2mike&jin

I just noticed non of us really answered your question. The Green Card should not make any difference in taxes, one way or the other. If she has a SSN and or a TIN#, and a work authorization - AND she is an employee - then all appropriate taxes MUST be withheld by the employer. Bottom line, you need to find out if she is going to get a W2 or a 1099 - it will tell all about the status! Again, best of luck.

Randy is correct in several areas but the ENTIRE situation is troubling. First she is either an "independent contractor" (Contract Labor) or she is an employee. If she is an employee she is either an hourly or salaried employee. If she is an "employee" the company is required to withold appropriate city, county, state, and federal taxes, which include the "employee half" of the SS & Medicare taxes. There is no other legal way of them operating. If she was hired as a consultant/independent contractor/contract labor or any other of the loose terms that describe a non-employee performing services for a business then SHE is responsible for, as Randy said, submitting her Income Taxes Quarterly, as well as she is responsible for the ENTIRE SS and Medicare portions - roughly 15% of her gross wages. There is no other legal way to accomplish it. First - I would strongly recommend that "someone" get her TRUE employment status defined immediatly. Either way TAXES must be reporteed and paid. Secondly - in professional services the worker usually get's more money than an employee because they become responsible for all of their own benefits as well as the SS/Medicare taxes, plus the witholding/paying estimated taxes, depending on your view. You can figure out by the companies reaction to the question of employment status - whether there is any monkey business going on. It is not unusual for company to hire independent contractors/contract labor - as it is a means to reduce the total cost for labor by the company and of course, shift the total responsibility for most of the reporting to the employee. The distinction when you ask is will I get a W2 or will I get a 1099 at the end of the year. THe W2 is the employee reporting that the company must send to the employee and a copy to the Gov't, and the 1099 is for independent contractor's/contract labor. Best of Luck

We just left Hawaii to spend a few months in the mountains near Lake Tahoe - as well as take Jin to see all of California - prior to going to our house in Xiamen for fall golden week/month. I was shocked at some things....during the trip and the first few days....I guess I shouldn't be....but maybe I just woke up! 1. Travelx at SOF sells RMB for 575 to 1...OMG what a ripoff! 2. Gasoline in Reno is about the same price as Hawaii - how can this be? (of course where XiaoFeiZhou lives it's more expensive that Waikiki) 3. Holy cow....Groceries are really cheap...even with the 7.75% sales tax! 4. How can 5lbs of Bluberries cost $4.99 at Sams Club...and Hawaii $3.00 for 8 oz in Hawaii? It can't cost that much to ship them there. 5. I should've waited another year to buy a mountain house. I think I could've saved another $50k-$100K. Some of the $1.4-$1.9 M places were hard over when we bought our place last year...(we just made offers until someone accepted our 46% of original price) and they wouldn't come down. Well, I see (1) of those places the owner moved back in, and 4 or 5 of them have dropped their prices down below $1M, (to be exact $999K)....but I'm wondering if it's a good time to buy "another one for investment"? I wonder with the economy doing what it's doing (or not doing) if next year/winter will be even better? Thoughts..? Hawaii doesn't have SALES TAX it has GET TAX. GET TAX is additive, just like a VAT tax is. Is it possible that adding 4.5% at EVERY STEP IN THE PROCESS is DRIVING THE PRICES OFF THE CHART in HAWAII? Perhaps we don't need a VAT Tax in the US after all.

Ok, my two MAO...but please don't anyone comment with the old and tired..."Two Mercedes Comments". Air China is one of the three or four airlines I PREFER TO FLY. Here is the place where an oft handed comment would come - I ALWAYS FLY BUSINESS OR FIRST CLASS. Additionally, when I originate in Hawaii - Air China has a convenient flight to Taipei - then I can quickly connect with them or Cathy to HK and then home in Xiamen. Unfortunately the quick flight from Hawaii arrives too late in the morning to avail oneself to the direct flight that recently was allowed - as it leaves at 8:30 AM...direct to Xiamen - eliminating the HK portion. OK, I find the following in business/first in terms of best service - comfort etc.....Korean, EVA/China Air, JAL, Thai, Air China. (I have limited experience with Singapore Air who I have heard has good service. I avoid, if at all possible, flying on US Carriers - with the exception of Hawaiian or Alaska Air. Unfortunately, the routes are limited. ALSO...just flew from Hawaii to RNO via SFO - on United. OMG - what a disaster in First Class.....food terrible, all but one flight attendant so cranky she was almost as bad as ME...with a 6 month old in my arms. Delay in SFO for 3:15 HRS....OMG just shoot me if I go on United Again...I quit them 20 years ago....and I caved in to my wife who wanted the most direct flight. (My choice was FREE 1st Class with Hawaiian to SAC then drive home.....saves money time etc..) Enjoy...the Asian Airlines they are worlds above the US airlines who have forgotten what service is all about!

