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on the visa process for American citizens -- I've been researching myself but I keep finding either conflicting or outdated information since things seem to change rapidly.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
Can I ask you a question? How wildly expensive is this?
I'm getting older, I've always wanted to travel abroad, but I've kinda just discarded the idea because I figured there's no way I'd ever be able to afford it.
Edit: thanks for the replies - I was right, definitely can't afford that
Oh well
The flights will likely be the most expensive part. Seems like you can travel in China pretty cheaply.
2k round flight, 500 for a visa agency to process your visa if your assigned regional consulate isn't nearby (it must be done in person)
Expenses while you're here: 20-50 usd for high speed rail tickets between big cities, streetfood/hole in the wall stuff is 1-2 usd, sit down restaurants usually 10-20 usd. Coffee is a bit expensive (4-5 usd usually, but if you just drink tea it's only about a dollar.)
If you don't mind staying in relatively crappy hotels/hostels you can get by with paying 5-10 usd a night, but you have to make sure they actually have a license to host foreigners.
manner and familymart have regular coffees for around 10-15
I think it was still like 30 yuan for a latte iirc?
No wait it was like 15, yeah thats a decent price