China Romance

General Discussion and Useful Links => Ask An Experienced Member => Topic started by: IrishGuy65 on June 17, 2013, 10:44:07 am

Title: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 17, 2013, 10:44:07 am
July 12 I hop on a plane and start my trip.

Trying to get all my shit together.  If you all have any advice on what I might need to take with me, or what I might need to do before I leave, etc.  Please let me know!
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: fivetrout on June 17, 2013, 01:28:26 pm
A chainsaw to remove the seat in front of you! I'm a tall guy...and when the seat in front tries to recline, yup, my knees won't allow it.  :-\
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: shaun on June 17, 2013, 02:00:23 pm
At the top of the list Imodium and sleeping pills.  The first couple of nights you will be out of sync and the beds are harder than rocks.  Don't worry you'll get used to them but the first 2 or 3 nights I don't sleep well on them.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: David E on June 17, 2013, 05:38:12 pm
If you are a smoker...buy a lot of your own Brand...Chinese Cigs are crap.

If you dont smoke, buy a couple cartons to hand out while you are there...Western Cigs are highly prized...and EVERYBODY in China smokes   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Robertt S on June 17, 2013, 06:21:49 pm
Check with your lady about local tipping customs before tipping anyone! Many Chinese are offended if you offer them a tip and will be insulted if you try to force it on them. The cabbies will normally accept 1 yuan above whatever the meter reads for a fuel surcharge! Also agree on a price before you get in the cab and NEVER get out of the cab before the driver gets out and opens the boot or trunk ( depends on your country of origin as to which term you prefer) Because more than a few tourists have been left standing watching their bags disappear in the distance by unscrupulous cabbies.  :o Good Luck and Best Wishes! Robertt :D
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Robertt S on June 17, 2013, 08:06:55 pm
One other thing to beware of is sensory overload, after 1-2 days of having all your senses completely overwhelmed you might need to retreat to a dark room and crash for a few hours to give your body and mind a breather. If this is your first trip your mind will be experiencing things that it is not normally accustomed to! Your mind will have to adjust to only hearing Chinese with very little, if any English and your eyes will have to adjust to only seeing Chinese signs and words for the most part. And last but not least! Your nose will be required to shift from sweet fragrances to smells that would gag a maggot in a very few steps. So do not be surprised if you begin to feel anxious or moody the first few days, that is just your mind trying to adjust and compensate! Just hole up in a quite dark room for a few hours and rest, that will give your mind time to relax and adjust. :D
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Pineau on June 17, 2013, 09:25:16 pm
All good suggestions. Don't over do it like Robertt said. plan for a down day crash.

I don't trust sleeping pills now a days. Almost all are brain altering drugs. An have bad side effects.  My old reliable is Sudafed allergy medicine. It will calm you down in a couple of days and has been around my decades.

Swisher sweets and Marlborough goes over good with the fellas but I don't suspect you will be meeting too many during your trip.  She has some school teacher friends that might like some American snacks and trinkets.

I wouldn't negotiate with a cabbie unless there is no other choice. Always pay what is on the meter and let him know before that is what you will do. 

If she is picking you up then problem solved. She will drive you everywhere (even places she does not know exist) .  Otherwise go to the taxi queue just outside GZ airport. DO NOT GET INTO A TAXI that is not part of the queue.

Have her write in Chinese all possible destinations on a cheat sheet and make multiple copies scattered among your pockets and bags. From toilet to bus stop.

A money bag or a lot of cash in your shoe.  Go to the bank and get a few thousand RMB.

Travel Insurance. one slip and skinned knee or broken foot will not be cheap. Even in China.

Did you get the prepaid SIM card delivered to your house as discussed before?  Warm fuzzy feelings come with talking to her after the plane lands. 
If you didn't do this then she should have one ready to put in your phone the moment you drive away. 

I can direct you to a great place to buy a DUAL SIM phone
DONT FORGET THE RING.  If you pull the trigger I want to be the first to know.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 18, 2013, 06:17:02 pm
Thanks all... keep 'em coming!

fivetrout... I hate economy flying all together, but I'm poor :)   I'll work something out... maybe I'll try to sneak into first class, LOL.

shaun... I use zzquil, and already bought a pack for the trip.  Immodium... yeah, didn't think of that.  Thanks!