I'd like to second looking at the "Split Systems". I've been investigating here in Hawaii as a possible alternative if and when I build a home. One of our fellow CFL's installed new units - with very High SEER ratings. Most of the anecdotal research indicates the split systems have the highest SEER ratings but the central systems are catching up. The downside to central is that you need to "Insulate Very Well" all the ducting - and even then depending on how you do it - you lose significant cooling along the way. This can be minimized. Also, what I didn't like about the units in China and the traditional split systems as shown in the picture - as I see them as "look alike" window units and not asthetically pleasing. When my Jin was building out her house in China - we selected the Fujitsu Split system - with normal looking "Grating" that looks just like central vents to each room. The difference - each room had it's own system hidden in the false ceiling - remote controlled - but running off the chilled water of the split - outside system. Fujitsu was expensive - and it "WASN"T" the cheapest. The AC guy that was in my place last week told me that the Mitsubishi units were the easiest to maintain. Ok, when considering the next house - I'm thinking "in-law unit on second story over 3 car garage - definitely a place for a high-SEER (SEER is the method of evaluating the efficiency of the Unit in terms of electricity consumption and amount of cooling) Unit to cool the in-law unit. I'm thinking of a classroom/computer area for teaching and a large gym next to it - both are candidates for a multiple-split system, i.e. One external High Seer unit, with two inside units. Lastly, I see that LG has introduced not only the "grating" that makes the vents look just like central - but also has introduced Picture Frames, and Mirrors that allow the cold air to enter the room via these outlets if the room doesn't fit a vent look. My "cursory research" also indicates that sizing - is a very important aspect of any AC system - and too large is just as bad as too small. A mix and max approach seems to be the way I'm headed - as it offers the most flexibility and lets each system do what it does best. (Oh yea - I would use the central for the large living/dining/kitchen areas - unsure about bedroom - but like the idea of split systems for them....as long as they are 3=1 which limits your saving on Electricity. One last thing....SPlit systems are much easier to put in vice central once the house is standing! BEst of luck and happy cooling!

You're absolutely correct. When I was considering "upgrading" Jin's car to a TANK - for safety (Toyota Land Cruiser) I talked with the BOC VP about the restrictions. He basically said bringing money in to purchase something - i.e. a house or car or business - was NO problem and they could actually convert USD to RMB for that purpose, in excess of the $50K USD a year restriction. The issue was getting it back out. He said that "at that time" there was no method to "reverse" the process - i.e. sell house - convert all the money to USD at once and move back to the US. This issue, the repatriation of the money, was what caused me not to buy investment properties or spend money on something that I might not have gotten any use out of. I also did lightly touch on the issue that you brought up - tracking inflows and outflows - his position, and my eventual position, was that "legal activities" such as Real Estate investments, advantages in RMB-USD rates, China CD's, Stock market, and legitimate businesses - all properly documented would not in any way cause the Bank or the individual problems. Sort of like in the US. Unfortunately, it's always not easy to know what is a legal investment/business in China - part of my decision to not do anything other than enjoy my fiance/now wife, food and my attempt to learn to speak Mandarin!

Thanks Tony - for the information - good to know. Additionally, when I was bumping into this issue when I lived in China - I realized - that I could get RMB another way - albeit slowly. I had three bank cards - two of which "reimburse me for ATM fees", so I could essentially convert - and withdraw 9000 RMB per day. (I realize if I opened a BofA account - I could do it free as well with CC....Bank as well - but I was ok with the 6000/or/9000 RMB a day.) In theory - I could open a couple of BofA accounts and the existing ones I had - now with my wifes separate accounts/cards I could run about 24,000 RMB a day - quickly adding up to serious money - with the only cost being the currency conversion by the card company - something I saw as equal to the BOC charges for conversion. However - a lot of work - and once it's in the bank in China - you have the same problems bringing it BACK! I think if I really wanted to pile on the RMB - I would use a Forex account or some such account to try to avail myself to the rate change. As I remember there were 2 or 3 CFL'rs that not only had play accounts but were developing algorithms to do "instant trades" to hedge the daily changes in the financial markets. Not my cup of tea - but a buy and hold strategy in a long term exchange play might be viable...however I have never "seriously considered it" always - worried about "How Much I don't know" and "Insider manipulation" that always kills the profits.

