning property in China. Yes, there are restrictions in various areas, but for the most part - a person, even a Foreigner can own property in China. Now having said that, there are "three things" that will impact the property - over time. The place that she has her Hukou, her citizenship, and any act that might trigger examination of ownership and or control. No one on this site can answer what the "local issues might be". However, in general .....having a citizenship change is NOT going to affect a change in the ownership. It is "usually" only associated under some conditions when you are buying or selling. (I.e. tax, down payment, authorization for foreigners to buy, taxation, etc). Yes, my wife also has several pieces of "ownership" in CHina, having just disposed of her deeded "parking space" this last fall. If I wanted to know the exact answer from the exact location in China - I would contact a real estate lawyer in the Province/Town and ask the questions about the "Impact of becomming a USC", in light of property ownership. My gut reaction is NOTHING is going to happen - but you get what you pay for - free advice may be worthless when dealing with specifics in China. What are we doing? My wife's Hukou (Family Registration) is held in the same Town, Province that the home is in - and she is her OWN Hukou holder, qualified as Head Of Household based on owned property being in excess of 170M2. It makes things "clean" but sometimes not easier. The Passport is a "Travel Document" and is NOT used in transactions for real estate, hospital, school, or any other "Business Transaction" or proof of Identification. It all falls back on the ID CARD. So, for now....she is a citizen and we have 1.5 years to go before she is eligible for for Citizenship, which we will do immediately because of US estate laws - which are drastically biased against foreign spouses. When that time comes - she will also have 5 years of holding the property - making it eligible for a NO TAX SALE. We might Sell it, prior to the citizenship, but most likely will NOT. I view it as an emergency backstop for her, and desire that she retain it - as it costs little to maintain. Am I worried about the Citizenship Ownership issue -NO, because it is Xiamen, and they must have 50,000+ Laowei there. The entire next Tier in our complex is "for foreigners only", and many have some of the old single family dwellings by the lake - now priced out of this world and being converted to coffee houses! For our city - it's a no brainer - you need to understand the specifics for your city - but I think nothing will happen - and even at a potential sale time - you might have to pay a small transfer tax (I've see 2-5% when I lived in China). NO matter what, a real estate lawyer in China will tell you the current practice in her city/province. Best of Luck.

I guess my experience, although it might be dated, was that we went to three banks and we couldn't get a "joint account". BOC, which we use now - because of the online power was adamant all the way to a VP that it was impossible. HSBC, said no....but then I didn't like the amount of money they required to get into the "executive banking" - because they wouldn't pay interest on the funds...as they sat there qualifying you for the increased service. I think it was China Construction -- where we also tried...no go. Things may have changed...but we couldn't make it happen. Just another perspective - I"m kinda glad I didn't get a joint account - it let's me really keep things separate - especially with having to report to the US Government all foreign accounts over $10K USD each year. So, basically - when we pass money to China...it goes through one of her accounts....naturally the one we report each year. It's helped keep it straight. Best of Luck.

ROger...it sure does....except all the travel would "HAVE TO BE" accomplished within the timeframe of the exit/visit permit to HK or Macao, and as you know the exit/visit permits are generally issued by the Hukou location. We used a travel agency to obtain them...but as I remember it required her ID card be present to obtain. I have seen 30 day ones, and 90 day ones - unsure if there are other time periods. My wifes first HK travel permit was one time 30 days, the second 1 year 90 days - multiple entries. But again, all travel "technically" would have to be accomplished within the travel/visit period authorized. I wanted to do this exact same thing....but again the 1 exit 1 entry match...seemed to be the killer. Of course if you leave the US on a US passport you have to have a VISA to China in it, or you tell them your destination is Only HK. That might work...and you technically could transit into China using the US Passport and VIsa....again, the only way I see to get into country....but I might be interpreting it to finely....but it's based on my border crossings in Macao and HK..with the wife 5 or 6 times. All easy....if you have the matching documents. If anyone has actually done it this way...and gotten entry without a valid matching exit-entry - visit match...I sure would like to hear about it....because I would be right behind them with bells on...

It's been my experience, crossing from PRC to Hong Kong and Macao that the "Travelers Booklet" most refer to is utilized by the border guards in the PRC/SAR like a passport. Within it, there is a "VISA" like instrument that allows a visit in either SAR for a number of exits/entries and a perod of time that you are allowed to stay...ala like a visa. I too envisioned using the US Passport to get my wife to a third place and then entry with her CHinese passport...but the above doesn't pass the "one time out one time in requirement" that the SAR's have and more importantly....if you were in Taiawan - and tried to do that....you wouldn't have an equal number of entries/exits with a corresponding visit visa to Taiwan. We, on our last trip to China (Sep 2010) got to go directly from Taiwan to Xiamen using the direct flights avoiding - HK. I can report - there are two different "areas" to pass through to get back to the PRC. One is for Taiwan Citizens and the other is for foreigners....ala --- PRC citizens and the rest of us in two lines. We were able to use one line...because we had "Baby in Arms". JinLin was required to show PRC passport - but they were absolutely adament about her showing her GreenCard. I tried to test the waters with only handing them back her "driver license" and "GOv't (retired military dependent ID CARD) ID but they ONLY would take the Green Card. This quickly dashed my hopes of being able to "end run" the entry with two passports. Ok, my new strategy which has no legs, is to obtain JinLin's USC when she is qualified next year. It has been reported by others - that there is currently no apparent linkage between the Passport (a travel document) and hukou, used for all official actions in China. It is my intention to renew her Chinese Passport prior to her becoming a USC...just in case we don't get it cut up. I don't have the forms for PRC VISA in front of me, but it is my intention once she has a US passport to just go for the 2 year Multiple entry visitor visas, as me and my son do, and let her travel as a USC. I will just try to continue to let her do Chinese things using her Hukou as she always has...with the concern that eventually there may be some issue with it. Currently the PRC passport is only used for international travel and nothing else that I'm aware of unless you are on travel outside the PRC and need assistance of some sort from a PRC embassy. She is lucky in that the house she bought - exceeded 170M2 which qualified her to become her own head of houselhold and move her Hukou to xiamen, fujian - from her Uncles household in her home town located in An Hui. I sure would like to "temporarily lose" her Green Card...just prior to getting her US Passport - in the event we ever had to show it when we were in some local PSB in China. However, there are many risks with the above strategy....but as I see them now...mostly that they will just demand the Chinese Passport and cut it up, or render it invalid in the Computer if you don't have it on your person. However, I'm not sure a few thousand RMB wouldn't fix the problem....on the spot...given most of the situations I've seen in the past....but being at risk is never a good way to go. Last comment - I can only think that border crossings, sharing of information, and tighter controls will continue to improve and make it harder and harder to get away with anything that is not 100% in each country. Of course like all Gov'ts or Government organizations they are often in conflict with each other and to satisfy one is to be at risk with the other. Best of luck.

