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Originally Posted by KathyWdrf
Do they still use the same system? (I just want to be prepared.)
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Ok sorry I can't make it. Sorry.
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At this point it looks like it will be the Westin for me too (this seems to be the choice of the majority of the attendees thus far). I've redeemed an award stay there. This is still subject to change, of course! Like all good FlyerTalkers I always have to have at least two different hotel reservations and then maybe I'll make a third one (or win something thru Priceline) and cancel both the others! ;)
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Originally Posted by moondog
yes, but the numbers often don't enter the equation during the (slow) winter months. just avoid mondays/fridays and that lunch hour, if you can help it.
See you in a few weeks. |
Originally Posted by andrew8198
I am not certain if I will make it. I am on a flight from ORD-PVG that arrives at 5:15 pm on 2/19. I doubt I can make it from the airport to the hotel by the time people are leaving for dinner. We will see though. I am staying at the Westin so I will see how things look when I arrive. I hope to catch up with the group Sunday or Monday. I leave on 2/24.
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Originally Posted by KathyWdrf
I have to confess I haven't taken my passport (and visa application and fee) into the SF Chinese Consulate yet, but will do so this week! :eek:
2.5 years ago I traveled to China (vacation) and this was the system in effect at this consulate at that time: First, you go in and get a number. It may be hours before your number is called (plus, they take a lunch break from noon to 1:30). So you go out and do something else, then return when you think it's likely your number will be called, and turn in your stuff when your number actually is called. Do they still use the same system? (I just want to be prepared.) Bring everything already filled out. Get in line, wait, get to the front, submit application and passports, get receipt and return date. Come back, get in payment line, pay and get passports. If that was the slow season then it was not too bad. About 15 minutes the first day and 10 the second. I do not remember any number system but perhaps this was a slow period as some have suggested and they were not doing the numbers. |
Originally Posted by magic111
I went to San Francisco during the christmas period, in the afternoon. There was a long line to apply.
Bring everything already filled out. Get in line, wait, get to the front, submit application and passports, get receipt and return date. Come back, get in payment line, pay and get passports. If that was the slow season then it was not too bad. About 15 minutes the first day and 10 the second. I do not remember any number system but perhaps this was a slow period as some have suggested and they were not doing the numbers. |
really quick in the morning, on Wed & Thurs
Originally Posted by kluau88
That's how it was last Thursday :) I need to go pick mine up today. It was actually ready yesterday, but they only have limited hours. I think their hours are 9-12 and 1:30-3:30.
I arrived around 9:50 (they open at 9am), and spent more time going thru security :rolleyes: than actually in the office. Right at the door is the ticket issuing machine. I got my ticket, located my windows, and as I started to put my things down on a chair near those windows, my number came up. I handed the pre-filled form & passort in, was given a receipt & I was told to come back on Monday for pickup. :) |
nice to see visa's being applied for.. talk about cutting it fine ;)
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I was wrong about the processing time at the Chicago China Embassey. My secretary went over to the office today to pick up my passport (she dropped it off on Monday). They indicated that the passport would not be ready until Monday. I am not sure why there was the confusion. She said they told her to come back Wednesday, but when I looked at the receipt they gave her it had Monday's date on it. So if you are obtaining your visa in Chicago, I recommend you leave five full business days.
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Also remember, Chinese New Year is coming up (Feb 8?) so a lot of these offices are closed a couple of days for the holiday (at least here in Canada)
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Visa in hand :) Here in SF....Dropped it off 1/27 and the pickup date was 2/1.
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Was chatting with my friends yesterday over dinner about their trip to Shanghai last Dec. They loved it, from the shopping to the food.
She bought a Frank Muller watch replica for US$12 and a LV purse for US$8. So if anyone is up for shopping, be prepared to haggle. |
Originally Posted by BlondeBomber
Also remember, Chinese New Year is coming up (Feb 8?) so a lot of these offices are closed a couple of days for the holiday (at least here in Canada)
But check your local embassy/consulate for dates, hours, etc. |
i think we will have a spot prize at brunch on saturday for the 'most frustratingly complex paper shuffling visa application'.. get ready to argue your case !
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