Tony - not only what do you mean - but I was under the impression that "1 person" could only transfer out of country or convert $50K USD per calendar year. Could you straighten me out on this please? Why I think this: When I lived in China, albeit it was 2 years ago, I spent considerable time discussing this with BOC and HSBC. Essentially, they told me that there is a banking/Gov't computer system they must check each time that they convert or transfer money from-into USD - and that each person is limited to the $50k, per calendar year. Both HSBC & BOC (Premier and BOC Great Wall accounts) told me the same thing. Additionally, two days ago I listed my house in Hawaii for sale - and the real estate lady - relayed a story of a Chinese guy who owns a Coal Mine - just bought a house in our building - and he had to get "lot's" of people to send/convert RMB to USD. She essentially said it took them almost a month to get the USD $1M here to buy the place. I was surprised at this as I would've thought a businessman could've found a way to circumvent the system. She also indicated it was almost as hard for him when he bought a place in Vancouver as well. News to me. Thanks.

Steve; We went to FUZHOU for our medical - and we only went once - and didn't have any of the issues that you mention. I was able to make the appointment on the phone - myself - and then we drove to Fuzhou - about 2.5 hours. We stayed at a nice hotel (can't remember the name) and then taxi'd over in the AM. Need to be there early and follow the rules for filling out the paperwork (both English and Chinese copies- they follow the rules as posted by GUZ). We were able - although we got there a little late - to have everything completed - with all paperwork in hand within 3 hours - including the 1 hour it took us to fill out the Chinese copies (which I had heard we didn't need). We then went across the street to the "Immunization Place" and got her an INternational Shot Card - and all requisite shots...at least the first series....(She had lost her medical records/cellphone - while being preoccupied with buying ears of corn in the park). When we went to GUZ - it gave us an opportunity to go to the ISLAND and get the second series of shots - so we were 2/3 of the way complete. The remaining shots were completed when she arrived here in Hawaii - while we got the medical verification of immunizations.....based on her K1 requirements. I wouldn't be afraid of going to Fuzhou - as stupid as I am - I was able to get both things accomplished - 1 trip - nice hotel stay - and what's more on the way back - I told my Jin I was tired of stopping along the Highway for Chinese snacks and food - I wanted a MCdonalds on the highway -- she never lets me have them...so she said...oh yea...if you can find one on the road we can stop.....well under the heading of " OLD and DEVIOUS will always win over Young and Sneaky" --- I had seen a "Golden Arches" sign on the way to FUzhou - and knew that it was on the return side of the Hwy - just short of Xiamen....bingo....about 3 miles later I pulled off - into the cleanest, newest Golden Arches you've ever seen......She couldn't believe it....and ATE THE BIG MAC and FRIES I got for her...(Of course like me...we always throw the piece of meat - without the cheese away...gosh you can get strange looks when you do that). One more usefullllll tip for husbands of Chinese women - who don't eat meat. I always buy my "Whopper's/wCheese" - with a "HOLD THE MEAT" instruction. I get $1.00 off the price (Almost everywhere), it's custom made/fresh - and my Chinese WIFE THINKS it's HEALTHY...which now allows us/me to stop at BURGER KING! Best of Luck...we will be in XIAMEN - probably around the 27th of Sep through the end of OCT.....would love to buy you dinner - if you can stand eating with a then...9 month old! Mike

Actually, I think she is very clear....the Mandarin for Mexico is.. Mo xi ge 411, so you need to work on your tone and Mandarin listening Robert! Moto CHE doesn't sound anything like this!!! Might be too many pissssaaaaasssss!