I would recommend that the poster, and all for that matter, not ever earn income (teaching on the side) and not report it. There is no such concept in the US IRS rules. There is only the concept of worldwide income and reporting it. It is true, that if you earn very little the law accomodates that and the end result will be that no taxes are due, but as many say - you need to report the income, and if you send in a tax form and enter all zero's when it's not true - then be prepared to suffer the consequences. Yes, I know the Gov't doesn't monitor this site - and no one will be mad at the OP and drop a dime on him! [Know the rules - follow the rules, mistakes are forgiven fraud is punished]

Yea...I think "East Aisa Economic Growth" is much better that Yuan investment/conversion - no doubt, that's why one needs to have "typical assets" that ride the inflation swell, (metals, commodities, real estate, things...) and let the paper money be a small portion or in some cases "no portion" of your overall strategy. When money is moved to China - the underlying assumption is that "most" of it would be put to work in "things", albeit they have their problems as well. So I think chasing the Yuan is a poor lead strategy as well, but mostly the point was how to do it.....but I can assure all....if I'm buying Yuan - it has to be the wrong thing to do!

Ok, a subject that is near and dear to my heart. 1st if I wanted money to go to China - and didn't want to pay any fees - I would use the BofA ATM card through ChinaConstruction Bank (albeit the darn ATM card wouldn't work for me last time), my backup in the event I wanted more than 3000RMB a day....I use a bank that reimburses me for ATM fees, including when drawn in RMB in CHina. If I had a wife, fiance or etc, this is the way I would feed them RMB....as it doesn't count against the USD $50K that each person can convert each year. Ok, if I wanted to send "bigger amounts" I would do the following. We just had the cousin (who had access to my wife's ID card - we left it in the house when we were there in Sep) OPEN a NEW Bank Of China Great Wall ATM account and a CD account. The bank linked them together. The cousin EMS us the bank book, all the instruction and the BOC token number generator seeded with their base - so that we can imput the 6 digit toke mi mi - always changing secret code, along with USerid and Password. We signed on yesterday - instructions are in Chinese and English - and in fact we can now - International Wire transfer USD to her new BOC ATM account, and then ONLINE - change it to RMB, and move it to the CD account - I think the 6 month cd was 2.35%, but the 2 year is up around 4%. I "cruised around" the website, changed the password etc, and noticed that in the USD/RMB change page - there is a counter at the bottom that indicates "HOW MUCH OF THE $50K USD yearly allowance" one has changed. I didn't check - but the "limit" appears to change based on the type of money you want to convert to RMB, i.e. Euro's Yen, etc. Ok, according to the bank VP, who we talked to while the cousin was there and helped set it all up for us, the wire will take 2-3 days, the funds are instant and we can overnight have it in the CD account. [Don't forget any foreign bank account for a USC or an LPR that is in the US has to report that account each year, as well as file any earnings with the IRS and pay US taxes] Of course if your wife is not a USC, living in the US, or has not elected to be treated as a USC for tax purposes - then you don't have to do anything! Our thinking, which could be seriously flawed, is that the interest on the CD's she's had for years have been earning about 4% each and every year - and the PRC Government stopped "witholding or charging" tax on bank interest some years ago. When she first bought some of the CD's the USD was 805RMB to the dollar (before I met her), some at 7.65, and you all know...the continuing story. So from our perspective, if the PRC Gov't only allows the RMB to float down 3% per year and we're getting 4% interest - that 7% is a lot better than having money in fixed instruments in the US, where the USD vlaue is and probably will deterioate over time. (Of course we all should've bought commodities -- I see Gold for the year was actually about 10th in growth with "COTTON" being the number one growth commodity for the year" - be carefullllll T-shirts will start costing a lot more soon] We haven't "sold the farm" and moved large amounts of USD to China to have all our friends and family convert to RMB for us...but we continue to "increase" our position in RMB denominated assets to try and avoid the pain of eventual High Inflation here in the US and more specifically with USD. We currently do not believe that the Euro or the Yen are in such a long term good position to balance the USD. Of course, always my secondary position, is to provide a little insurance to my wife an family in the event that the USD economy does blow up, and we have liquidity problems within our system. But the bottom line is, there is an even chance that the RMB won't go up anymore, the USD will rebound against other currencies, the US will eliminate the debt and interest burden, and we will have lot's of surplus money in our Government due to tightened spending and increased revenue to our Government - NOT!