Job Discussion Forums

doubleh · Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 10

Hello!

I am two weeks away from my first job teaching in Asia, in Chengdu, China. A friend has asked about visiting me from Thailand later in Jan/Feb. Should he get his Chinese visa before leaving the US for Asia, or can anyone recommend another location in SE Asia (Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia-- for starters) where he could get a Chinese visa w/o waiting too long?

While I'm here, any advice on CHEAP travel (speed doesn't matter so much) from Thailand to northern Yunnan? We're into getting off the beaten path and hiking and meeting the locals, and neither of us has ever been to China. Any ideas on where and how are appreciated.

Thank you!

Spiderman Too · Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:43 am Post subject:

Visas are quick and easy to obtain from the Chinese embassy in Bangkok. The visa application form still refers to letters of invitation and submitting an itinerary but, I promise you, for a tourist visa they are no longer necessary (Z visas are a different matter). Just write the name and address of a hotel (any hotel) on the visa application form.

The embassy's address is 57 Ratchadapisake Road, Bangkok. There is a new underground railway station within 5 minutes walk. A taxi from the corner of Asoke and Sukhumvit (where there is a skytrain station) will cost about 50 baht.

If you don't want to visit the Chinese embassy yourself, virtually every travel agent in Bangkok can obtain an 'L' visa (but not a 'Z') visa on your behalf. A service charge of about 500 baht over and beyond the official visa fee applies.

I have obtained both 'L' (tourist) and 'Z' (work) visas in Bangkok. 4 day standard service or pay almost double for a same-day visa.

'L' visas are valid for 30/60/90 days (subject to applicants nationality and, of course, cost). It is easy to get one 30-day extension within China, as in you tell the PSB (visa office in China) that you want to extend your holiday and they don't ask why. A second extension request will probably result in an interview.

You must enter China within 2 months of a Chinese visa being issued. In other words, you can get a Chinese visa up to 2 months in advance of your intended visit.

'L' and 'F' (business) visas are also easy to obtain in Hong Kong. They take 2 days. A same-day visa can be obtained in Hong Kong if you submit your application by 9:00 am.

Thai Airways do flights Bangkok - Kunming and Chiang Mai - Kunming. You can also do the trip overland.

doubleh · Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 10

Thank you, thank you! Any info. on getting a Chinese visa in Chiang Mai?? I believe there is a Chinese embassy there...

Spiderman Too · Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2005 1:11 am Post subject:

Yes, there is a Chinese consulate in Chiang Mai (111 Changlo Road, Haiya District, Chiang Mai 50100) that issues visa but I have not had any experience with them.

KateFerrin · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 7

My friends and I have gotten visas through the Chinese consulate in Chiang Mai with no problems at all. Its right outside the moat on the south side, just past the flee market (I�m not good with addresses). It works like other tourist visas - drop off your stuff (application, money, photos) during the morning hours and pick it up the next afternoon. Also, Thai Airways flies from Chiang Mai to Kunming every Sunday and Thursday afternoon. Its not the cheapest option, but going over land may be difficult. If you do go by land, there are some good off-the-beaten-track hill-tribe treks you can do without a guide in deep-south Yunnan (I�d disgrace myself if I tried to spell the area). Pm me if you would like the details.