Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Asia Stuff Media on July 21, 2008 at 7:04am

No worries, Middie. Visa checks, etc are all related to the Oympics and you're coming in September. As for the border to Hong Kong, it's really easy to cross. In fact, quite a few Hong Kong people live in Shenzhen, work in HK and cross the border every day.

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Permalink Reply by Mike61 on July 21, 2008 at 8:23am

Hi Lisa,

I've lived here for more than half of the last five years and never had a single problem, despite going to more places and doing more thinks than most of the ex-pats you'll meet on this site. The border crossing is easy and I can get to HK airport faster than many of my HK friends who live on HK Island. I spend the other half on my life with my family in Worcester - see My Page.

Mike

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Permalink Reply by Brian 大鸟 da4niao3 on July 21, 2008 at 10:49am

Reading such things shouldn't scare you (in my opinion)
Reading them... you should conclude that there was no harm resulting from it and feel more at ease since having a better understanding of such things.

Thanks to those who are good enough to share their experiences and make others aware.

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Permalink Reply by Cherrieliza on July 21, 2008 at 11:26am

no need to worry anything as long as you have your valid visa with you and perform legally.

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Permalink Reply by KUNU on July 21, 2008 at 12:05pm

100% no problem ,even if u wanna Cross the Customs everyday .
It's just ,u should have all the supporting documents in your hand.

Good Luck to you and Hope u would be able to calm out yourself n your family soon

KUNU

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Permalink Reply by CK on July 21, 2008 at 1:51pm

Woo, a Weigie. Been here about a year now and loving it. My experience with the English teachers that pass through are that half love it and stay for a long time though the other half cant wait to leave. Either one you turn out to be it's well worth the experience. I've never had a problem since being here.

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Permalink Reply by Middie on July 21, 2008 at 7:38pm

CK - are you a fellow weegie? Thanks for the advice especially about teaching, I have been preparing for this move, personally and professionally for about 3 years now (in reality if I think about it, the last 10 years but that's a longer story!) I had originally thought to work in Europe for ease of getting home but fell in love with Hong Kong whilst on vacation 2 years ago:-)

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread too - I feel so much better now, and can face my family in the eye when I tell them not to worry about me.

One other query - is it worth it when people come to visit me, to pay for the visa or just stay in Hong Kong - this is presuming I have the room to put them up, or I find that hotel rates are half the price than in Hong Kong?

Again your help is most appreciated:-)

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Permalink Reply by Mike61 on July 22, 2008 at 9:23am

Hi Middie,

In the area where I live in Futian you can get a good room in a hotel for less than GBP20 per night, or a less good room for about GBP12. In HK the prices are at least double or triple that. I guess that you'll be out Nanshan way, so someone else can help you there. Just avoid the international hotel chains.

Right now your friends would have to get their visa in their home country, but they may relax that again in September.

Mike

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Permalink Reply by Middie on July 23, 2008 at 2:38am

Thanks to everyone for all thier advice - calmed my nerves about coming but can someone now calm my nerves about leaving my 18year old son at home!!!!!!! Only kidding - nothing will take that fear away!
Am so looking forward to coming over and starting my new life - taken me a long time to get here but here I am world!!!!
Lisa xx

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Permalink Reply by Nomad127 on July 24, 2008 at 9:17am

Like I said, due to the buildup to the Olympics and the fact that I had an over zealous policemen, contributed to being treated the way I was.

I have been here 3 years and have never had a problem or an incident like this. I am sure you will be fine and as CK said, visiting and living here are two different things. Many of us love it here, but I have seen many that couldn't even stick it out 6 months. China is not for everyone, but for someone like me, it beats the hell out of the rat race back home and it's an experience I will never forget.

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Permalink Reply by Middie on July 25, 2008 at 10:19pm

Hi
Glad you seem to have recovered from your zealous policemen incident - also thanks for your advice - I am so looking forward to starting my new life in Shenzhen and I have friends in HK that I can run to if things dont work out, but I am sure they will - I am loving this site too it is really good for contact and finding out the lay of the land:-)
Have a nice weekend
Lisa

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Permalink Reply by David on July 30, 2008 at 10:04am

Lisa, there are things you need to know, to cross over to HK regularly you need your residence permit (Z visa) as i assume you are travelling on a tourist visa L or business visa F? Depending on how many entries it has is the amount of times you can leave China mainland and return (through HK border or anywhere) When you arrive your school should (and do NOT listen to what anyone else says THIS is the way it is done) send you for your medical check (if you have not already done it) get your working permit, then your foreign expert certificate, then you get a Z visa from HK (this is 0 days value and 1 entry only) this they take to the cops and they issue you a residence permit (this acts as your work visa) when you have that it is multi entry for one year and you may exit and enter as often as you like. You will find lots of people have 'opinions' about what to do and how to do it, but trust me, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, and they always think other peoples stink. I have many friends here in China, Including the head of the foreign expert bureau, and i sponsor many foreigners to come to china for teaching and business. DO NOT and i repeat this DO NOT use an agent. They are not necessary. Your school will and should always do this for you. There is a lot to learn about working in china (unless you want to do it half assed as many do and thats when you get the problems) but, the rewards for working here are worth it believe me. There is no place like it here and i love the country but hate all the foreign idiots that spoil it for the rest of us. So, have fun, and if you need any advice or help (from myself or any of us good people here) dont hesitate, i know a fellow glasgow girl in Baoan who has been here for over a year if you need some girlie advice too. Have a great stay and safe journey and enjoy your time here, all the best. D.

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