DavidE... I don't smoke, but that's a good idea.  I think you and Gerry came up with something for me.  Little gifts for everyone.  I was going to buy some stuff there, but probably better off buying them all some nice American stuff.  (I hope I don't buy something that says "Made in China")   ;D ;D

robertt... thanks for the advice.  I did plan on having a day of relaxation in the first few, but I didn't really think of the huge change I will encounter.  Thanks for the heads up.  As for cabs and tipping... no worries there as my lady, Hongping, will be picking me up at the airport and dropping me off also (unless I find a way to piss her off very very badly, LOL).  We are planning on spending all our time together, so I expect her to advise me of any local customs I'm not aware of, like tipping.  I do expect to ask her often about what to do, anyway :)

Gerry... I'll add some presents to my list of things to buy.  She told me not to get her anything (she doesn't want me to spend money... very frugal, which I like).  But I will anyway.  NOT a ring at this time though.  She made me promise not to embarrass her by asking her to marry me on our first visit together.  Also, we are doing a trip to Hong Kong, and I already got her ring size... so if that DOES happen, I'll buy a ring there  ;)  Also, good idea of having her write places down in Chinese for me.  I'll do that.  I was going to get several prepaid cards, as I read in another post and bring $500 in cash... is $500 too much?  1000 rmb is $160 or something like that?  Travel insurance I got through Priceline when I made my flight reservations, so I'm good there.  Finally, yes, I already got the sim, and I bought a dual sim phone from a place in Shenzhen (off eBay), which I also just received.  The sim card worked, although it obviously couldn't connect.

Chinabound... someone mentioned deodorant in another thread.  I got 2 sticks of antiperspirant I'm bringing.  I don't honestly expect to use it all, but I like to be prepared.  Any extra, I'll leave with her for my next visit :)   Funny you mention the Grandlei... that was where I was initially staying, but my lady knows some people and got me a good rate at the Century Hotel.  The rate is something like 278 a night.... she's a great lady!

I wonder, do they have laundry service at the hotels?  I know it is going to be hot and humid, so I'll need to have my clothes washed or buy another 2 weeks worth while I'm there.

Besides all that, I have compression socks for the flights, plenty of hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and tissues handy, and a nice hat to keep the sun off my poor Irish head (I'd be burnt to a crisp without it, LOL).  I am also taking some vitamins with me, since I'm not sure of the nutritional values I'll be getting while there.  I know I'm not likely to start eating durians...  And, of course, my passport, license, other ID stuff, and a copy of my divorce papers (just in case, Gerry).  Again, anything I don't need this time, I can leave with her for next trip!! :)
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Pineau on June 18, 2013, 08:25:38 pm
And a camera. For Gods sake don't forget the camera. We will crucify you when you get back.
Fiona and Lisa had a wonderful telephone chat this morning. I thought I was going to have to call Starbucks and have them deliver. I think they were laughing and giggling for over an hour. It was fun to observe. I think they are going to be great friends. 

if you want to travel light and purchase clothes when you get there, I will have Fiona tell her where the garment wholesale district is in GZ. Great values there an there is almost anything you can think of to wear sold there.  You could spend a day there just looking at shoes.

I can tell you the best places to shop for electronics but if you can hook up with China bound he could take you right to them. Failing to do that fin your way to Ximenkou Station, literally West Gate Station in English, is a station of Line 1 of the Guangzhou Metro.  It is about a mile long stretch of Zhan Shan 7th road mostly to the east. Bothe sides of the road. Hidden in the alleys on the south side of Zhanshan 7th ( not far from the station )  are hundreds of shops selling new/used/stolen stuff from big screen TVs to brass knuckles.  You can spend a half a day just browsing the sidewalks without going into any of the stores.  I would love it if you could get ma a couple of pair as souvenirs.  The confiscated mine at GZ airport because dum-dum put them in our carry on.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 18, 2013, 10:47:18 pm
Great, thanks Mike!

