2mike&jin

Thanks Mike. I think you were describing transcripts. I'm gonna use those, the 1040s with a pnk highlighter on the SSDI and VA numbers, and the letter (notorized) by the accountant. How are the kids, DADDY-O ??? You are living life to it's fullest, my friend. tsap seui Well our son, David just had his 1st Bday - and he is the light of my life. We're working on a little brother or little sister - but what only took 1 month last time has already been 3 months - and no new baby on the way. (As my friend said...I hope I didn't use my last sperm). Things are good for the old guy...when I do my 4-6 mile run around Diamond Head in the morning I often wonder what an old guy is doing having kids...but then I get home and he's excited to see me....and I immediately have my answer! Knock-em dead at the next interview - we're all rooting for you!

When we lived in China - BOC for most accounts - old style "bankbook" go the bank, wait in line, etc. I/We elected not to open a HSBC account because of the USD $50K requirement - with no interest to have a "worldwide account". Now I find we "need" to be able to do either Iphone or Computer banking, moving money to China, exchanging money USD-RMB, and transferring from "normal accounts" to "high interest - think CD type accounts". Question: Has anyone got these type of accounts that they access online - from the US, and has anyone actually wired money to them and exchanged USD-RMB? If so, has anyone ever done the "reverse", bringing the money back? Yes, I'm aware that each PRC individual with a "resident card" can exchange $50K USD each year as a limit. Yes, I'm aware of the approx 1% exchange cost for each conversion. Thanks Hawaii Mike PS. I should've started a poll....does anyone think the RMB will move higher against the USD in the coming years? ....is it better to trade Forex - and just get the exchange rate movements or, ....is it better to put the money in an RMB - CD account - earn 5% int, pay no PRC taxes - and get the Exchange Rate increase?

Chop Suey; My two Mao's worth - many of us have "Non-Taxable Income" that doesn't show up on line 37, (Tax free Muni's) but is on the front of the 1040. I believe it to be sage advice to have an accountants statement to back up Gov't financial statement, and the 1040. Another way, not quite as "visual" is using IRS account statemements you get from them vice sending in the copy of the 1040. It takes a "few mintues" to figure out what they say - and the visual effect of the "0" is lost in all the numbers. You will be fine - just think - non of your money has to be sent into the Gov for taxes, leaving more for you to take care of your family. Best of luck -- I'm sure you will be successfulllllll in a few short months!

yes, wife been talking about it. china here we come!!! I got my Son, David a passport last year. I just had to wait for the birth certificate and then I took another step and waited for his SSN number/card to arrive. When I had them - I took him to the local post office (after filing out the form) held him under the arms for the picture....sent it off...and without a hitch I had his new passport. The only thing...it's only good for 5 years.... I then after getting the passport - sent his and mine off to get visas and we both got a 1 year multiple entry - we had no problems entering or exiting the PRC this last SE/Oct/Nov. Piece of cake compared to the VISA thing for his mom to come to the US>

Most of us were in this position - no shot records. My advice - save yourself a lot of hassle and go to one of the authorized places listed in China - start the entire series of shots and ensure that they are documented in the Yellow book. They sell them at all of the "authorized places" to get shots in China. Don't just go to an unauthorized place it will be for naught. Get as many done in China a possible - they're cheaper and perhaps you can get them all done, or the first series before you get to the US, where the cost and hassle factors will greatly increase. Being a K-1 is a little like getting a free pass on the shots and then getting hassled during the game. Even when you get some or all the shots, and take the required physical the immunization section is not filled out for K-1, and you have to go to a Dr. that can certify that section when you get to the states. ALmost a catch 22 - but not totally. Get the shots, have a yellow book, reduce your pain.

Dear True Blue; If she wants to make donation to the consulate by wasting money in the application fee and getting 5 min appearance followed by handing over the white slip , please feel free to try it. Otherwise, it's better for you and your wife to meet her somewhere else . This topics has been discussed before to exhaustion . Unless someone is very wealthy , no way he/she can get a visa . I don't think that "wealth" has too much to do with the approval. I tried it, my friend, who finally became my wife - had house, car and business - all totaling in the millions of RMB - and I submitted several pieces of documentation - all to assuage the consulate fears - and it was a slam dunk NO - NO questions ask...almost laughed in her face. We went to Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Macao, Hong Kong - and if they had dealyed the fiance visa much longer we were headed to Europe et al to ski - and visit based on a shenegan visa for Europe - which they can get a lot easier than the US piece of %&$*()$+$()%*+#! My advice - don't waste the money or go through the frustration.

