Howdy Howdy Howdy
American here, planning on visiting China for the first time at the end of the year.
Specifically wondering if anyone here has any advice on the visa process for American citizens -- I've been researching myself but I keep finding either conflicting or outdated information since things seem to change rapidly.
From what I gathered, one needs to make an appointment window to the closest Chinese Consulate and apply for a travel visa in person-- which is then good for repeat visits up to 10 years? Or are there single use visas as well?
Also I'll be happy for any advice about visiting in general-- it's a huge country and a lot of ideas to sift through. Was suggested for phone (android) VPN, sim card, WeChat, WayGo, Baidu, 12306, Didi, MetroMan, and Trip.com (missing any?)
Mighty obliged folks, yeehaw
Install and activate AliPay here and get a SIMCard there and activate WeChat once you're on the continent with your new number.
Use a visa processing service, I recommend SWIFT Passport and Visa Services. Every region in the US is assigned a different place to get their Visas processed, here's the map of where you need to go based on what region you're in if you're USian
It's all in person, a nightmare, and you'll hate it. Easiest to just go with a visa processor like SWIFT unless you're in the same city as your consulate.
Thanks for the info, any idea how much Swift charges? Appreciate it
Literally like, expect anywhere from 300-500 dollars. I was shocked, but apparently the alternatives are far worse lol