China Travel Forum

[Jason]

Hi Guys
I am going to Hong Kong for a week with my girlfriend who is very keen to go shopping in Shenzhen. I understand that foreign passport holders visiting Shenzhen need to get a seperate visa (we are UK passport holders). I have a few question in this regard:
1) I understand that you can buy visas at the "checkpoint"? How long does this take? Is it easier to buy a visa in advance in Hong Kong?
2) I've also read that "the immigration authority of Shenzhen has been known to give a hard time to British passport holders and even refuse on-the-spot visas". Does anybody know if this is true? I don't think I can be bothered if there is a chance of this happening...
3) How much does a visa cost? I've heard reports of between hk$150 - HK$450 depending on your nationality (which is fair!). How much is it for a UK passport holder?
4) Finally, given the above, is the shopping worth it!?
Much obliged to anyone taking the time to answer my questions.
Many thanks.

[Tim]

As a British Passport Holder, I STRONGLY recommend that you buy a visa before you go, to save you time and hassle (and quite possibly refusal) at the border. To get a visa, looking in Hong Kong's daily newspaper, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and go to the Classified Section where there are always CHINA VISA advertised. If you are fussy about price, phone up the various ads asking how much it will cost you for a British Passport (different travel agents charge more or less).
Shopping in Shenzhen is something totally different to anywhere in the West, and helps you appreciate what modern day China is becoming. You will get some unreal bargains, but don't ever follow someone to their "store" or "storeroom". For more information visit www.shopinshenzhen.com. Have fun!

When in HK make sure you get out to some of the islands too, don't just stay in the city. Lamma Island is great, as is the Rainbow Seafood Restaurant on Lamma.