Job Discussion Forums

dakelei · Joined: 17 May 2009 Posts: 351 Location: USA

Just got back from the US consulate in Guangzhou after applying for my new passport and want to quickly dispel some myths others have posted here. This is not intended as finger-pointing or name-calling but simply an effort to clear some of these issues up.

1. The security check that someone described here as arduous is anything but. My cell phone was taken from me and returned when I left. That's about it. It took me maybe a minute to go through security.

2. My old passport was NOT taken from me and I still have it in my possession. It's possible the policy has changed but someone here posted that one's old passport is surrendered during the application process and there is a period of several weeks in which one is a virtual prisoner in GZ and can't go anywhere except by bus. I can tell you now that is complete nonsense.

In general I was very impressed with the courtesy and professionalism on display at the consulate. It made me almost proud to be an American, for once. One piece of advice I can offer is to make an appointment at the consulate's website. It makes the process even simpler. I was called at the exact time I was scheduled, handed in my application and a picture, paid (in yuan) and was out of there in maybe 20 minutes. My Chinese friend, who was waiting for me downstairs, barely had time to finish her cup of tea before I was finished.

If you go to GZ by bus a taxi ride from the main station to the consulate should cost you no more than 20 yuan. We had the guy run the meter so I know this to be true. They do tack on a 2 yuan "fuel surcharge" but there is a notice, in English, clearly posted. There were a few sleazy drivers who swore they didn't know the address but said they'd "try" which we interpreted as an attempt to wander around to get more money from us before miraculously "finding" the place.

I've no idea what the rest of GZ is like but I really liked Tianhe and was, frankly, a little sad at the prospect of returning to my fifth-tier, somewhat backwater city.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Thank you. I have to get my passport renewed soon before getting my next resident permit affixed. I'll go to Shanghai of course, but I hope the service there is as you describe it in Guangzhou.

dog backwards · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 178

I didn't see the forum post that described the arduous process of renewing a passport. It should be a simple matter as you describe. Most of the information that the consulate needs to know about you was provided when you applied for your first passport.

Again, I did not read the post to which you referred. It is quite possible that the consulate in question was short of help that day. It seems that staff is rotated in and out of consulates from time to time. I had a short exchange of emails regarding a relatively small problem. The first two emails were answered in a friendly manner. The third (regarding the same problem) was answered by someone else. The response was something to the effect that "We have answered all pertinent questions regarding your inquiry. Unless you can come in person for further discussion, we will consider the matter resolved").

There are good days and there are bad days. Everyone must remember that he is dealing with a government agency.

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

I recently had pages added at the Shanghai consulate. I had a FANTASTIC experience.

I was expecting a NYC--DMV but, what I got was a simple and pleasant experience. Nothing traumatic. My only disappointment was: No full cavity search!

A little pricey, $90 to have pages added.

mister_kot · Joined: 24 Mar 2011 Posts: 81

I had pages added for free in Vladivostok.

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

Was that before this year? It used to be free.

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

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

New passport fees for the U.S. Passport Book, the U.S. Passport Card, and other passport services went into effect on Tuesday, July 13, 2010.

> Adult passport: New fee: $135. Old fee: $100

> Adult passport renewal: New fee: $110. Old fee: $75

> Minor passport (under age 16): New fee: $105. Old fee; $85

> Adult passport card (allows border crossings by land): New fee: $55. Old fee: $45

> Minor passport card: New fee: $40. Old fee: $35

> Extra visa pages: New fee: $82. Old fee: It was free of charge