Getting a Chinese visa is necessary for any U.S citizen/resident intending to travel to China. The type of Chinese travel visa that you will need depends upon the nature of your trip. It’s important that all travelers bear the correct documentation, including the proper class of visa, in order to enter the country.
Six different types of Chinese travel visas are available. Different types of travel to the country require different classes of visas. Anyone getting a Chinese visa must apply for the correct type. The following is a list of those classes which apply to American tourists and what they mean for you and your trip:
1) Tourist visa (L-visa): This is the most commonly applied for type of Chinese travel visa. Tourist visas are issued to American citizen/residents who are traveling to the country for the purposes of sightseeing, visiting friends or family or for other personal reasons. Tourists possessing an L-visa cannot conduct business or work while in the country.
2) Business visa (F-visa): The F-visa is the second most commonly-issued Chinese travel visa. Any person intending to conduct business in the country must carry a valid F-visa. ”Business” refers to conducting “an investigation, a lecture, to do business, [participate in] scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internship.” Stay in China on a business visa is limited to six months or less. The F-visa does not allow a visitor to obtain employment within the country.
3) Employment/Work visa (Z-visa): This type of permit allows a foreigner to work in China. The foreigner’s family members would also be issued a Z-visa.
4) Student visa (X-visa): Foreigners who want to study in China can obtain an X-visa. This permit must be transferred within thirty days of arrival in China to a Residence Permit. The Residence Permit is issued by the public security bureau in the town where you will be living/studying. Your allowable length of stay in the country will be determined at that time. Usually the Residence Permit is issued for the length of the program of study. Students with an X-visa must supply proof that they are registered as students and proof of the length of the program of study. Sometimes students can study in China with an F-visa. Stipulations apply and must be clarified with the Chinese consulate. Students are only allowed to study up to six months with an F-visa.
5) Crew Visa (C-visa): This is a special type of permit issued only to workers such as airline crews, pilots and stewards who enter and exit the country periodically for work purposes. Extended stays are not usually permitted with C-visas other than those required for work.
6) J-1/J-2 Visa: This type of visitor’s permit is issued to news crews and correspondents who come to China for short term stays for the purposes of news coverage/reporting. These visas are also issued to dependents of news reporters and crews working in China. Allowable length of stay is usually determined on a case-by-case basis and generally. J-1 and J-2 visas generally cannot be used for long-term stays (more than a few months.)
Anyone getting a Chinese visa must fill out the proper application form. Chinese travel visa applications are available at passport processing outlets, online passport agencies and U.S. Post offices. Those who are unsure of what type of visa they require should contact the nearest Chinese consulate office. Citizens getting a Chinese visa- must first hold a valid U.S. passport.
Jenny Schweyer is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She writes extensively on travel and related themes.
In the far south of Thailand, Krabi is the poster child for Thailand’s natural coastal beauty. It’s also near Phuket. The scenery is overflowing with remarkable outcroppings of limestone that produce framing cliffs and peculiar formations. In the resort area, the pace is much slower than in other Thai hotspots, with a market that caters more for relaxed travellers and families who would prefer to stay away from the party scene of some of Thailand’s beaches.Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua
If the heat and humidity aren’t too overwhelming, a trip to Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Temple, is a must. In fact, in spite of the heat, you may want to venture out to see this site in order to explore the cool maze of caves in which Buddhist monks live and worship. A climb up this Ao Luk Thanu limestone mountain to the summit affords a look at the pagoda, ‘Buddha’s footprint’ and spectacular vistas of the countryside.
Rock climbing
The rock climbing scene at Krabi is fit for all skill levels, with something for everyone. Climbers come from all over the world for the unique karst structures and limestone cliffs, many of which are well marked and bolted for climbers. One of the most popular sites is at Ton Sai Beach, but it’s possible to go climbing at any number of places around Krabi, especially when collaborating with a local rock climbing company. If you’re not sure of your abilities, don’t be too shy to enrol in one of the instructional classes offered.