Thanks for the come back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really need some information. We will be transfering the $$ from China Construction Bank in China to Chase Bank in the USA. When we transfer the $$ we will be transfering from my wifes account in China to my account in the USA. Is there a limit that can be transfered at one time or can we transfer all the amount at once. Asking because of tax question. I read some where that the max amount that can be transfered at one time and NOT taxed is less that $10,000. Does anyone know any more about the tax liability???? Thanks Steve Steve; It's not the taxes that is the $10K limit....that limit is "how much cash you carry into the US", without Declaring it. You also can carry $50K cash into the US anytime you want to...you just have to declare it. Mike Mike: Let me rewrite the question. My wife or another Chinese person wants to wire about $50,000 USD to my account, only my name is on the account, in the USA. What tax liability do I have receiving that money. Steve NONE, as you have layed out the scenario's, the house and the return of savings to the US. Also, because you didn't file as joint on your income taxes - and ostensibly NEVER filed a first year election - interest or profits that she makes from the sale will not be taxed either. Make sure that the first year you file taxes together - if it is for year 2010 and you sell the house in 2010 - YOU DON't make a first year election for her to be treated as a USC for tax purposes. Just a note for all....it has to do with Gifts and taxes. Generally a person or (mulitple persons) can give up to $13,000.00 each year to anyone they want and there are NO taxes in the US. If a USC gives more than $13,000 to an individual - then the USC must pay whatever gift taxes are due for the money. I.e., if I give Dnoblett $1M, just for grins -- I must pay the tax on the money....not the receiver. Ergo - the issue with dieing - and giving your money to your kids. There are exclusions - but if you have alot of money -- the govenment siphons off what they want. This is also the reason why people set up trusts. One last thing - as long as your spouse is a non USC, regardless of her tax treatment, you can gift her $133,000.00 (changes each year) without any tax due. This is a nice item since congress took away the marriage protection if a spouse dies while the other is a non-USC.

Thanks for the come back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really need some information. We will be transfering the $$ from China Construction Bank in China to Chase Bank in the USA. When we transfer the $$ we will be transfering from my wifes account in China to my account in the USA. Is there a limit that can be transfered at one time or can we transfer all the amount at once. Asking because of tax question. I read some where that the max amount that can be transfered at one time and NOT taxed is less that $10,000. Does anyone know any more about the tax liability???? Thanks Steve Steve; It's not the taxes that is the $10K limit....that limit is "how much cash you carry into the US", without Declaring it. You also can carry $50K cash into the US anytime you want to...you just have to declare it. Mike

OK, from the history of your posts, I know you have filed your income tax each year, and you own a house in Xiamen. (We will be in our house in Xiamen [Hubin Bei Lu] - from 26 Sep - 30 Oct). I'm going to go out on a limb and assume - you are talking about taking the money/profit from the sale of the house - and moving it back to the US? If that happens this year, which is sounds like it will....then the same rules apply. As I remember - you are married(?). If you are, have you filed joint income tax together and or did you make a first year declaration to have her income treated like a US taxpayer? Probably not....but did you file "jointly" in 2009 so that your interviews et al would show married? These are all background questions.....to get to the point of...she probably has her name only on the deed --- when she sells the house it will be her sale --- and the question is....is she subject to US taxation. If you filed in 2009 as joint - I suspect any income in 2010 will be treated as US income. If you filed jointly in 2009 and selected to be treated as 1st year resident - then without a doubt her 2009 and 2010 income is subject to taxation. Ok, let's say she isn't subject to US taxation....no tax due! If she is, has filed jointly with you, then the sale is treated just like a sale here in the US. Over 1 year, LTCG (Currently at 15%) and based on the numbers you posted in previous posts -- will remain the same - if current plans are put in place by the end of the year. [Other thought...this may be lower because of your combined income for 2010...i.e.lower % taxation...I haven't looked lately...I believe it was 5%...don't rember the income cutoff level] Make sure you have all of the buy-sell documents to be able to prove the numbers just like any other US property sale. Also - don't try to hide the sale...the I864 - will show this money - your SSN will be linked to the transfer - and it's not worth the pain/risk IMO. The patriot act has tightened the screws on wire transfers etc etc. If I have made way too many assumptions and this is not the money from the sale of the house...we can try again if you want to air any other details. Best of Luck....

