[poca25]

Will someone talk sense to me - travel agent, chinese embassy in London, chinese embassy in Ireland and all the travel sites give conflicting instructions.

It's simple - one english girl and one irish girl want to go to shenzhen to shop for bargains in 2 weeks.

1. is it worth the hassle ? bargains that good in shenzhen ?

2. Can I get a visa on the border or not ? and how much ? (Opinion deeply divided over this)

3. If not can I get a visa in HK immediately ? (as in - no 3 days wait)

Any help from somewho who knows would be great.

[penguinsix]

I got my visa (with a US passport) the same day. I believe you have to have it "in" here in Hong Kong by 12:00 noon (just did this last week) and picked it up that evening. As an American, I think my passport is not eligible for "on the border" visas due to some tit for tat immigration stuff between the US and China.

As for it being worth it, opinions are mixed. The visa cost $XX dollars and the train up there another chunk. Are you going to buy so much that you save that much to justify the visa and the train? Depends on what you buy I guess, and how much.

A friend of mine came here recently and bought tons of baby clothes for example. In the end, she bought less than $400 US in clothing at HK prices. Had we gone to Shenzhen, it would have been an additional $100 US in travel costs--something I don't think we would have recovered in the savings (if any) in $400 overall purchases.

[tex]

is it worth it? depends on what you value and how much you plan to shop. the easiest mall to get to and the one that most people only go to is Lowu. here's what's primarily on offer at very good prices there:

custom made drapery, cushions, etc.
fabric and tailoring (they will post you the stuff when ready)
knock off designer handbags/wallets--about 1/2- 1/3 price as in HK I'd say
DVD's of American shows, and popular movies (not original of course)
made to order costume jewellery using pearls, stones, etc
electronics

now the bad news: the place is SO overwhelming with its many floors, shop after shop selling same stuff, and people constantly trying to sell you something that you really must focus on just one or two things you'd like to get. it can be a very exhausting trip, i speak from experience.

if you are only in hk for 4-5 days i would not bother going. if you really want to go, look at this book called Shopping in Shenzen to give you a headstart on the place. good luck!!

[Crat]

You do not need to apply for a visa before you go to Shenzen -- this may be done in an office on the border. The price is not too steep,(HK$150 for most nationalities, a bit more expensive for US and British Citizens -- roughly HK$400) and is valid for 5 day. You may apply for visas with a length up to 6 months right there at the border, however the cost scales with the expected time spent in China.

You will definetely find bargains in Shenzen, however be prepared for an unwelcome experience if you decide to stroll the streets at night -- especially if you're white. Travel by day, go to respectable malls and don't walk around alone after dark. Also, be careful should you decide to shop DVD's -- it is illegal, with harsh penalties, to bring pirates software/movies/music in to Hong Kong.

Not to scare you -- Shenzen is a beautiful place and you will have a great time there, just be prepared and be cautious.

[rusty]

Hi Poca,

I am an Aussie who just arrived in HK 2 weeks ago for a short stint with work (well 3 months if you call that short). Anwyay, my boss is taking me to Shenzen this weekend. We are getting VISA's on the day, and we are doing shopping. I'll let you know how we go, if I forgot drop me a line and I'll give you the low down.

Russ

[Roger]

Brits CANNOT get visas at the border post in Shenzhen, you must apply before you go. The best places to get visas are in HK and not at embassies abroad. At some travel agents you don't even have to fill in a form.

[Pumpkin]

Brits CAN get a single entry visa at the border. It is valid for one visit of upto 5 days and can only be used within the Special Economic Zone (so not a 'China' visa). Cost is $400 takes around 15 mins.

I think Shenzhen is worth it. You will be a bit overwhelmed by it. Take lots of cash and just have fun buying whatever you want. Fake watches, bags, jewellery, whatever. If you are around longer, get clothes made.
Wouldn't bother with DVD's. Not worth the fine if caught and they are really checking up on people now.

[Simatai]

If you're interested in fake goods, Luo Hu is the place, but they will jack up the prices for the whities and you'll have to 'enjoy' bargaining hard if you want a good deal. sometimes i find it too exhausting and not worth it. basic rule - knock their price in half, then cut it in half again, then start off a little lower so you can save them some face when you agree to pay a little more. and do it with a smile!

good things to get in Luo Hu - fake designer wallets. look carefully at the insides and the stitching for quality. Ask the sales girls for the "A" grade goods. everything else i've bought in Luo Hu that i get all excited about, ends up looking cheap and tacky when i return home, and most of the stuff doesn't last more than a couple months...except the wallets.

other good gifts to get at Luo Hu - repro-antique chinese boxes, glass bottles with miniature paintings, fake Evisu jeans, costume jewellrey, purses.

What Shenzhen also is great for is foot massages and food! Eat dim sum (if you're vegetarian, forget it), get your feet massages and your nails done.

Most importantly, Luo Hu area is rife with pick pockets, so keep your valuables close to you and out of sight! If you have on a backpack, wear it in front! if you're carrying a hangbag, make sure it's got a zipper and you can clutch it under your arm. don't put your digi cam in those fanny pack/waist purses! don't even wear baggy pants and keep money in those big loose pockets. and always look side to side for the hovering types.

[rani]

I enjoy going to Shenzhen too. Here's a rough guide on prices.

Watches $25
Handbags $30-50
Shoes $25
Manicure/Pedicure - $20 (each)
Facials - $100 (2hrs)
Hair - Blowdry $20
Foot massage $20

If you buy shoes/tops make sure the size you selected is what is packed. I got a couple of wrong sizes last time I went.

[porkscratchings]

I got my visa from Manchester embass. on the same day, it cost around £3x-£4x for only 1 entry only and max. 30 days.