Gerry, I got a camera already (also bought on eBay).  Lisa said she had a camera and, again, told me not to buy one.  A $299 camera for $80!  How can I pass up that deal.  Already got the camera, and bought 2 additional batteries and a 32 GB (I think... it holds 8000 pictures) memory card.  Tested it out and it works great.

I bought 2 big suitcases, because I thought I'd need them (and I may need them for things other than clothes, LOL), but I'm thinking I may just take several days worth of clothes and shop for the rest there.  I'd like to have Fiona tell Lisa where to go in GZ.  You said a couple of pair of brass knuckles?  I can do that, LOL.  If you meant big screen TVs, though.... ;)
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: JohnB on June 19, 2013, 12:08:22 am
http://www.onetravel.com/Portals/95/baggage_fees.html
best to know if the 2nd bag costs.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 19, 2013, 06:12:28 am
I thought that I had better leave my thoughts behind as it looks like you are going to have a huge excess charge to pay for all that which you are planning to bring.

This last few weeks will be very exciting and then tiring on arrival and then all too soon gone.
Just to let you know the temp is 36 here in the shade today.

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: RobertBfrom aust on June 19, 2013, 09:42:45 am
Ha , my last trip , I took 2 large suitcases , 1 inside the other with 9 kg of clothes inside , came back with 40 kg of clothes and only 11 kg were mine , has something to do with lady love shopping , when she arrived back another 40 kg arrived and she still has a full summer and winter wardrobe in the apartment  :'( regards Sujuan and Robert .
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: shaun on June 19, 2013, 11:37:14 am
Gerry, Sudafed for me, is out of the question.  My reaction is like being on speed.  I'd be up for hours on it.  Yes sleeping pills can have an harmful effect especially if taken for a long period of time.

At home my drug of choice when I can't sleep is Nyquil.  However you can't carry Nyquil or Zzzquil on board with you.  It will be confiscated by TSA.  So that leaves me a very low dose sleeping pill.  You can put Nyquil and Zzzquil in your check in baggage.

Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Pineau on June 19, 2013, 11:47:49 am
Shaun,
never heard of that reaction to antihistamines. it makes most people drowsy and lethargic.  I guess your metabolism is different.

I once saw some Nyquil gel-tabs in the drug store. Looks like a large green jelly bean. Maybe they have the same ingredients.

Does anyone else have a problem typing the word your?  I can type a paragraph and then go back to proof read it and everywhere I meant to type your it is you. Very frustrating.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Robertt S on June 19, 2013, 06:08:08 pm
If you think you might need an Affidavit of Single Status during your visit, then you may need to get one stateside or plan on going to another embassy to get the Affidavit. I found this while doing some research, thought I would give you the heads up!

The U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou will soon move to a new and spacious facility in the Zhujiang New Town neighborhood.  During our move it will be necessary to suspend temporarily our usual passport, extra pages, consular report of birth, and notary services.  From July 15 through July 22, appointments and passport pick up will not be available. 
We encourage U.S. citizens in south China to check family members’ passports and to schedule appointments now if necessary in order to avoid inconvenience or disruption to summer travel plans. 
Appointments for passport and notary services may be scheduled on line at https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=GUZ&appcode=1 (https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=GUZ&appcode=1).




Here is the consulate link that has the notice. http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/service.html (http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/service.html)


Good Luck and Best Wishes,  Robertt


P.S.  If you get one state-side, you need to verify that it will be accepted at her local marriage registration office. You can download a blank copy of the Affidavit and e-mail it to her to take to the registration office for their decision. I used this company in New Jersey to get mine back in 2009 and it was accepted without any problems, you can ask the company rep. to be certain though. They know which provinces accept their documents. Here is the link for the Affidavit of Single Status.   http://www.visarite.com/SingleStatusAffidavit.htm#.UcIwh7Q4Kx0 (http://www.visarite.com/SingleStatusAffidavit.htm#.UcIwh7Q4Kx0)
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 20, 2013, 01:18:10 am
I have just arrived back in China. Twelve hour flight from London to Hong Kong and it went past like a dream.