I have several ideas...none of which you want to hear. 1st: Drink a beer and relax, then read every entry on this website. 2nd: The tense feelings between her and you, over paperwork or any other life's activities, will only increase as time goes on. 3rd: Don't do anything with filing a petition, immigration, or permanent change - until you get to know this woman - regardless of the country she is from. You will do her and you a disservice by acting "quickly". 4th: Slow down......my goodness you've only known her a few days and spent only a few days with her...you don't even know where she was "born"....last thing...SLOW DOWN! Best of luck.....don't listen to a thing I say.....it's just the ramblings of an old man.....

Joint Return After Separate Returns You can change your filing status by filing an amended return using Form 1040X. If you or your spouse (or both of you) file a separate return, you generally can change to a joint return any time within 3 years from the due date of the separate return or returns. This does not include any extensions. A separate return includes a return filed by you or your spouse claiming married filing separately, single, or head of household filing status. Here's a cute little paragraph out of the 2009 IRS PUB 17. I guess they sort of expect that some will get confused on the various "nuances" of marriage under complex situations. It also followed the "TIP" about figuring your income tax both ways - i.e. jointly usually resulting in lesser taxes. FYI. "YES YOU"RE ALL CORRECT, I'm IN XIAMEN, TROPICAL STORM MEGI IS HOWLING OUTSIDE WITH LOTS OF RAIN..AND I"M BORED...THE "KING" is down for his nap....so I have time to do curious browsing about the nuances of the simplistic US TAX code"

There IS a third option - which is to simply OVERPAY your taxes. When you do this, you avoid paying any penalties, interest, or late fees. When you file singly when your spouse has no reportable income, you are in a HIGHER BRACKET than if you had filed jointly or married filing separately. You thus OVERPAY your taxes. The IRS doesn't exactly thank you for the extra money, but they WILL return it with no questions asked (or any interest paid) when you file an amended return. The primary reason why someone on this board may want to do this (and several have) is when they have neither an SSN or TIN for their spouse. There is NO penalty involved for claiming single status, but there IS a penalty for filing late It may or may not be "wrong", but when there is no penalty whatsoever - well, that's why they allow amended returns. So in my view, he is fine with the IRS, but agree that filing the amended returns is needed for immigration purposes. Probably no question that the IRS doesn't care....but there are other agencies that do, one being immigration as you have stated. When someone does not have a SSN or TIN, it does cause issues in filing income tax. When we have someone in this situation, and who is in the process or contemplating bringing a wife to the US, the sage thing to do is "apply" for a TIN, send in your tax payments, and file for an extension. The TIN comes fairly quickly so an return is then easy to quickly generate and file, with the IRS compilations available within days of the return being entered into the computer - usually less than 2 weeks. This would avoid all issues. Although none of us know for sure, this issue could've cost the OP a very long wait for a subsequent application/etc with immigration - all because of not reflecting his "true status" - on his IRS reporting, a document strongly tied to the immigration process. It is less than prudent to be cavalier about these documents as we go through life as they have a tendency (not just the OP but all of us) to come back and bite us in the ass. I've known personally several people that have been "Cute" in their reporting of income, and have paid the price in the end. (1) Was a "boat guy" doing surveys etc - took jobs on a cash basis - and ended up with the very minimum SS payments. Many of us at the Yacht Club - chipped in to provide him with clothes and incidentals in the last year of his life; (2) a guy I just talked to in Xiamen - tried to sell his business - but since he "hid" most of his cash business - only reporting his CC and Check proceeds - the company that wanted to buy said he couldn't "PROVE" his income levels and the sale was toast. There are many more examples of this that all of us know about, and we have heard of countless numbers of people who can't qualify for loans because they have "off the books" income. But I also agree, our OP is not in trouble with the IRS - but his life will be a living hell for the next XX number of months as he sorts out the why and the fix for this issue -and if it is the tax filing that "tipped" the scale -- it is a mistake that didn't have to happen if the IRS guidance was followed. I wish him well in the process and hope that immigration is timely in the return of the paperwork - for which many here have significant experience.

