Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Can't say about Shenzhen but why use Japanese Travel Service? Most agents (and I shopped around) go to China Travel Service (CTS) and then charge a commission. Why not go yourself.

CTS are the visa agents for the Chinese Embassy. I don't even sure you can get it from the Chinese Embassy there. Using CTS is quick (normally 3 working days), easy and they speak English. Don't forget your photo, but if you do not to worry you can get it done downstairs.

They have loads of offices. I went to the one in Mongkok which is also a good area to wander around. Their website with addresses, prices and processing times is

http://www.ctshk.com/english/useful/chinesevisa.htm

Also, a handy map

http://www.centamap.com/gc/home.aspx

RTW TRIP 2006/7: Peru-USA-Mexico-Guatemala-Belize-China-India-Thailand-Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia-Malaysia-Singapore-Trans Mongolian (Mongolia & Russia)...

2

Shenzhen is fine. It is a little cheaper than HK, if you negotiate well. I've had a few suits made there and am happy with them, although the price wasn't much cheaper than I could have gotten in HK. For other stuff, generally much less, but don't count on your Tommy Bahamas or other brands being genuine. You can go to the Commercial City just over the border near the train station, or better yet to Dongmen, but you will need to speak putonghua in Dongmen.

"Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." H. L. Mencken

3

I have a feeling that CTS is one of the more expensive ways of getting a visa. Japan Travel and Forever Bright are both pretty good.

4

If you are only going to Shenzhen for shopping you can get VOA at LuoHu/LoWu border crossing with a NZ passport. It is valid for 3 days and only for the SEZ.

"If you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman." Margaret Thatcher