No sleeping pills no medication of any kind and did not even wake up for breakfast before landing.

The secret is that after dinner was served about 2 hours into the flight and then I turned on an American 'comedy' program and it had me asleep in minutes and I slept for hours. Ha ha

I only had one problem and that was with an Aussie who was going for a connection to Melbourne. I hope no one on here was on CX252, a 747 flight on Tuesday as he kept opening the shade alongside seat 74 on side of the plane sending a blast of sunlight light across the back row. Then he would leave it open for someone else to close then go to the other side and open that one. Anyone who knows the 747 may be aware that there is a doorway one either side of the back seat and there is a window that is normally kept shaded.

When he came back to my side  I must admit that I was my usual agreeable self. I got up went across shut down the blind he was looking out of (onto clouds) and simply said 'There is nothing to see out there' And then went back to my seat he mentioned something about me being very ruse in an Aussie twang and I suggested that he open the shade where he is sitting and stopped annoying us. Never had a problem with him again, I think, as I was able to sleep through the rest of the flight.

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: David E on June 20, 2013, 04:57:58 pm
Some people !!!!

I was coming back to Aus the other day on CX 252 to Melbourne, as usual, I couldn't sleep on an airplane, so I like to just look out the window and watch the clouds...it passes the time.

However, some bloody rude and ignorant Pom kept getting up and shutting the blinds because he wanted to sleep...I guess Pom's never heard of eye-shades...just want to spoil it for everyone else  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 20, 2013, 06:35:53 pm
Some people !!!!

I was coming back to Aus the other day on CX 252 to Melbourne, as usual, I couldn't sleep on an airplane, so I like to just look out the window and watch the clouds...it passes the time.

However, some bloody rude and ignorant Pom kept getting up and shutting the blinds because he wanted to sleep...I guess Pom's never heard of eye-shades...just want to spoil it for everyone else  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Ha ha I do not think that you could be as old as this guy was.  Mind you he was tall!  Eye shades? All I know is that pirates wear them!  Probably still were when they were being transported to OZ some years ago.

Mind you I do not think I would have picked on the big 'Pompey Boys' going out to watch the Rugby tour. I decided early in the flight that they could open the shade whenever they wanted. But they never did, probably did not want to rile me further!!!!!

Willy



Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 20, 2013, 11:02:07 pm
I'm using Asiana Airlines, and you get two pieces of luggage free if you are a member, which I am.  So I'm fine as far as baggage fees go.

Yes, I expect to bring many things back with me.  However, I'm also hoping things go well enough that I can leave many things in China for my return visits... thus allowing me to bring less in the future  ;)

robertt, I was joking about the divorce papers (well, I am actually bringing a copy with me), but I don't plan on getting married this trip.  If, and when, it gets to that point, I expect it will happen in the USA and I will probably be here talking about the Fiancee Visa a lot more.  I do appreciate the information, however... just in case I find myself needing it.  I guess anything COULD happen. 
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Pineau on June 21, 2013, 10:30:14 pm
If you get adventurous and want to go out shopping (alone) then here is a trick to find your way back to the bus/subway/train. The bus that got you there probable has a route back to where you cam from but it is on the other side of the street. When you get off the BUS immediately photo the Bus stop name and bus number.,

As soon as you exit the bus/subway/train station. Start taking photos of land marks.  You wont remember them but the locals will. If you find yourself lost just refer back to the camera photos. follow the breadcrumbs back.  If your still confused show the photos to a local and (hold onto the camera at all times) ask how to get to that particular landmark.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 22, 2013, 07:08:05 pm
   When in China    Always expect the unexpected  ;D

So if I expect the unexpected, only the expected will happen?
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 22, 2013, 07:14:29 pm
   When in China    Always expect the unexpected  ;D

So if I expect the unexpected, only the expected will happen?
So if you expect the expected then F...all happens then?  ;D ;D

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 25, 2013, 03:40:58 pm
I remember reading somewhere about taking prepaid cards instead of money.  Can someone enlighten me on the best card to get, how they work in China, and if I can withdraw cash using these cards?  I"m going to be taking about $2500 (I hope I don't need it all), and I thought taking $2000 in prepaid cards and $500 in cash would be OK... but if I can withdraw cash from the cards there, it would be easier to just get 5 - $500 cards.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Pineau on June 25, 2013, 05:26:00 pm
Irishguy,

how about just use you ATM card from your bank. It will probably work there, All of mine did and all the banks.

