KandY and Donnahso The bond was part of a price quote from a travel agent in Beijing who is selling tour packages to Hawaii. You are probably right that it is to protect the tour agent. However, I have found Chinese laws to be strange and inconsistent. When I left China through Pudong I was charged for an exit customs inspection. It was the first time I ever heard of an exit inspection. Anyway, I was charged 20 RMB for two suitcases and got piece of paper that said I paid 10 RMB. Oh yes, not all passengers were required to have the exit inspection which consisted of a inspection seal without an inspection. Myles