question re HSR cancellation policy?
 

Hi, all. I have a ticket on G16 tomorrow/today (11a train from SH to BJ). I'm thinking about refunding it because my best friend just showed up in town somewhat unannounced, and I'd like hang out with him. Since I've already refunded one HSR ticket within the past ~2 weeks, I KNOW that this can only be accomplished at a train station (any of the big ones). However, I never bothered to seek clarification about whether this can be done after my train departs. And, if so, how much time I have before the ticket goes "poof".

If I have to drag myself to a train station at 10a, I'll probably end up just taking the darn thing.

BTW, this whole "go to train station to cancel" drill is major thorn in the side of my beloved train, but if it turns out that tickets retain value for a reasonable amount of time (even 3 days), I'll be able to overlook this shortcoming.

I thought the rule was up to 24 hours after departure on bullets, could get back 80% of value but don't quote me. Right now no time to ferret out and confirm info.

[QUOTE=moondog;16777882]BTW, this whole "go to train station to cancel" drill is major thorn in the side of my beloved train,QUOTE]

Might be a good idea to borrow a local's ID, just to use for getting train tickets.

Ticket holders who bought tickets online or through automatic vending machines are not entitled to any refund unless they go to the railway stations and present their ID and bank cards.

That's why I referenced SNAFU in the title of the below post.

China Bullet Train Tickets for foreigners : PITA:p

24 HR Rule

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16647256-post36.html


Doesn't say you can get a cash refund. Practically speaking
could be you pay 20% fee to get a refund or you get an
even exchange for another ticket and then could pay 20%
fee on that to get money back. Or none of the above.


The regulations for high-speed train ticket holders are different, as passengers can exchange this ticket for use on another train within 24 hours after their original train departed.

For HSR:

Refund: 20% penalty, you must apply for refund 2 hours after the train departed at the latest. After that, the ticket expires and has no value.

If the train is delayed, then there is no 20% penalty.

Exchange: 24 hour rule.

If you exchange the ticket, can you then get a refund on that ticket if
you apply for the refund prior to departure?

Must be really strict about those HSR ticket purchase rules in Beijing.
No advance purchase ability, even from the most expensive hotels in the city.

China World Hotel

You want train tickets...you got to go get yourself at the station.

BJ RC

Give us your passport or a copy of it, we charge you 30-40RMB roundtrip
taxi fare, no extra surgcharge, as
we have to send somebody to the station get tickets.

Normally, No.

The exchange, 签票, is often done by handwritting new train number and date on the original ticket, with a stamp.

I believe that if a new ticket is issued, some language "No Refund" is printed.

You can only do one exchange, within 24 hours. After that the ticket has no value.

If you lose your ticket, then you lose everything.

That's one reason I don't like rail travel. MoR makes it tough to exchange tickets, and refund tickets.

Looks like a courtesy gesture.
If you miss your train, you have two hours to get another ticket
for a train leaving within 24 hours.

Considering they are cancelling some of the HSR due to low numbers
that makes sense.

The tickets are in essence non transferable/nonrefundable.

Hopefully China's HSR isn't just a showpiece like the Bird's Nest Stadium and won't turn into
a rusting pile of junk after 4 years.

In my recent experiences, train tickets are FULLY refundable (as in they give you cash).

As far as my case is concerned, I ended up staying up all night talking with my friends, so I decided to bite the bullet and grab the 7a G train.

In part because you guys are so curious, I upgraded to "1st class" (not be confused with that y1750 business class product).

Basically, "1st class" is quite a bit like "second class" (very similar pitch/recline), except it's only 4 abreast and they gave me a free bottle of water. 1st class passengers don't seem to be more refined than 2nd class passengers (e.g. they also have loud voices, babies, and cell phones). But, it was comfortable enough; I slept the entire way.

Not in my most recent G train experiences. I was able to get refunds/exchanges for small fees. Figuring out what fees are what is another story though.