Koh Lanta Marine National Park
Pristine rainforests and more lovely Krabi beach options can be found on the island of Koh Lanta, which is also a marine national park. The most striking aspect of this island is that it’s home to the nomadic tribe of Chae Leh, also called sea gypsies, who have practiced their own distinct religion and spoken their unique language for centuries. There are plenty of relaxed bungalow settings for those who want to stay a while. Visitors from as far away as Phuket come to visit.
Than Bok Khoranie National Park
Taking a day to check out Than Bok Khorani National Park is a worthwhile endeavour, especially if you’re interested in the diversity of plant life here, from small gardenias to towering trees. The highlight of the park is the green-hued pond that is the namesake for the park. Beyond the pond is the area’s standard fare of limestone formations, caves and mangrove trees. While the park does not offer accommodation, camping is permitted if you bring your own equipment. It’s also an easy drive to and from Phuket.
Shell Fossil Cemetery
A few miles out of Krabi Town, you’ll find the archaeological site known as the Shell Fossil Cemetery. This marvel has been under construction for the past 35 million years and has grown into a huge slab of fossilised snail remains more than 15 inches thick. The site of this former swamp can be found at Ban Laem Pho Cape, which is located about 10 miles from Krabi Town.
Exploring the archipelago
An organised tour of the archipelago is a wonderful way to spend a day, and with your itinerary in the hands of a local tour guide, you can be sure to find wonderful scenery and some great secluded Krabi beach choices. Another way to explore the islands close to Ao Nang Beach is to hire a sea kayak and paddle out to them yourself. This is a good way to get away from the crowds in the resort area and catch some peace along with spectacular scenery.
Scuba diving
If you’re a certified diver, you’ll probably want to jump right in as soon as you arrive in Krabi. The reputation of the nearby Andaman Islands and the wealth of coral reefs fuel much enthusiasm in this area, and there’s no shortage of diving companies to take divers on day and longer trips. Snorkelling is also worthwhile, and those wishing to pick up a diving certificate can enrol in a four-day course. Many of the Phuket dive trips end up here.
Railay Beach
Longtail boats can be hired to take passengers out to Railay Beach, which is barred from the mainland by massive cliffs that make it only accessible by sea. There are a few resorts set up along these beautiful beaches, and Phra Nang, a sacred cave, is one of the area’s principle attractions.
Biking
Cycling is a wonderful way to open up the inland countryside, and a 15 or 20 mile loop out of Ao Nang will take you into coconut groves, past quiet villages and in and around the karst outcroppings of rock before bringing you back to the resort. Bicycles can be rented for the whole day at Ao Nang beach in Krabi.
Krabi nightlife
Visitors don’t generally come to Krabi for the nightlife; instead they’re either here for the stunning geological landscape or the chance to relax in a quieter environment that is more conducive to families. Krabi Town itself has very few tourist establishments, with most of the action confined to a mile-long stretch of beach at the Ao Nang resort area. While there aren’t any discos or wild parties, there are plenty of nice restaurants with good seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. The bars in the busiest sector of this beach stay open past midnight.
Thailand was my first tourist destination outside Europe and North America. Based on the sage advice of my Thailand-experienced friends, I was sure that this paradise vacation would be carried out on ridiculous costs. However, back home, I have found out too late, that during my little Thailand adventure I have spent almost the same amount of money as one of my regular surges to Europe. If only I knew that carefully planning your trip to Thailand can manifest itself in huge savings. The following list includes some solid advice that can help those novice Thailand visitors to save significant amounts of cash and still enjoy their vacation:
1. Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the low season can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to 25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard – not luxury - accommodation). Similar to many other world locations that are based operate seasonally; there is a significant price fluctuation across seasons. Not less important is that fact that the weather in Thailand is quite pleasant even during the low season. The temperatures’ difference between the “hot season” and the “peak season” is miniscule, and during the “wet season” one can experience only a mild occasional rain. Therefore, in Thailand one can lower accommodation costs by avoiding the peak season without paying the price of suffering from unbearable cold or coping with endless monsoon.