Perhaps they meant Ôª 3,000 to Ôª 4,000 per month. $4,000 to $5,000 per month BEFORE TAX is what I make here in the USA and can get by on that. $3K - $4K per month in China and you can live like a King. There's a reason why he calls himself Mr. 2mercedes. Actually, I call myself 2mike&Jin, and occassionaly refer to "Hawaii Mike". It is also a fact that I have 2 MB's, of which I would be happy to give the new one to anyone who can find the second battery that is supposedly remote from the engine compartment. LOL, I don't think so...it may be these types of digs that get some feathers ruffled, but it's only a guess.

Randy's advice is sage from my perspective. One negative comment about the property/asset issue - is that if you still have a mortgage - this can be viewed as a negative - when looking at income requirements, as as was pointed out "unlocking" perceived property values is difficult - when trying to link to "income levels" - since a "residence" doesn't produce income. I think most would agree, that a cover letter, as outlined by Randy - showing your "total" income with SS can support "meeting the minimum". However, " just meeting the minimum" has been proven to be risky. Some with several thousands of dollars of annual income over the minimum have been required to get "co- sponsers". Many would view "just meeting the minimum" as significantly lowering the odds of a successful outcome at GUZ. We hope this is not the case in your situation. If a plan B is required you might want to "mentally" start preparation with your lady - and flesh out what you will exactly do...in the event you have a "blue" for financials. Although this can be nerve racking and emote angry feelings at our Government - the issue is that you need to plan for the contingency - and pray that you don't need to invoke plan B. Many of us have gone through this - for differing reasons - but Plan B's and C's, although tough to swallow - are necessary. Best of Luck to you and your lady.

Yes, GDBILL, that is the difference...my "residence permit" looks just like the example...but the purpose was "student", written in han zi. So the end result is a "resdient permit", but as you technically pointed out, it is underlying some original visa. Since I was unaware of the level of understanding I omitted the "Visa Type" information and other distractions. Ok, also to answer the other question about how I spent $3K-$4k (Note not RMB), a month - well it seemed quite easy. We did a lot of in country travel, traveled to Thailand, Malaysia, Shang Hai, Hong-Kong, etc, I put a lot of gas in the car, we went out to dinner most evenings - and we took lot's of family and friends, I paid $8K RMB a semester for tuition, and I really like to drink beer! I think the beer may have been the problem! [EDIT...the first 7 months there I paid 13K RMB a month for a "Serviced Apartment", before moving in with my GF now wife, and now that I think about it, spent a "little money" buying my new GF now wife - some small gifts....to include an engagement ring.....so it all went into my averaged costs..end of EDIT] I apologize for starting the "HUMID..S..H" dialoque - as it is also Humid in Xiamen, where we have a house, for at least the 3 summer months - so I also have a home in a Humid Shit Hole - it just doesn't last from April to November. I was less than tactfulllllll, and I should've been a little kinder in my - "so what response"! Since we didn't know much about this fine fellow - who I must respect for his many years defending our nation, it was a cheap shot at his "matter of factness". As usual, one persons passion is anothers poison. My Jin hates SNOW(COLD) and I'm having a heck of a time getting her to spend any time in our House in the Mountains in Reno/Lake Tahoe. I should now term the mountain property the "Freezing COld Shit Hole", because that's how she views it! Since she is the boss - it must be true. Again, I apologize for the regional comment based on warm moist weather!