the answers to you quesions are: 1. Taishan, 2.Taishan, 3. both of us are 24 4. First love 5. introduced by my middle school classmate in 2006 who is my wife's high school classmate 6.we frist met in 2006 summer 7. i became a US citizen in 2009-6, then we got marriage in 2009-8. 8. I have been back to China for 5 times. 9. she can speak basic English 10.the white slip says it is not a bona fide relationship. Additinal information: We got married in 2009-8, then when i filed a tax return in 2010 for 2009. i have asked many service agents who saying it doesn't matter if i claimed the status as single on my tax turn. So, i clamed as a single. after reading many posts in this website, i saw some guys saying that claiming the status as single on the tax turn is a "red flag".Is it the problem caused the denial. If it is the case, How can i fix this mess? Well just some advice - when you get married you become "married", and if you are US citizen with Income you file income tax returns. If you are married, as others have pointed out you have two choices...Married/Joint or Married filing Separately. There is no choice to file as single. This filing is WRONG! Why wouldn't we ALL DO THIS and escape marriage penalties, means tests for Medicare Costs the myriad of other "I gotcha's" in the US taxation and legal system. You were married. You failed to properly file the correct income tax returns. As other's have said....this is the most likely cause, in the absence of other information. How to fix? Did you have a 'TAX PREPARER" fill out the forms for you? If yes -- it is easy to file amended returns --- and in the explanation of why you are amending is that the "Incorrect filing status" was suggested by the preparer and you now realize that this is incorrect. If you filled them out yourself - then claim that tax accountants recommended or said it didn't matter and you now understand that it does matter. (for a lot more reasons than immigration) Amending returns is easy...but you need to figure out "this time" whether to file "jointly" or married and separately. Since you filed in the US, Jiu Jin San, I will assume you had US income and your wife did not. If this is the case it's easy to just amend - joint and move on. If she has income in China or in the US then your job will be a bit more complicated....in that you need to have her information - and figure out if you want to make a "first year election - for her to be treated as subjected to US Income Tax, or not, and if that might trigger some increase in taxes. It's a series of "step/decisions" to go through - all part of the SIMPLE US TAX CODE. As others have suggested - you need to see the reasons for the rejection - most likely one of the key elements was tax filing "non-compliance" - and then work the issues. Fixing the tax returns is the EASY part -- waiting for the IMMIGRATION INFORMATION and refiling is the HARD PART. BesT OF LUCK.

I wonder - why do I even "Bite" on these questions that will obviously get me "bad press" here on the forum....but....I guess I will never learn. My wife and I are here in China for 4-6 weeks - and we drive every day - in her very first car - a Nissan Teana V6 that is very nice. She is selling it this week as she thinks we will not return for at least two years until the "NEXT BABY" is at least 1 year old. She learned to drive in China - bought a brand new car and has never had a dent or scratch on it. When we were close to getting the VISA, and living in China I asked her what car she wanted - she told me -- and I ordered it the way she wanted it and it is a monster. She has had no problems with it...except she couldn't pass her drivers test in hawaii in it. SHe claimed the tester was too comfortable and didn't want to pass her. (She tried once and didn't fasten her seat belt - auto failure - the second time didn't come to a full stop at a stop light - auto failure). I suggested she take the small SUV and she passed with no deductions! I think the large sedan is too big for her - and it takes her forever to get into tight parking spots in Hawaii. So, my wife is a very good driver - but still does make mistakes. She has been lucky in that they have not cost her an accident or incident. I will say - in her large sedan I nicked the curb one night and had to spend $200.00 to fix the wheel - she didn't let me forget it! ALso - she is a terror with the Yukon Denali we have in the mountains - it resembles a CHinese Bus driver - I'm large - get out of my way!!!! I suggested to a friend the other night, who is just ready to go for the interview at GUZ, to have his wife "Learn" here in China.....he said really.....so we turned to my wife and asked her....she said "NO NO learn in America they follow the rules and it's so much easier to drive!". Well there you have it. (My view get a small, comfortable, dependable automatic car - probably from something like CARMAX - and let her learn ...don't take the chance with a large or expensive car - and in NY....I would probably let the car match the weather conditions...i.e. small SUV, depending upon where you live.) Ok, that's my 2 mao worth --- I having done everything wrong and have survived it......let's see how many barb's I get from my even discussing "Cars"..which seem to be a big thing here!

