Job Discussion Forums

[email protected] · Joined: 17 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

I have a job in China lined up now I am doing the airfare thing. I am getting a tourist visa then the school is helping me with work visa. What is best way to book flight? Should I book a roundtrip only to cancel the return flight?

seamallowance · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 12:11 am Post subject:

Opinions are like, um, armpits. Everybody has two.

You could buy a one-way ticket, and that may work or the airline could refuse to haul you, as they are on the hook should immigration refuse you. That, however, is unlikely.

In my opinion, the best thing to do is to buy a R/T ticket which buys you peace of mind, should everything go pear-shaped and you want to pull a runner. If you have only a one-way ticket and you are out of money, you could find your butt stranded in China and it is common policy to send unneeded, stranded English teachers to the nearest rendering plant.

popsy · Joined: 03 Sep 2010 Posts: 11

So you are going to China to work illegally. Good luck!

flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

Where are you coming from?

I NEVER had a problem coming to China on a one way ticket regardless of visa type.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

I have entered China several times on a one way ticket, never had a problem.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

If you get "stranded" in China on a one-way ticket, the airline that sold you that ticket is responsible for your return expenses (up to 25K US).

Or at least that was what I was told by an airline employee.

Solution, refundable ticket to Manila (quite inexpensive) and the airline will be satisfied.

And yes, you can have it happen. You might want to call and check.

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

Legally speaking, your school should be formally inviting you to work in China. You should receive a government stamped invitation to your home address - outside China. You can then apply for a working 'Z' visa. Then there is no issue in buying a single ticket.

If you are entering China on a tourist (L) or business (F) visa with the intention to work, you will be working illegally. Unless you do not work in the first instance and do a visa run to Hong Kong or South Korea for example.

It's my guess that your school is not doing things as they should. Proceed with caution and take heed of the advice given in the posts above.