China announces visa-free travel for Australians visiting up to 30 days (previously 15 days)

[Sprucegoose]

It is interesting to see the countries that have not been granted this visa exemption..

 

[kpc]

It is interesting to see the countries that have not been granted this visa exemption..

The big US of A is the most obvious...I wonder why!?

 

[Sprucegoose]

The big US of A is the most obvious...I wonder why!?

And the Philippines...I wonder why?

 

[p--and--t]

And the Philippines...I wonder why?

Sth China sea dispute hotted up a bit in last few months and terse words between govmts - maybe

 

[Justinf]

Forgive my stupidity and ignorance for this is going to be a really dumb question.
Do I just rock up to the airport at Melbourne on the day of travel to Beijing as per normal with just my passport?

 

[markis10]

Yes, just your passport, with the normal caveats, a booking out of the country and at least 6 months validity

 

[Justinf]

Yes, just your passport, with the normal caveats, a booking out of the country and at least 6 months validity

Appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[RSD]

Appreciate it. Thank you.

It really is that easy - I don't know about other cities but when landing at Shanghai Pudong you usually end up in a bit of a queue and it takes 30-45 minutes to get through. The first time you go you will get your finger prints taken etc - that takes a while.

 

[markis10]

It really is that easy - I don't know about other cities but when landing at Shanghai Pudong you usually end up in a bit of a queue and it takes 30-45 minutes to get through. The first time you go you will get your finger prints taken etc - that takes a while.

I transit CAN a bit and it’s a lot quicker and easier than the old 144hr transit visa or the Shenzhen visa on the border with HKG

 

[RSD]

I transit CAN a bit and it’s a lot quicker and easier than the old 144hr transit visa or the Shenzhen visa on the border with HKG

Markis10 you will probably know the answer to this one - which power outlet is more common in Hong Kong - the 3 round pins (type D) or the three big chunky square/rectangular ones (type G)? Or take one of each? Will be stepping out of Hong Kong airport for the first time ever next week!

 

[markis10]

Type G unfortunately, across the border their power is similar to our plug wise in most cases, fortunately more and more hotels are going universal, I take a GAN travel adaptor with an Aussie power board to cover all bases, https://www.amazon.com.au/HEYMIX-Un...67debf71920e3d5097fe6c6b1c57244e&gad_source=1

 

[RSD]

Type G unfortunately, across the border their power is similar to our plug wise in most cases, fortunately more and more hotels are going universal, I take a GAN travel adaptor with an Aussie power board to cover all bases, Server Busy

Cheers! So far on the mainland I've had no trouble using Aussie plugs once a little brute force is applied.

 

[RSD]

Type G unfortunately, across the border their power is similar to our plug wise in most cases, fortunately more and more hotels are going universal, I take a GAN travel adaptor with an Aussie power board to cover all bases, Server Busy

@markis10 - any tips for first timers to Hong Kong? I'm guessing that there is more cash involved rather than AliPay etc

 

[markis10]

Hong Kong is western by comparison to China, normal cards are commonplace (Visa/Mastercard), the Octopus card is also widely accepted in 7-11s, Maccas as well as for metro etc

 

[SYD]

@markis10 - any tips for first timers to Hong Kong? I'm guessing that there is more cash involved rather than AliPay etc

As above, a bit of mix of cash and card. You could probably survive on card only but miss out on some experiences.

I started this thread to help.

Thread 'Cash or Card? Countries where you still need cash.'

Jul 5, 2023

Using debit and CCs overseas (preferably ones that are international transaction fee free!) is becoming a lot easier - pushed along by you know what, but I thought a seperate thread to provide actual current experiences on the need for cash (irrespective of one’s preference for cash v card) could be useful. Also noting that options for getting cash out cheaply are drying up (eg ING removing rebates and Citi potentially winding up Oz accounts).

Anyway, some starters.

The UK, as discussed below is certainly well down the path of tapping is King. Based on a recent visit and last year...

• SYD
• Replies: 557
• Forum: Foreign Exchange & Travel Money

I don’t recall any recent post re HKG since I was last there but interested also. Heading back for the first time in a while.

 

[markis10]

I did a week in HKG in September, only changes from previous visits were the lack of obvious money (businessmen and expensive cars now a rarity) and the expensive cost of living. The fairwood chain often had big queues by comparison to other outlets.

It’s now easier with the removal of the Visa requirement to do a day trip to Shenzhen, it’s around $10 on the MTR to one of the two border points, as an Aussie I always find it weird walking over a border.

Shenzhen is great for electronics and phones including repairs. My iPhone SE was proving to be unreliable battery wise so last trip I got the battery replaced in under 30 minutes for $60. I generally use the HSBC debit card in China which allows RMB cash out. The Octopus — China T-Union Card works in both cities if you get that version https://www.yantian.gov.cn/English/news/content/post_11265623.html



It’s also worth registering for the egates on arrival in HKG, this is done after immigration and takes 5 minutes, can be used on departure at the border be it ferry/train or plane.

 

[serfty]

...

It’s also worth registering for the egates on arrival in HKG, this is done after immigration and takes 5 minutes, can be used on departure at the border be it ferry/train or plane.

For arrivals, registration is strait forward.

Hong Kong Simplifies Immigration, Scraps Arrival Cards for Foreign Travellers - travelobiz

Hong Kong has eliminated the need for arrival cards, streamlining its immigration process for international travellers.

travelobiz.com

e-Channel Services for Visitors | Immigration Department

e-Channel Services for Visitors

www.immd.gov.hk

Australian passport holders do not need to register for e-channels when departing HKG these days.

While I have a frequent visitor registration from pre-COVID, others in our party in June did not but were simply able to use them.

 

[markis10]

CZ have $550 to BKK in Feb and March, will probably take one of these with 1-3 weeks in China in Feb, great value given they have day flights both ways. I usually max out the 2x23kg baggage, have one bag still in Shenzhen with the Novotel