Yep ol' buddy, pretty sad to see, indeed. tsap seui Chop.....I haven't read all the way through this thread yet....but I didn't go to ACH either. I made an appointment at the Consulate to have a form "notarized" - and then I could ask, discuss, show my ignorance or whatever in front of one of the VISA officers. It really helped in my case - maybe just coincidence - but I didn't bother with ACH as I didn't want to be restricted to what could be discussed. Just my 2 MAO worth - as I find in XIamen it's now cost 3 MAO for a 2 Mao pair of chopsticks - if you want a NEW pair instead of the Washed ones at the noodle shop. BTW, I think you just had the bad luck of the draw last time - and will sail right through this go 'round. Best of Luck Hawaii Mike

I think this is an excellent article - probably because I agree with so much that is contained within it. Just one opinion - and not nearly as strong as my feeling about pre-nupt's (Joke) -- I have supported my country, often during the 22 years in the military by placing myself in harms way, have been shot several times defending it, but sometimes it seems that the US sure doesn't play fair in the "do as I say not as I do" arena. I know this discussion is about "freedoms" but I have, as many others have indicated, a hard time discerning the day to day differences in life in the US vice China in terms of "freedoms". Albeit, I am not trying to "right a perceived or actual wrong", have not carried the banner of "child labor" or "women's rights" or for that matter "worker safety standards" - but just have tried to follow the rules of the land, whichever land that might be, as I go about my daily activities. Certainly, China has made huge progress in most of these "human rights" and "freedom areas" and should be encouraged to continue these advances - not ridiculed and chastised for individual cases. After my 60+ years in the US, I call into question everyday "how upside down" the US has become in our actions. We encourage and condone "illegal entry" to our country. We have created the worlds largest ponzi scheme within our Government--SSN, that will "implode" in our life time (or your lifetime - may be too late for me), we have foisted medical expenses and administrative procedures on ever corporation and individual in our country so that potentially 30 million can have some "form of health insurance" for which they have no credible method of paying. We have tax code and laws that are so voluminous and complex they cannot be understood by the average person and are burdening our national ability to produce goods and services. I suggest we as a country need to look more at what we can do as a nation to coalesce around the "middle" instead of being frozen in bi-polar inaction spurned by our freedom to say whatever we want whenever we want that both divides and angers all of us, regardless of our side of each individual issue. We need to take a hard look within our country before we start slinging too much mud at others. I guess we need a leader - to bring the country together - or have we morphed to the point that no person can lead an angry undisciplined society? (Event though than sounded good I'm not sure we are really an "angry undisciplined society" - if we were how could be tolerate the invasion by the Government of every aspect of our personal lives (and death) in the US?) Just an aside: Does it bother anyone else that when one watches major network news shows (CNN, FOX, ETC) that all they do is argue, interrupt, and give the appearance of engaging in a rude fight?

Interesting post and I have "mixed emotions" about my perception of this issue...and of course it is an issue regardless of the "group language". Last night as I was in Xiamen, Coyote Mexican Restaurant - and my American friend with his Chinese wife and my chinese wife - I was taking care of baby and they were talking at "warp speed" in Chinese. He just passed his Chinese HSK at level 7 so he pretty much can read the newspaper and talk - normally. I found it very interesting looking at his American face and the two Chinese wives talking - that I had to really struggle to take care of the baby and to "stay abreast" of the conversation. Every few minutes I would have to interrupt and ask what a word/phrase meant - but they were OK with it. Regardless - I found the experience "thought provoking". Ok, my bottom line - is that your Chinese wife will continue to make Chinese friends whenever possible - and trying to change that would be like changing the Moon and Tides. I would suggest - that you "continue" your studies - focusing on one of the two hardest things in the language,Listening at Warp Speed. I know it's hard - but I think the rewards are exponential in terms of the family environment. I know it's tiring to hear a language that is spoken fast and it's hard to focus after 10-15 minutes - but again, I think the rewards are worth it. I know I have an advantage, as my wife supports any effort that I make to learn the language and will often, several times a week, break into a new idiom or work on my tones/understanding of a set of phrases. All good stuff and she knows that I tire easily. One advantage - I am learning a lot of new "Baby" words - as she speaks and plays with our son. It is has been my experience, (although I am old and not too bright) that it takes a good year+ of hard work to be able to have the ability to relate to any given conversation with some degree of competency. Forget the grammar, forget the writing, -- concentrate on the listening, speaking and reading if you are so inclined. Learn some idioms and learn some structures - (yao bu yao, dui bu dui etc) and relax in the process. Ok, again I'm old and not too bright - but I am curious and I "Don't like to be left out of conversations or active interchange of ideas". This motivates me to learn and "keep going" although I am getting quite lazy in my old age. Enlist your wife to help you - I can't believe that if she sees you making a continued and concerted effort she will not come to your aid....best of luck in this most interesting area of our bi-cultural lives.

