Bangkok for China Tourist Visa?
Posted in: Forums > Travel Sichuan • 5 posts • Newest
- johnboy
August 14, 2012
35 posts -
Has anyone applied for Tourist visas at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok lately? How many days did it take and were there any problems or other issues you weren't expecting?
- johnboy
- LA Redneck
August 15, 2012
7 posts -
I don't know if December 2010 qualifies as "Recent", but I did have experience then at the Chinese Visa office in Bangkok. Their office is about two blocks away from the main entrance to the Chinese Embassy.
It's a fairly stress-free process. Once you fill-out your Visa application, someone at the door will give you a number and then you wait until your number appears over one of the windows like you find in a Chinese bank. There are about a dozen windows and the wait was less than 10 minutes. I don't know what nationality you are, but if you're American you must complete two original applications. Other nationalities just complete one form.
They review it and then you get in line at another window with a 15-20 minute wait and pay your money and they will take your passport. Therefore, you should already have checked-in your hotel or you can't get a room without a passport.
Pay a little extra and you can pick-up you passport and L-Visa the next day. The most current information will be available at the Chinese Embassy website in Bangkok providing you the associated costs and their hours. In addition, they observe Thai National Holidays, but they'll publish this on the website.
I believe all in all it's the better way to get your L-Visa instead of going to Hong Kong besides being cheaper and you can have a nice time in Bangkok and maybe hit Phuket for a few days and enjoy the beach. Also flying by Thai Air is much better than any Chinese airline and only about two hours if I remember correctly.
Getting through immigration is no problem and gets a metered taxi at the taxi queue. Black taxis are to be avoided! However, this goes for anywhere. Try to find a hotel through Agoda.com close to the Embassy to save time and taxi fares. Try to arrive as soon as they open for the day.
Good luck!
- LA Redneck
- johnboy
August 16, 2012
35 posts -
Thanks LA! That's just the kind of advice I was looking for. I've heard there are some new additional requirements when applying for a L visa, like a bank statement, round trip ticket, etc. But these are doable. Also heard Bangkok was a cheaper and easier option compared to the other venues like Singapore, KL, etc.
- johnboy
- LA Redneck
August 16, 2012
7 posts -
I'm happy you found this information useful.
BTW, I have to leave Chengdu back then on short notice. I researched airfare prices on the internet first and then called a Chinese travel agent an expat friend told me about. She saved me considerable money even on short notice.
Her name is Penny Xu and she speaks good English. Her number is 13882063952. They will deliver the paper ticket to your home, office, etc. and you pay them then in cash. No extra charge.
I also referred her to another USA friend leaving for the USA on short notice and she took care of him also.
I don't trust these "Discount" airfares on the internet since they usually have hidden charges, or total frauds. I had another USA friend who lost about 6,000 RMB 2 years ago for some online discount tickets to the USA and then had to pay again to a legit travel agent here in Chengdu.
I mentioned Agoda.com for hotel reservations and they are legit since I've used them numerous times including Bangkok and Phuket. I found their photos to be truly representative and once you book through Agoda, the only thing you have to pay is any extra charges you incurr once you're there. They will give you a confirmation number and form to print-out.
I hope your experience will be as good as mine was then. Good luck!
- LA Redneck
- johnboy
August 16, 2012
35 posts
- johnboy
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