[HKNewBi]

Canadians can apply at the border at Lo Wu. Takes about 20 - 30 minutes.

When you exit HK you will see a staircase going up on the left hand side with a Visa office sign or similar.

Costs $150 unless you are on the list of freak nations, like I am for the UK, in which case it was $450. I don't know if Canada qualifies, but the cost is the same in HK regardless.

[AussieDave]

G'Day Guys,

I'm Australian and I will be visiting Hong Kong in early October with my wife. We both have Aussie Passports and would like to visit Shenzhen for a day or two.

My many Questions are...Is it better to go to the China Resources Building on Harbour Road Wanchai???? or is it simply better to go straight to the border and deal with the visa there?? Will there be a cost diffrence between the two places???

I was also told that the hotel we are staying may have shopping tours to Shenzhen that they can arrange for you on your behalf. Is this the better way to go??

How much would it also cost for Australian Passports holders to go there???? There is no mention of cost for Aussies on this thread. I'm in no rush, so I can wait for the visas to save some money.

Many Thanks

&

Cheers

Dave

[HKChigger]

Getting visa at the border is cheapest if it is a one shot deal. Visas got ahead of time are for the whole country of China instead of just Shenzhen so more money.

Aussies: $150 per person for up to five days in Shenzhen.
Make sure you cross via Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau by bus. ( I am sure the Lok Ma Chau train station is ok also, but I haven't been there)

[AussieDave]

Thanks mate. Your reply answered everything. Much appreciated

Originally Posted by HKChigger

Make sure you cross via Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau by bus. ( I am sure the Lok Ma Chau train station is ok also, but I haven't been there)

Where do you catch the bus to Shenzhen??? I know I can go by train on the KCR. ( I know you have not been there by train......Has anyone else???) What would there be the cost diffrence???
I will be in Kowloon.

Cheers

Dave

[HKChigger]

Dave,

I have been to Shenzhen via train but only to Lo Wu station, not Lok Ma Chau. Lok Ma Chau opened up just two weeks ago.

I would suggest going to Lo Wu Station for a first visit as it's transport on the China side is slightly easier to work with, and many foreigners would use the shopping centre right over the border. I would avoid like the plague if I were you though. It's a little expensive for Shenzhen. Rip offs all over. Go more in to Lao Jie station or somewhere for better pricing and more options.

Buses run from Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, Yuen Long, Kam Sheung Road, Tsuen Wan etc to Lok Ma Chau crossing, but I think you will find the train easier at the least going to Shenzhen. Coming back it doesn't matter which exit you take as long as there is a coach/train service at the border to take you to the city.

[AussieDave]

Hey Mike

Thanks for the great advice.

It will be my first visit for my wife and I. Just don't want to be let down with any problems at the border.

I will go as earliest as possible to avoid any queues.

Cheers mate

Dave

[MTORO84]

Long title, but it relays the gist.

I'm a US national here in HK on a one year work visa. I've already applied for my HKID (I'm currently holding the temporary paper card indicating that I'm waiting for the HK Immigration Office to fabricate the official plastic ID card).

I was invited by some Chinese colleagues of mine to go to Shenzhen to eat some real authentic Chinese food (apparently the Chinese food in HK doesn't cut it for them) to celebrate the Mid-Autumn/Moon Festival (today).

I read from past conversations that getting an on-site border visa at the Shenzhen crossing is not a viable option for US passport holders. Is this still true?

I know there have been some extra security measures with the Olympics/Equestrian Olympics and all, but that has settled down now, no?

Also, if I'm able to, anybody know how much and for how long it would be active.

Thanks a bunch. Hope some one can reply in time.

[MTORO84]

Long title, but it relays the gist.

I'm a US national here in HK on a one year work visa. I've already applied for my HKID (I'm currently holding the temporary paper card indicating that I'm waiting for the HK Immigration Office to fabricate the official plastic ID card).

I was invited by some Chinese colleagues of mine to go to Shenzhen to eat some real authentic Chinese food (apparently the Chinese food in HK doesn't cut it for them) to celebrate the Mid-Autumn/Moon Festival (today).

I read from past conversations that getting an on-site border visa at the Shenzhen crossing is not a viable option for US passport holders. Is this still true?

I know there have been some extra security measures with the Olympics/Equestrian Olympics and all, but that has settled down now, no?

Also, if I'm able to, anybody know how much and for how long it would be active.

Thanks a bunch. Hope some one can reply in time.

[MovingIn07]

I spoke to a guy yesterday (Indian passport holder I think) who said he went over last week and got a visa at the border. 5 days shenzhen only. Only second hand knowledge but might help. Might help if your chinese friends are with you when you get to the queue just in case they can answer any questions etc!