Thanks for the defense...I need it. Not only am I being beat up here in China - I get it from most of my friends here on CFL - my only source of understanding and nurturing - where am I to turn if I can't find Love on "Candle for Love"?

Your of course correct - a penny saved is a penny earned! Oh, and don't forget - a million dollars doesn't buy what it used to...

I'm getting beat to death here in China - and you guy's are worried about the beer? Since I had throat cancer 12 years ago....I can't drink anything but "water-beer" so I stick to Coors Light, Hefeweisen, or TsingTao.....NOT A REAL BEER AMONGST THEM!!!

Well we just returned to Xiamen for a month long visit or so...and it's been fun so far. It was the very first time we were able to fly to Taipei and then directly to Xiamen, avoiding an extra leg down to Hong Kong and then back up to Xiamen. This saved about 3-5 Hours on the trip depending on connections. That worked well except for getting in the wrong exit line in Taipei vice the second transfer station....lack of signage! Well to the subject - we have been back 2 days - albeit we have slept most of it - son has a cold already - and of course I'm at fault for returning to China! But we've been out to eat twice now - and she started ordering less food and BEER! I complained but she said nothing (had family with us) until we arrived home. Then I got both barrels - PRICES are OUT OF SIGHT - veggies (spinach in garlic water) was 80 RMB for a large bowl --- Char Sui Zhou Rou - 90 RMB --- all prices more than the US. I explained there was no tax and SERVICE was included. Well that little bit of logic lasted about 2 seconds - and then she started in again about how the places have moved tables closer together to get more people in - and it' uncomfortable. I started to see the light..........I was was being beat up for bringing the family to China - and it was going to be a long month. Ok, I asked after we shopped at our favorite grocer - how were the prices - and the Chaoshi....how were those prices.....most things up 20-25% she reported so I then tried the "well how much are wages up" strategy. Well that was reported by the cousins to be about 25% up in the last two years....ok I said prices are up about the same amount as wages. Of course....not in busy eateries where she thinks they are up as much as 50%. I explained supply and demand......that's when she explained how life was for a man.....when she speaks I listen....! OK, gosh and I only have 3 or 4 more weeks of this!!!!!! My fun meter is fully pegged and it has just started! I have spent about 4 months trying to get her to schedule a 4 day side trip to her "home village" - so we could take the "entire family" to dinner - let the baby see his grandfather - show off the lao wei bao bei - but she has always said she didn't want to talk about it - it was too early to plan, and some of the relatives were fighting about some land distribution that my wife had already given more than 10 years ago (new road coming through village...money to be made in land grab by Gov't) . Ok, I declared that she was to make all the decisions while we were in China. Now we're here...... Cousin comes over - say's "hey are you taking all of us to Home Village - and taking entire family to dinner like last several years"? First thing out of her mouth..,,Yea we'll probably go right after the holiday! (At least I can understand enough Chinese to hear the conversation). I must not be cleared for "plans" although I have a Gov't TS Clearance - must be wrong Gov't!!! Ok, enough of my complaining -- life is wonderful - local grocer downstairs brings me TsingTao , large bottles, by the case - and they are less than 1.5 Kuai per....life is good! Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Xiamen - MIKE

My experience over the last 8 years - is not to book closer than 3 weeks either side - sometimes 2 weeks can be OK, if you can route around - as others have said - and of course buy in Advance. I know I might take grief from this comment - but even business class goes from about $2500 to $3200-$3500 each way for under 21 day golden week air fare. Strangely, I find that after golden week(s) it's the same 14-21 days - because so many people travel back.....and many extend their stay. Best of Luck - but there is NO easy solution before and after/during these time periods. What you can make up in saved airfare you will spend on extra food and hotel/gifts to relatives - by staying longer--at least that's been my experience. Good Luck

To avoid this most of us, I think, used transcripts obtained from the IRS. In our case, they were available about 2 weeks after I filed the returns. I.e., I sent the taxes off, waited a week, and then sent the request for the transcripts. They came right back. Best of luck.

