Job Discussion Forums

[Tazz]

Having been out of the chinese loop for a good 12 years I'm looking for some clarification about documents we should recieve once we've been 'processed' as it were. I seem to recall- as well as the Z visa in the passport, we were supplied with both the FEC book, which used to be needed, along with tax statements if one wanted to change money, + a 'residence card' which was a important as it was an id document that could be used at hotels etc....today I recieved the passport with the Z visa and nothing else.... the FAO office is playing dumb it seems regarding these other documents. I'm perplexed....and a little confused!

[getbehindthemule]

Now that you have the Z visa you will need to convert this to a residence permit (within 30 days I think).
As for the little black book, it seems to be pretty common practice these days for employers to hold onto this for you for 'safekeeping'. I think that the only time that you may need this is for an international bank transfer (first time only) so you can just ask for it when needed.
Regarding tax statements you will probably need to go to the Tax Bureau in your district for this. I've done this before, pretty painless, in and out in 15 mins (bring your passport and school's tax number).
A residence card...I don't know about this (maybe some provinces issue these) but all I've ever been issued with was a temporary residence form from the police station.

[Tazz]

It was the residence permit-the full page in the passport, that was returned to me today. I seem to recall being issued a residence card all those years ago, but maybe my mind is playing tricks on me......! Will absolutely insist on having the FEC book though...after all, I will need to make bank transfers-out of the country.

[getbehindthemule]

Cool, if you have the residence permit you are good to go.
I don't mind letting my company keep the FEC book for me though. You only need this the first time you make the transfer, ie. don't need it for repeat transfers. But be prepared for lots of hassle from the bank even if you have all the required documents! Just because you have all the paperwork doesn't mean that you will be able to transfer money out of the country (computers are down, system for transferring money is down, excuses, excuses).

[Zhejiang_Man]

[Tazz]

I'm loathe to carry my pasport around with me-I'm from Uk, and know the expense and difficulties I would face in replacing it....pity they don't have an id card that would be acceptable 'if' stopped by police...oe, for example, booking hotel rooms for the night! I seem to recall that the little residence book was acceptable...back in the day.

[Non Sequitur]

Carry a photocopy and the phone number of your FAO.
In three years I was never asked for ID.

[getbehindthemule]

Like NS in three years I've never been asked either!
Alternatively, just have a clear photo/scan of your passport page and residence permit on your phone and you'll be fine if you are ever asked for it.

[Tazz]

Like the phone idea.....being a dinosaur-it never occured to me!