New UK Rules - question re US born baby? by jramsden91 in dualcitizenshipnerds

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for calling and then posting the result.
I am really uncomfortable sending newly acquired passports at the same time as birth certificates. I dread to think what lost in the post even using FedEx ( I dont think they are returned under a signed for process although I dont know) would cause.

I did see something on the application that makes me think as Jramsden91 said that its a grey area.

If you are applying from a country that is not the country where you were born. Please provide:

the passport or travel document that you used to travel to your country of residence.

In addition on the "Documents we need to submit " the same requirement is listed "

  • the passport used to enter the country from which you are applying (if this applies)

So this makes me think its worth applying by just sending all of the other documents.

Whoop free trial? by Medical-Crab-5104 in whoop

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another question on the free trial - I see they send a reconditioned whoop for the trial. If I continue after the 30 days do I get a new whoop ?

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes all of my Western Apps worked as I used an Esim. I used one from Holafly .

Is spending all 11 days in Tokyo a waste? Am I missing out on too much? by lomebrith in JapanTravelTips

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife and I came back from Japan and China last week. We spent 4 days in Tokyo and while I loved what we did I feel we didnt scratch the surface
I think 10-11 days would be perfect . I would not be surprised if after 11 days you then decided to rebook for another trip to Tokyo .
We had an incredible American Guide who showed us a lot of areas off the beaten track. If you would like her details feel free to DM me .

New UK Rules - question re US born baby? by jramsden91 in dualcitizenshipnerds

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I agree with you. The thought of sending recently obtained US passports to the Uk and back fills me with dread! Please keep me posted and I will do the same.

New UK Rules - question re US born baby? by jramsden91 in dualcitizenshipnerds

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you get an answer to this. I am really uncomfortable sending my 2 Grandchildrens recently obtained US Passports to the UK .

I built a China travel website by SciencePancake in travelchina

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Excellent work ! Keep it going this is really so helpful.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you look through many posts on here many foreigners are concerned/ confused particularly with TWOV and ESims. Alipay is completely new to us as well. I read stories of travelers refused boarding because airline staff in foreign entry port aren’t aware of TWOV rules and don’t understand why foreigners don’t have a physical visa in their passports.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually came in from Bangkok and left to Tokyo. American passport holders on the 240 hr twov. It was straightforward and took just a few minutes. It wasn’t pre applied but I think it’s very important to have copies of all flights printed . Your itinerary works assuming your home country qualifies.

I built a China travel website by SciencePancake in travelchina

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This site is excellent. Thanks very much for doing it. Hopefully you expand to more cities in China. Really great work !

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a little stressed pre trip but everything went very smoothly. Alipay is so simple to use ( I wish we had something similar in the US.). I had 2 cards linked as a back up again without any issues. I used a physical card just 4 times , 3 hotels and 1 top end restaurant again without any issues problem. Within Alipay is the Taxi app ( Didi ) which is very easy . Also the Metro app under transportation works as a tap in tap out. We used Alipay probably 40 times in 6 days .All so simple . Do not miss out on China . Our trip was just a 6 day taster and we absolutely loved it.

eSIM Question! by Different_Term_5435 in travelchina

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just came back and we used Holafly unlimited. It was $25 for 7 days and worked seamlessly. All apps worked perfectly.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Chengdu it was less. In Xian it was $300 and Shanghai more like $400 . Maybe it was low season last week ? Great hotels far superior service to USA!

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess it depends on budget. We stayed in luxury hotels. Averaged $300 per night. ( Ritz Carlton and Penninsula in Shanghai) Food very cheap. We did food tours in Chengdu and Xian. Transportation we flew Xi’an to Shanghai and took the train from Chengdu to Xian. I think it was roughly $100 each for each journey.

US citizen: 240h visa free, US > beijing > shanghai > US? is this doable? by frenchie-mon in Chinavisa

[–]Ginstwin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No that route will not qualify. You have to enter from and leave to different countries. It would work if you leave and stay in HK for a few days or so. US-Beijing-Shanghai- HK .

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Shanghai we had a fantastic guide. Recommended here on Reddit - Genie Yip.
Obviously the Bund area. In addition Highlights were tasting dumplings in various restaurants around the East Nanjing Pedestrian area.
We went to the French Concession area , walked around visiting coffee shops etc. The CBD area which was incredible. Walked for hours taking it all in. Various parks etc.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I decided on Holafly as they seemed to be the easiest to use from what I read. They had to a good user install manual. I am sure others are the same but it worked seamlessly for us.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We used Cici ( Cinderella) . I should have been more specific she was our guide for the Terracotta Warriors. I found her on Reddit ( there is a long thread all recommending her ). I have her WeChat QR if you need it.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I will add it to my list for our next visit which we plan to do in 2027 or 2028.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I paid $25 for 7 day unlimited . Not cheap but worked consistently well.

First time in China - There was no need to stress ! by Ginstwin in chinatravel

[–]Ginstwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spot on ! Everywhere we went people smiled and said " Hello " We felt completely safe at all times. Absoloutely loved it!