Visa Entry Question

[bubbafred10]

I got an extension on my visa while in china... through the local police as Trigg mentions. This was quite cheap and easy to do since my SO had a friend who had a friend.. uh, I think you get the idea...  A few packs of cigarettes as a token gift goes a long way.

 

The only catch is hopefully you registered yourself with the police for your current stay, otherwise you could face a fine (~~500 yuan) as part of it.

179961[/snapback]

"friend who had a friend.. uh ... A few packs of cigarettes as a token gift goes a long way."

 

David - You are either a super fast learner and knows how to apply it quickly, or you just have plenty of Chinese blood in you.

[warpedbored]

I guess it depend on where you go. My wife (then fiancee) and I stayed in hotels in Nanning, Guilin, Shenzhen and Guangzhou and never had any issues with police or whether or not we were married.

[Guest pushbrk]

I guess it depend on where you go.  My wife (then fiancee) and I stayed in hotels in Nanning, Guilin, Shenzhen and Guangzhou and never had any issues with police or whether or not we were married.

180294[/snapback]

My experience tracks with Carl's. Nobody ever asked to see my little red book, before or after I had one. We stayed in Nanning, Guilin and Yangshou. I never stayed in her apartment but did stay in her Brother's home. I also never registered with the local police station. Although, we were escorted and driven by policemen in Guilin and Yangshou, so none of this was likely to be an issue in those cities.

 

Come to think of it the policemen were present when we checked in to the Guilin and Yangshou hotels. I also never expected any problems because my wife's father is a retired General. Maybe you better not listen to me on this one.

[Stone]

What about staying with my girlfriend (future fiancee) in a hotel room. is it necessary to get a room with two beds or two rooms?

180288[/snapback]

Most Chinese hotel rooms have double beds for the same price.

 

Here are my advices: (1) do not come back to your hotel room too late at night; (2) both of you dress properly; (3) both of you have proper IDs handy; (4) you never drink any tap water while you are in China. You either buy bottled water or boil the water in your hotel room.

 

I know Beijing is a little stricter than other Chinese cities. Although there is no absolute guaranty, you are 99% safe. Most likely people would interpret you as businessman and secretary relationship. In case of difficulty, call your nearest U.S. consulate.

 

Enjoy your trip

[shyaushu]

When you have never had a problem with something it is often difficult to see there is a problem.

 

Before we were married my wife and I stayed in a hotel in Shenzhen, and then at her apartment there. The police station was around the corner, and everyone in the neighborhood knew about my wife's lao-wai boyfriend.

 

Several months later we stayed in her apartment and in several other hotels in Shenzhen, Beijing and Changchun, and, a few months later, in her apartment and in hotels throughout Hainan. And later in Chengdu, Tibet and even on the train from Chengdu to Beijing.

 

Never once was the issue brought up -- by anyone.

 

On the other hand, I know of an American boyfriend of a Chinese friend who always "registers" with the police when he is in China.

 

My thinking is why bother? You're supposed to destroy those tags on bedding and cushions too, aren't you? I certainly never do.

Edited January 6, 2006 by shyaushu (see edit history)

[david_dawei]

I got an extension on my visa while in china... through the local police as Trigg mentions.   This was quite cheap and easy to do since my SO had a friend who had a friend.. uh, I think you get the idea...  A few packs of cigarettes as a token gift goes a long way.

 

The only catch is hopefully you registered yourself with the police for your current stay, otherwise you could face a fine (~500 yuan) as part of it.

179961[/snapback]

"friend who had a friend.. uh ... A few packs of cigarettes as a token gift goes a long way."

 

David - You are either a super fast learner and knows how to apply it quickly, or you just have plenty of Chinese blood in you.

180291[/snapback]

my wife says that I must have chinese blood because I learn fast... it's when I don't demonstrate that I get the "crazy american/husband" comment

 

---

 

I guess I have stayed in most arrangements;

- In her apartment on one trip without registering; another trip staying in her apartment with registering

- Hotels with her that were approved for foreigners ; and hotels not approved for foreigners

 

In all cases, I NEVER had an issue that was prompted by the locals or police; My only issue was when I needed their help (to extend visa) and therefore we initiated something...

 

I know that some have complained about staying at hotels and coming back to the hotel to find the police have searched their luggage (since the hotel is approved for foreigners, they report the foreigners to the police). I did not experience this though.

[bleowheels]

I got an extension on my visa while in china... through the local police as Trigg mentions.   This was quite cheap and easy to do since my SO had a friend who had a friend.. uh, I think you get the idea...  A few packs of cigarettes as a token gift goes a long way.

 

The only catch is hopefully you registered yourself with the police for your current stay, otherwise you could face a fine (~500 yuan) as part of it.

179961[/snapback]

"friend who had a friend.. uh ... A few packs of cigarettes as a token gift goes a long way."

 

David - You are either a super fast learner and knows how to apply it quickly, or you just have plenty of Chinese blood in you.

180291[/snapback]

my wife says that I must have chinese blood because I learn fast... it's when I don't demonstrate that I get the "crazy american/husband" comment

 

---

 

I guess I have stayed in most arrangements;

- In her apartment on one trip without registering; another trip staying in her apartment with registering

- Hotels with her that were approved for foreigners ; and hotels not approved for foreigners

 

In all cases, I NEVER had an issue that was prompted by the locals or police; My only issue was when I needed their help (to extend visa) and therefore we initiated something...

 

I know that some have complained about staying at hotels and coming back to the hotel to find the police have searched their luggage (since the hotel is approved for foreigners, they report the foreigners to the police). I did not experience this though.

180448[/snapback]

When I apply for my tourist visa I am putting that I will be visiting the cities of Shanghai and HaungShan City. Since I will be travelling by train from Shanghai to HuangShan City (and by train back), is there a transit visa or some kind of certificate that I need for travelling by train, etc.?

[jim_julian]

When I apply for my tourist visa I am putting that I will be visiting the cities of Shanghai and HaungShan City.  Since I will be travelling by train from Shanghai to HuangShan City (and by train back), is there a transit visa or some kind of certificate that I need for travelling by train, etc.?

180697[/snapback]

Nope.

[bleowheels]

When I apply for my tourist visa I am putting that I will be visiting the cities of Shanghai and HaungShan City.  Since I will be travelling by train from Shanghai to HuangShan City (and by train back), is there a transit visa or some kind of certificate that I need for travelling by train, etc.?

180697[/snapback]

Nope.

180699[/snapback]

Great thanks. I really didn't think I would. But, I just wanted to make sure that I had all of my "i"s dotted and my "t"s crossed.