My bank was wells Fargo and I could use the debit card at the ABC, BOC, ICBC. That is more than enough.

Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 25, 2013, 06:26:57 pm
OK, great.  Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: shaun on June 25, 2013, 06:49:13 pm
IG65 your Debit card is the best way to go except check the rates for withdrawal from an non network ATM.  Mine is a $1.25.  Quite manageable. 

Also I would also stick with BOC or the Bank of China.  They are everywhere and I found generally their conversion rates were very competitive.

Stay away from China Construction Bank.  They limited my withdrawals and charged high fees with a smile saying they didn't understand why there were problems.

I carried cash my first trip and never again after that except to give as gifts to the children.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: David E on June 26, 2013, 02:39:31 am
   Then each time you go just deposit your money in the bank. Each time I go I bring 10,000
  brand new 100 dollar bills to deposit. Takes about an hour at the bank to get it deposited.
   

You should be careful...people will think you are money laundering...

10,000 X 100 dollar bills = 1 million.......each time.....!!!!    ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: john1964 on June 26, 2013, 03:00:38 am
  Now I say BRAND NEW as they will look all bills over closely. Anything  torn, ripped, marked,
  has the counterfeit swipe on it anything but new they will kick out. So if you take money make
  sure it is BRAND NEW.

I just take the old notes that the bank give me, I have never had a problem, The big city banks i have been too there have been Chinese people waiting for foreigners to exchange their currency and they give a better rate than the bank does, As for trying to use my ATM card, forget it, CASH only, John.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 26, 2013, 03:35:34 am
   Then each time you go just deposit your money in the bank. Each time I go I bring 10,000
  brand new 100 dollar bills to deposit. Takes about an hour at the bank to get it deposited.
   

You should be careful...people will think you are money laundering...

10,000 X 100 dollar bills = 1 million.......each time.....!!!!    ;D ;D ;D ;D
I am very surprised that you are able to leave the USA with such an amount in cash let alone that a respectable bank in China are accepting this amount.

I have to answer questions when I regularly transfer £5000 (roughly 50,000 rmb) from my own UK bank to my own Bank of China Bank.

I think they should wonder what sort of business a person is involved in that needs so much cash to be carried.

Mind you me and' my boys' may be interested to 'look after you' when you next arrive.  Just give us time and date of travel and which airport. And of course a photo of you so we can recognize the walking cash machine - oops I mean you.

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 26, 2013, 03:44:36 am

I just take the old notes that the bank give me, I have never had a problem, The big city banks i have been too there have been Chinese people waiting for foreigners to exchange their currency and they give a better rate than the bank does, As for trying to use my ATM card, forget it, CASH only, John.
Bank of China ATM's are OK. They all have an English version now. But you do need two cards as often one may be stopped if you are not a regular user overseas but it is an easy phone call by skype that will get in unlocked for you.

Just remember if a bank has any suspicion about the authenticity of just one note then they are more than likely to retain the whole amount and get them all checked over by head office officials. This takes some weeks. This is just not China banks that do this but many places in the World also do the same. Carrying cash is not the safest way.

Recent TV story about a women going to bank in Dubai with 3000 us dollars and 1one hundred dollar bill was suspected of being counterfeit. She ended up three days in jail and she got 2900 us dollars bank three months later but it cost her that much in legal fees.

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: shaun on June 26, 2013, 07:15:20 am
Willy though my time in China has not been as extensive as your I have never needed a second ID at a BOC ATM.