2. Transportation. Getting from Bangkok to your final destination in one of the Southern Islands by train or bus instead of by plane can save you up to 80$ each way. You can save a bundle if you arrive to Bangkok International Airport in the evening. In this case you save, besides the gap between relatively expensive airfare and train or bus ticket, the first night’s accommodation cost as well (40$ - 100$ per bungalow per night in high standard – not luxury - accommodation).
3. Food. In Western style countries, the more you pay for your dinner the better it is, so everyone can make a personal decision about getting an appropriate cost – benefit balance. In Thailand, and especially in the Southern Islands it is much simpler: in most cases, the cheaper the better. Expensive restaurants in Thailand Islands usually specialize on Western food that is neither authentic nor of superior taste; a standard dinner will cost you 10$ - 30$ in a restaurant of this kind. Alternatively, the dinner in a cheap restaurant with plastic chairs will cost you 3$ - 8$ and it is usually both tasty and authentic. My most disappointing Thai dinner was served in a fancy restaurant in Bangkok and had cost 120$ for a couple, whereas my best dinner was served in a cheap family restaurant in Koh Phangan. The owner - young mom named Mam – prepared the meal for us exactly as we wished it would be and charged us with measly 5-6$ per person.
4. Air Conditioning. The presence of air conditioning in your room can make a huge difference in accommodation rates. For example, the same room rates in the same resort can vary from 15$-30$ for a bungalow with a fan to 40$ - 100$ for an air-conditioned bungalow. Although choosing an air-conditioned room during the hot season (such as March – April) is crucial, if you visit Southern Thailand during the rainy season – a bungalow with a fan can both satisfy your needs and cut your expenses in more than a half.
5. Location choice. Similar to the principle held in most places in the world, the accommodation rates in Thailand Islands depend on your location choice. The bungalow in the central beach, close to the airport or seaport full of thriving nightlife will probably be twice as expensive as the same bungalow in a remote quiet beach. However, accessibility is an issue in the Thailand Islands, and the taxi fares and taxi boat fares operate under the same principal as the accommodation rates. So there is a rule you may adopt: if you are looking for social activities and busy nightlife– stay close to the airport or seaport; otherwise make a little effort and move after your arrival to a remote beach. You will save up to 60% on the accommodation rates this way.
6. Communication. It will probably not come as a complete shock, but the use of cellular phone from outside of Thailand could be extremely expensive. To save on communication costs you can either buy a local cellular phone with prepaid SIM card or use the Telephone & Internet centers services. Mind you that the cost of these services may vary. As usual, if you’re calling overseas from your resort’s office – it will be more expensive than using a call center in the town. The cheapest solution is probably giving your phone number to your friends or relatives overseas since every call center has a phone number that can be used for calling back.
7. Price negotiation. In tourist locations in Thailand negotiation is a necessity or a way of life. Likewise, in the less touristy islands and areas price bargaining is accepted as well. Just try it – in Thailand price negotiation isn’t considered an embarrassing behavior, so you have nothing to lose.
8. Psychology. Although, in Thailand everything is perceived to be cheaper than in your home country, don’t be fooled by the seemingly low prices and control your expenses. Buying an enormous amount of inexpensive things can really add up to a surprisingly large sum of money.
During my last visit to Thailand, I followed these guidelines with persistence and I was happy to disclose, that budget travel in Thailand can be more than just an economical issue, it can also be enjoyable. Interestingly enough, in Thailand, the less you spend – the closer you get to the local authentic experience.
Independent researcher, MA in anthropology, and travel enthusiast Ella Evans has spend more than a decade exploring Thailand focusing on the Southern Islands. The fruits of her labor can be found in the Koh Phangan Experience Website: a comprehensive travel guide to Koh Phangan, Thailand, which includes information articles, tips, advice and a message board. To visit Koh Phangan Experience Guide, click here: http://www.kohphangan.eternaltravel.net/Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ella_Evans
