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chaz47
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
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 Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:33 pm Post subject: processing a visa from China |
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It appears I have a public school job lined up after my present contract expires July 31st. I have a month off to renew my visa, two weeks into August I have to be in Korea to move into my new apartment. I want to find a cheap place to stay for a couple weeks where I can process my visa, I was thinking China... is this doable?
I am considering going back to the US to do it, but if I have to be back in two weeks, that $1000+ flight seems less than appealing for a 14 day stay.
Any other suggestions?
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:53 pm Post subject: Re: processing a visa from China |
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| chaz47 wrote: |
It appears I have a public school job lined up after my present contract expires July 31st. I have a month off to renew my visa, two weeks into August I have to be in Korea to move into my new apartment. I want to find a cheap place to stay for a couple weeks where I can process my visa, I was thinking China... is this doable?
I am considering going back to the US to do it, but if I have to be back in two weeks, that $1000+ flight seems less than appealing for a 14 day stay.
Any other suggestions?
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China is OK, but as a tourist who doesn't speak chinese you are at a disadvantage. You will also need to get a visa to enter china before you go.
For about the same price you can spend your time in the Philippines or Thailand. You get a 21 day stamp on arrival in the Philippines or 30 days in Thailand. You can live like a king in either place for under $100 per day and comfortably (3 1/2+ ***) for 1/2 that (~$50).
A beachfront cottage in a resort on Alona beach (Panglao island - close to Cebu) with room service and pool, dive shop on site - will set you back about $25 per day including American style breakfast. Restaurant meals from $2 - $5. Beer from $.50 per bottle in the bar. Cheap shopping and western products (what did you want to bring back for your next year here?), ENGLISH magazines and books, you get the picture.
Similar can be had in Pattaya - about 700-1000 baht (~$19-$26 for the aircon room) + meals. Again, lots of cheap shopping and English is widely spoken. A little bit of something exotic perhaps? Phuket is also good for a getaway. Try to avoid Bangkok. Loud, dirty and lots of hustlers... why bother when there are nicer places to be..
Airfare to either will cost you less than travel to the states as well.
Drop your documents at the embassy in Manila (4 day processing usually) on your way down and pick them up on your way back. Walla problema dude... or you can spend 4 days doing the tourist sites in Manila on your way back from the beach.
The embassy in Bangkok is a bit of a pain but is doable too.
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chaz47
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
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| Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 10:54 pm Post subject: |
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| I have to pay the key money on my new apartment so I was hoping to avoid the cost of a flight altogether... slow boat to China or a ferry to Japan. What's the deal with Japan can I just cross over and stay for awhile there, no visa required? How long does it take to process a visa to China? |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 1:17 am Post subject: |
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| chaz47 wrote: |
| I have to pay the key money on my new apartment so I was hoping to avoid the cost of a flight altogether... slow boat to China or a ferry to Japan. What's the deal with Japan can I just cross over and stay for awhile there, no visa required? How long does it take to process a visa to China? |
In China it usually takes 4-7 days to process your visa depending on where you go. Make sure you have your CHINESE entry visa to enter China (takes 4 days and costs 60k won for US citizens) and US$ with you cause they won't exchange won in the Chinese banks.
China as a tourist and without a Chinese connection or the ability to speak some Chinese will cost you as much as or more than anywhere else in Asia. It will be an adventure though. Be sure to pack a few hundred extra dollars in your socks for emergencies while you are in China.
Japan will set you back between 100-150 per day for your stay. If you decide to stay in a tube/capsual, eat fast food and don't drink you can cut that in 1/2. It takes 2 days to process a visa in Japan.
Cheap flights to Thailand run from $400 return. Domestic flights are super cheap and no communication problems...Same for the Philippines.
Good luck to you either way....Enjoy your adventure.... |
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