If one should be asked for a second ID would your passport do or are they looking for something from the bank of origination?
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 26, 2013, 07:31:50 am
Wow... so many different opinions.  I think that's a great idea, Chinabound... but some opposition to the idea as well.  I'm not taking that much, but I'm not going to be around for 3 months, only 2 weeks or so.  And the hotel and travelling are already paid for.  I think an account at a Chinese bank would be a good idea, though, since I do plan on going back.  I think I'll discuss this with Hongping and get her opinion.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 26, 2013, 08:04:38 am
Willy though my time in China has not been as extensive as your I have never needed a second ID at a BOC ATM.

If one should be asked for a second ID would your passport do or are they looking for something from the bank of origination?
A second card is what I suggested. If the first is stopped by your bank in a security check, as it is being used in China, then a second one may well enable you to get some money from an ATM until you can call your bank and get the security stop lifted.

It is not for ID. The banks will take your passport as id if you need to open an account.
Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: RobertBfrom aust on June 26, 2013, 11:31:24 am
Irish , one thing you must remember to do if carrying cards , let your banks know the period you will be travelling to China plus a few days either side , I never have had problems with my Australian Bank local debit card , just as easy as down the street here , regards Sujuan and Robert .
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: shaun on June 26, 2013, 11:41:34 am
Willy, I guess I misread your post.  I always notify my bank prior to leaving for China that I will be making withdrawals there.  I am good friends with the branch manager where I do my banking and always bring back a small token of my appreciation for him when I return from China.

I haven't had a problem yet except for the two or three issues at China Construction Bank I think they are called.  That was an easy fix.  BOC.

It is wise though to make sure you have the phone number and email address to the branch manager of your bank.  It also helps for him/her to know who you are by face.  Spend a little time talking to them.  They may not be interested in your venture in China but they will listen and get to know you a little better.  When I stop by he always asks me when I am going to China again.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on June 26, 2013, 07:24:49 pm
Yes, I have two credit cards and I was planning on notifying my bank that I would be in China... so that should be taken care of shortly :)
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on June 26, 2013, 08:20:15 pm
Just a reminder about banking.

Just because a bank has branches in your country and also the same bank has branches in China these work as separate banks and transfers between the two are still dealt with as international transactions.   Money transferred between them are dealt with under international law to prevent money laundering.

By transferring cash you do not get the best rate possible although it is better than changing cash at an airport bureau de change and they will also charge you for transfer.  You get the the best rates using a debit card even though you will also have to pay the ATM charge on each transaction.  But is still a far better rate than transfers or exchanging your currency at banks. The rate given by banks in china are not much better than the rate given at airports. Plus you probably have to wait at the bank for up to an hour for your number to be called.

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on July 05, 2013, 10:42:09 pm
At least with the Bank of China and probably others you do not have to queue. So going to one of these do not forget to get your numbered ticket at the machine and sit back and wait, and wait and wait for your number to show up on the display.

Well Irish Guy less than a week to go so do not get too excited as we do not want you arriving with too high a blood pressure.

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Vince G on July 05, 2013, 11:43:36 pm
Just thinking out loud. Are the banks in Hong Kong more accepting to US bill money then the mainland? What if a bank account was made HK instead? deposit us cash into?
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: Willy The Londoner on July 06, 2013, 01:23:15 am
When I enquired about open bank account in Hong Kong I was told the following.

To open bank account in Hong Kong you need to produce Photo ID(passport) and also provide them with proof of your address in Hong Kong or Mainland China. ie Utility bill etc. It has to show your NAME and address in either China or Hong Kong.

Also you have to maintain  a balance of 1000 Hong Kong Dollars.

Willy
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on July 06, 2013, 07:01:27 am
Well Irish Guy less than a week to go so do not get too excited as we do not want you arriving with too high a blood pressure.

Willy

Haha, Willy, it's too late for that  ;D 

Honestly, I wish I was busier at work, so that I could take my mind off the trip.  I'm very excited.
Title: Re: Leaving for China in less than a month
Post by: IrishGuy65 on July 06, 2013, 06:24:39 pm
Believe me CB, I intend to enjoy the trip.  I'm afraid it will go by far too quickly, though :)