Job Discussion Forums

[dakelei]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I had pages added for free in Vladivostok.

[daCabbie]

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

[flyingscotsman]

[daCabbie]

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

[El Macho]

When you have your passport renewed, be sure to check the box for the passport with additional pages, it'll save you the $90 fee later on.

[roadwalker]

Now I remember why I thought I was going to have to go without a passport for a few weeks!

I can report the same experience at the Shanghai US consulate: It took all of fifteen minutes to go through security (they confiscated my phone and gave me a key for retrieval after my appointment), take a number, hand in my application, pay the fee, wait for them to check my information, HAND ME BACK my current passport, retrieve my phone and exit. They told me there is no mailing of the passports: they will email me in approx. ten working days so that I can return to Shanghai to pick it up.

I don't recommend just showing up unless you have an emergency. Make an appointment online and print the appointment page and you'll be whisked to the head of the line when the guard sees it.

[Mr. English]

Back to the first post, on getting from Guangzhou Railway Station (which is a large bus station as well) to the consulate, you have two choices on the metro system. You can take a # 2 metro south (toward Guangzhou South Railway Station) for three stops, get off at Gongyuanqian; transfer to a # 1 metro going northeast (toward Guangzhou East Railway Station), get off at Guangzhou East Railway Station, leave the station at exit F. Or you can take a # 5 metro east (toward Wenchong metro station) for five stops, get off at Yangji; transfer to a #1 metro going northeast (toward Guangzhou East Railway Station), get off at Guangzhou East Railway Station, leave the station at exit F. When you walk out of exit F, turn left and walk south for 2-3 minutes and you are at the American consulate. The # 2 line is a little busier than the # 5, but the transfer at Gongyuanqian is a little easier than the transfer at Yangji. If you are slightly more adventurous, you can go out on the street to the south of the Guangzhou Railway Station and catch a # 256 bus going east, last stop being Guangzhou East Railway Station. Get off at the next to last stop, the Westin Hotel. Walk north for about two minutes, you are at the consulate. If you miss that stop and end up at the last one, leave the station walking east, cross the busy street, turn right and walk south for 2-3 minutes. The bus fare is 2 yuan; you can pay cash into the box as you board, have small notes or coins in pocket. The metro fare varies according to distance, will be 4 or 5 yuan. Without a metro card you need to buy a green coin at one of the machines at the entrance. They take coins and notes up to 10 yuan and give change.

[kev7161]

For the Shanghai Embassy, please note the following links when it comes to procedure and fees:

http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/acs_faq.html#acs_fees

What are the fees for common American citizen services?