Canton catch up in November 2013.
Oct 17, 2013 6:59:33 GMT -5
Post by douglaslam on Oct 17, 2013 6:59:33 GMT -5
My bags are not packed, and I am not ready to go, just yet.....but I had put the formalities out of the way.
I picked up my China visa today. Yes, the procedures are different now, and so is the application form. The application form is simplified a little. Yes, you do need an invitation, but hear me out. If you ticked the tourist box, all you need is an airline itinerary and hotel booking and a visa is yours.
If you want a six or twelve month multiple entry visa, then an invitation is essential.
When I turned up for my visa application last week, I was shocked when told to get an invitation because I didn't book into hotels. There was just no time. Then, the girl at the counter told me to get an itinerary prepared, and I could write a dummy invitation myself. She even gave a piece of paper for me to do so. So, I wrote myself an invitation in Chinese, and went to my travel agent to book a ticket. A little later, I returned, the itinerary and invitation letter I wrote myself were acceptable.
I hope this would clear the air for those of you not sure about visa requirements.
Now, I have the visa at hand. It costs A$98.50 inclusive of visa agency fees and tax.
My flight is with China Southern. I chose night departure for both legs. The day departure arrives Canton in late afternoon. It doesn't suit me. The night flight arrives Canton at 5 am. I have plenty of time to get where I want to go. My choice is Dongguan, to my aunties'. The night departure from Canton also enables me to take things easy on my return trip home. I don't need to spend a night in Canton. The return fare is just A$830, about half of which is taxes and charges. The shoulder season fares commence a few days later. The return flight is on the new A380 Airbus Jumbo.
I picked up my China visa today. Yes, the procedures are different now, and so is the application form. The application form is simplified a little. Yes, you do need an invitation, but hear me out. If you ticked the tourist box, all you need is an airline itinerary and hotel booking and a visa is yours.
If you want a six or twelve month multiple entry visa, then an invitation is essential.
When I turned up for my visa application last week, I was shocked when told to get an invitation because I didn't book into hotels. There was just no time. Then, the girl at the counter told me to get an itinerary prepared, and I could write a dummy invitation myself. She even gave a piece of paper for me to do so. So, I wrote myself an invitation in Chinese, and went to my travel agent to book a ticket. A little later, I returned, the itinerary and invitation letter I wrote myself were acceptable.
I hope this would clear the air for those of you not sure about visa requirements.
Now, I have the visa at hand. It costs A$98.50 inclusive of visa agency fees and tax.
My flight is with China Southern. I chose night departure for both legs. The day departure arrives Canton in late afternoon. It doesn't suit me. The night flight arrives Canton at 5 am. I have plenty of time to get where I want to go. My choice is Dongguan, to my aunties'. The night departure from Canton also enables me to take things easy on my return trip home. I don't need to spend a night in Canton. The return fare is just A$830, about half of which is taxes and charges. The shoulder season fares commence a few days later. The return flight is on the new A380 Airbus Jumbo.