Job Discussion Forums

[parvati_overdrive]

ive read the medical/z sticky and i had not found the follow q/a. i hope someone might be able to illuminate the grey area:

1. some had mentioned they had difficulty getting the z processed in bkk. does anyone know if it is somehow more difficult in bkk than say hkg or usa? is this an ongoing thing? thailand seems a good place to hole up if i have to wait a few months prior to work if in between semesters...

2. do you think the embassy in wdc usa will accept a medical from a hospital/doctor in thailand? is it too iffy to chance it considering its money burnt.

3. seems i MUST have a medical to get the z. some people have suggested waiting, does not seem possible. i can specify that any addl tests -they will pay fees. same with hiv from what ive read, i need the test, but def will be tested again.

4. can i just get anyone to write anythng on the bloody form if i can get a hospital stamp on the thing? for instance, family doctor friend signs and then has it stamped at his hospital? what about stamp/chop from doctors office?? there is no seal (usually just name) will this do?

**it seems the board is torn, half say go in on another visa and have a look and look for best wages, others - dont take a job unless youve got the z on the way in. i think best for me is the z on the way in -if i can deal w/ china, i can shop next year.

[smalldog]

I got an X visa in Bangkok a few years back. The medical was required, but King Chulalunkorn (sp?) Hospital (the only choice) is 10 times cleaner, more modern and efficient than any Chinese hospital I've been to, and the medical only costs 20% what they charge in China. They will do the medical properly so you won't have to redo it in China. It took a few working days to get the results of the medical, then a few more for the visa. Plan at least 2 weeks in Thailand.

If you're going to Beijing, a Z beforehand is essential!

[NateM]

About #3: You need a medical check in order to get your Residence Permit and Foreign Experts card, (if you're staying for a year), not necessarily the Z-Visa itself. You need to get the medical check and FE forms filled out within a month of your arrival to China. I know, because I made that same mistake. I got the medical done in the U.S., but because it didn't have a red seal like they do for everything in China, they wouldn't accept it! Goddamn that was infuriating. 400+ bucks, (I didn't have insurance), down the drain. So they just made me take it again in China. Thankfully, the school paid for it here. Trust me, you can get it done in China, and it's probably better that way. If you're worried about diseases, get a prescription in the U.S., (assuming that's where you're from), and take some needles with you. Hope that helps.

[parvati_overdrive]

hey -thanks nate and smalldog.

can anyone confirm this. only need the letter and the cash. do the medical in china? should i have it done in bangkok before i leave for states -where ill search for job for one month while visiting parental units.

about the 'red' chop... im here in thailand, good medical services, cheeep. just make sure to get a 'red' chop on the form and as ive read also stamped over my photo.

****does anyone know how far back the medical can have taken place prior to your application with the emb/consulate??

also - im freaking out reading the medical thread (and nate) about getting shots in china and recycled needle/syringes!!! i can bring a few in but why would you need a shot?! btw i have a long shot record hepa/b, dtp....heck, everything at one time or another.

but thats scary!!

[NateM]

You don't need a shot. They take a blood sample so they can test you for diseases like HIV, etc.

[smalldog]

The Thai hospital is familiar with the medical check requirements and all the chops will be in the right place, don't worry. It's valid for 6 months. I'd advise doing it in Bangkok--nicer hospital and will save hassle when you arrive in China. Just remember to keep it for the residence permit application.