Well, you have certainly "woke" some of the animals up. But back to your original question about potentially moving to China. 1. I assume you retired from the Military, have a retirement pension, and are eligible for all PX, Commissary, and Medical Benefits. A. Others have suggested a bank easy to do business in CHina or other place - that is sage advice. Some suggested HSBC, an option with their Premier Account - last I checked it required about $50K US to have such an account and didn't pay any interest. There were other ways to qualify for the status. I suggest USAA - Checking account - Military Pay to the Checking account - they are easy to get wire transfers and they reimburse ATM fees - up to a point. BofA, also is a good choice. B. There are no PX, Commissary, or other Military facilities or functions in China. C. Your Tricare and eventually when you mature and age out of Tricare - you will have to sign up and pay for Medicare part B, however you will not be able to use any of it in China. If you don't - if you ever return to the US (or any other place you could use it) you will not be eleigible for it. The free military medical you were promised all your life is not free after 65, and requires you to pay the medicare even if you can't/don't use it ...or you lose the benefit for life. D. You're military pension and SS cannot be mailed to a Chinese Bank or address - so you need to have it deposited in a US bank with access from China or anywhere else in the world. 2. You've stated that "Nanning" is a good locality (not sure what this means -- as it is basically a humid "shit hole", similar to Hanoi). That aside you also state that you have plenty of money to live in China. If you have significant amounts of savings and investment - in addition to your military pension and social security, both indexed for inflation, you might have enough money to live in China - with a modicum of Western Style comforts. (AC, Hot water, Soft Bed, Clean building, No bugs, no shit or garbarge at your doorway). When I lived in China it cost me between $3K-$4K USD a month to live - and my house was FREE - owned by my wife. Albeit, we lived like westerners and not like I did when I was young and naieve and dug into Khe Sanh red dirt....trying to not step on or dig up the land mines the less than bright Marines had left "Unmarked, Unmapped, and Unreported". 3. You ask also about Thailand and Malaysia. I have taken my wife from China (prior to her US Green Card) for visits to both places. Thailand was and is going through significant social unrest but is easy for her to visit and "probably live". Malaysia is also easy for CHinese citizens to enter for visits - and the bottom line, they can get a visa at the airport as they enter. I wouldn't advise this method - get it early and save the hassle at the airport. Don't be alarmed if she has to put "deposit" money down to travel outside CHina. My wife deposited 20K RMB for Thailand, and 10K RMB for Malaysia, funds held in her Bank of China Account - untouchable for a year. The advantage with Malaysia is that it is common to speak 3 languages - English, Mandarin, and Malay! We really enjoyed KL, and there are several islands that are really nice for visits. They encourage immigration. Again - take money. 4. While I was stationed at Camp Smith - Admiral Crowe set me aside one day and tried to make me understand the concept of "walking a mile in someone's shoes", as we were about ready to entertain a General from Taiwan. He was trying to get me to view the "man" from his culture, his perspective, his daily demands, and from our perspective "what that man needed and wanted". After reading your posts, I'm not really sure what you want or need! We know your married and she is currently living in Nanning. She is your only wife and you have recently retired from the Military. You are interested in living in China with her - but are seeking information about living there - and suddenly when someone say's there is "no permanent resident visa there" you ask about Thailand and Malaysia. What you were told - is that somthing AKIN to a US Green Card to live in CHina is "next to impossible" to get. Most of us here, know of one or two people who have obtained them - but they are special cases. If you would like to read about Prof Bill Brown - who was one of the first to receive one - check out the website amoymagic. So yes, getting a China Green Card is probably not going to happen. However, I lived in China several years, others are living there now, and would be more than happy to share information with anyone that asks and interacts with people in a civil and mature manner. I can tell you two ways to keep a Resident Visa in China. Student and/or Husband. Both ways can keep you with a renewable 1 yr Resident Visa - at low cost, low risk etc. Even if you had to someday revert to a Multiple entry tourist visa - you are so close to Viet Nam and or Macau - you could easily cross the border and reenter every 90 days. So you can live in China indefinitely - many are and have done it for years. Lastly, you might consider getting a multiple entry tourist visa, replacing it with a 1 year resident visa based on Marriage once in China, and living with your wife in China to see how you and or both of you like it. Evaluate the logistics, lifestyle, her abilities to function outside of a Chinese environment, and your ability to cope with a "really different" culture. Some tolerance will be required - and I speak from experience it is not easy in all situations. Being deployed as a military force is not the same as living in a country without the womb of the military - yes many of have done it, and many of us are "retired military". I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do. If I can help with any specific information I would be more than happy to do so. You can PM me if you like - so that all do not see your information. Also, there are others living in the very Southern part of China that know significantly more about the region than I do..they may also be able to help - if they all haven't been turned off, by the negative rhetoric of this thread. I know you don't care...but one never gets a second chance to make a first impression!