Nate_NT; Several have said take a breather...relax. On the issue of a TS-SCI, this is not the issue. Several of us here have lived in, and married Chinese wives - and maintained both our clearances and have been through 5 year reviews. As several have said...this is not the issue. Don't let it cloud what you need to do. The police report expiring is certain BLUE, and is easy to fix. Take care with the redo - of the "how you met letter" - be factual and to the point....and if there are no other "red herrings" you have a good chance of jumping over the "administrative hurdle" of an expiring police report. Although, I also think it won't matter much about being there -- I would personally, get the data together - get on a plane and with my gal....go and meet with them at ACS, under the guise of notarization of the documents she was turning in. Specifically, I would also take time to "UPDATE my financials" and address the issue of finances that you alluded to....if it is real or was questioned at any point. This is an excellent time to get in front of a VO and pass information, show support, and answer any questions that he/she might have. I would absolutely do this.....and after I did this I would have her turn in the documents.....and see if they ask for the passport/issue the visa. You may have reason for celebration. These are only suggestions based on what I read.....but calm and positive is the way to go....best of luck.

I think China, by last reports, has about 1.339B people, or about 20% of the worlds population. What is often overlooked - is India's population, with no birth limits, is about 1.17B and growing much faster than the shrinking PRC. Thank goodness China doesn't have 3.2B people - they would just dwarf the rest of the world.

Well, I don't have a specific about Nanning - but when I/We lived in China - the Insurance Industry was just getting into the "Hyper Sales Mode". In fact, almost not a week goes by that my wife "still gets" phone calls from Insurance Agents in China wanting to sell some form of insurance. They are relentless - much the way we used to be bombarded with the evening phone calls before we enacted the "do not call" feature. Specifically, while we were in Xiamen, I had to intervene two or three times with the cousins - all wanting to purchase some form of Insurance. It, like all good sales jobs - was founded in the "fear of something", and the idea that a few mao a day can make this big worry go away. The first that I encountered was soon after my now niece was born, the cousin was at our home trying to borrow money so that he could pay for an "Insurance Policy" that would provide a "certain level" of education for his newborn. The way they got his name and number - the hospital SOLD the numbers of the parents for all new babies. Thus giving the insurance salespeople a ready made call list each and every week. Not illegal in China. The second set onslaught of insurance was to provide "old age medical supplements", for the self employeed or migrant workers (someone not living or working in their own prvince/registration city) a form of supplemental insurance. Needless to say - as you work through each of these and look at the costs vice the future - POSSIBLE returns the results are a very low return on investment. Sort of like the Insurance that we have here - pay for your life and you will be guranteed $10K of insurance - with no limitations. Of course we all know how much comfort having $10K of insurance would give us in today's world. Ok, there are times when buying insurance or buying out the remainder of Insurance or Retirement plans makes sense. I.E., you've paid into the Government Insurance and Retirement system for 25 years - need 5 more years for lifetime benefits - but now you don't want to stay in the country or you want to move to a different region of the country. Bingo - paying out the last marginal amount to "qualify" for the benefit makes perfect sense and is well worth, usually, the time, effort and money to invest in this type of plan. (I think there are people on CFL who have been in this situation with their wives). What doesn't make much economic sense is to just "plunk down" a very large sum of money for future benefits that one hasn't costed out. I.e. - if the plan allowed 5000 RMB benefits for life starting at age 55 for women and 60 for men (typical in China) one has to do the "time value of money" and see what one could expect. Putting almost 70,000 RMB in a CD in BOC for XX years, with NO TAXATION - CURRENTLY - will result in a flow of money for X years. Insurance companies do this based on Risk spread an actuarial tables just like we do here in the US. It's no wonder they are SO profitable - and quickly get out of areas where they can make little money -- i.e. try to get home/hurricane Insurance in Florida. OK, my advice, you will not WIN the EMOTIONAL agrument feeding the fear of long term Medical Insurance and "taking care of the family". You can argue logic, try to get the facts - almost impossible here if you're not standing in front of the insurance agent and can speak some chinese (I've done this..it's not easy). You can do several things (1) Give them the $10K and temporarily have a pleasant time of things - until the next "FEAR or NEED" arises; (2) You can just say...you don't have the money for "long term issues' and that the need is to take care of the family NOW - and possibly after you are settled - both working - etc..etc..you can re-visit the issue - go through the facts and if it makes sense do it then. (3) Just say no - give no excuse and take your beatings!! Have fun...been there done that! (It's even harder when you have the money and say NO)

Well I wouldn't worry about taking them with you. They're for you personal use - specifically gifts. I've carried some strange things in my luggage and carry on - ($5000.00 worth of American Prescription Drugs to last me a year, Three IPODS (long time ago), one time I took quite a chunk of $100.00 bills - (the first time I moved to China) - so the bottom line is I wouldn't worry about it. Now I have a question - I don't even know if this makes sense - but can an IPhone 4 be "unlocked" from the network, ala buying a China cell phone that you just swap out sims/add money at will vice a plan?