Visas

It's funny how living in the US you never really think about getting visas to travel since you can get to most places on a US passport without any problems. For example, to Hong Kong, a US passport holder can stay for 90 days. However, for China, you need to obtain a visa and it's not cheap - $130 per visa regardless whether it's for a single-entry or a multiple-entry. I heard horror stories about applying for a Chinese visa, but it turned out to be fairly painless. I went in on a Tuesday morning and was able to pick up my passport by Friday. The office hours are generally 9 am to Noon, and then 1 pm to 3 pm. Be sure to check the link/website to confirm the hours and that it's not a Chinese holiday. To ease the process, be sure to bring the following:

• Completed application form
• Your passport
• One passport-sized photo

The complete list of suggested items from the Chinese consulate is here. Basically, you walk in and take a number after clearing the metal detector. When I went shortly before 10 am, I had number A084. At that time, they were processing number A066. After about 20 minutes, my number was called - so it was fairly quick. After dropping off all the items and answering one question ("Have you been to China before?"), the clerk accepted my application. She told me to pick up my passport on Friday and pay then. Oh, she made it very clear that they did NOT take personal checks, but they did accept cash or credit cards.

Your mileage may vary, but in case you were looking for an example of the China visa process post-Olympics, this was my experience.