FYI - Just a recommendation: Make everyone in your family have a PHS-731 "International Certificates of Vaccination" -- i.e. the YELLOW BOOK. They usually cost $5-10$, and most Civil Surgeons have them available. They also are known as "travel certificates"....but are really just a format for keeping track of vaccinations. Also..the ones given in CHina at an autorized place --- are superior to the cheaply printed ones in the US done by the PHS (Public Health Service) , and are formated better. The little Yellow Booklet - always stay's near our Passports - and they go with us "together" - when we travel. "NEVER LEAVE HOME (OVERSEAS) WITHOUT IT". Should've seen the fit I threw at the Hospital when our son was born (24 Dec 2009) when they DIDN"T HAVE ANY OF THESE books for vaccination history...and wanted to put it on a single sheet of paper with the title...Hawaii Shot Record! Nothing changed...I had to go to a civil surgeon and buy one...take it back to have the stuff entered and verified by the Hospital where he was born. Best of Luck

Since you were married here in the USA, that means logically you were a K1 - and as such there were NO vaccination requirements during the Medical to obtain the K1. SO, as all of us had to do, you pull out her medical records/shot records go to your nearest Civil Surgeon, and they will validate/verify the shots (or give her shots) and complete the I693. When it is signed by the surgeon, they will SEAL it in an envelope and you will submit it with your GC application. You can read all the horror stories of Civil Surgerons on CFL - a lot of who want you to take a completely new physical etc...but it's not necessary. Only the Vaccinations need to be certified. Best of Luck.

Not sure if this qualifies as the USA - but here in the 50th State - the Logos are EVERYWHERE. (Albeit we get 7 million Japanese tourists each year and now about 400,000 Chinese tourists). I THINK I saw the logo's all over San Franscisco downtown - near Chinatown and in CHinatown...but I'm not 100% sure. You have my curiosity up...I'm goint to try and use my BOC card here in Hawaii to see if it works.

These are great suggestions....also when I read the letter I was unsure "When you guy's had the baby"....I would change this reference to be something more accurate to avoid confusion. Best of Luck.

I dislike saying anything "negative" without taking the time to explain why --- but my 4 month old is making noise and I have to go take care of him. In short, you need a NEW LETTER! (Your newer one is certainly better than your first one - never apologize, or beg, it shows weakness and they will smell the fear) I would first ask that you stop...all this "music to your ears" stuff and put yourself (if possible) into the head of a GUZ immigration person! They will have about 60 seconds to read your letter and form an opinion. WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW - and yes "evolution" of feelings needs to be in there...but the "facts" first. The facts, like all documents or position papers need to be from your "winning perspective", not begging, fear, apologetic, or musical. My fear is that as I read the letter....it made me think that "finances" will be one of your biggest issues --- only my impression from reading your letter......so by definition the letter is a problem! Who says the letter can only be 1 page! Mine was two pages since I lived in China for almost two years....I had a long evolution! Sorry to be so "strong" to the negative but I think you have widely missed the mark here and as written, will not aid in your case, and might hamper it! I should have more time towards the end of the day...I'm in HST, so if you are interested I would be glad to share an additional 2 mao worth. Again, sorry to be in such a hurry. {edit} Fixed broken quote tags.

Perhaps someone can "update" my information...but while I was living in China, I had a Chinese Drivers license - but could NOT find any rental cars that didn't come without a driver. I.e., you could not rent them without a driver. I didn't try everywhere, but I did check out at least 5 or 6! So, I just chose to driver our car everywhere....albeit it took longer to get places than a plane - I had the car for sight seeing etc! For visits - I wouldn't even go through the hassle of doing any of it. Rent a car and driver ...save the wear and tear and search for parking if it involves a big city! Good luck.

Well - being one of those who recommended that you give her 1000% support in what she wanted to do -- I am very happy that the "ordeal is nearly over". You should be proud that you supported her, took care of the homefront - and was the anchor that she needed and expected. I know you didn't do it for mileage - but you have a "Ton" of banked "wife miles"....to use up as you choose. Again, my hat's off to you for your support of her - regardless of the color! (I noticed when I lived in CHina there were'nt a lot of people wearing John Deere hats!

When I was in China last I was able to use my bank card an many ATMs Bank of China Worked at China Merchants bank, and Bank of China, also HSBC has some branches in China, but in major cities. http://english.cmbchina.com/ http://www.boc.cn/en/index.html http://www.hsbc.com.cn/1/2/home How much are you allowed to take out at a time? I think I pulled $500 or about 4000RMB while in Guilin. that would be great. Should I try the Bank of China Bank of China - wouldn't allow any of my credit cards to withdraw -- only my BOC ATM. HSBC and CCB were limited on foreign cards to 3000 RMB a day. FYI - BofC in the middle of 2007 changed from 5000 to 20000/25000 RMB per day for the BOC card. FYI