General Info

[Wadman]

Hmm... using this logic you (and the rest of us) should stay out of CP, CA, Shenzhen, and everywhere else for mongering. Because officially, prostitution is illegal in China. But we all still go. Why? Because we deem the risk acceptable.

Wadman and you've pointed out the "loophole" in the whole system - but legally speaking and without using the loopholes etc - a doctor/hospital in China is I BELIEVE, required to report to the authorities any foreign national diagnosed to be harboring an STD.
A person can do ANYTHING ANYWHERE (if not caught) - the thing to remember though, is if such action is strictly legal or not.

SEAJ

[Crazy Jim Wood]

Heard rumor U.S. passports being declined the one year multy visa, In the states as of 8 days ago, `hope not.
I’m good till August with this one, gonna wait till then to know what / how my next visa will be.

I got a one year, multi-entry visa in my US passport at the end of May, so it is possible.

[Hainanien]

L visa May 2nd in HK, got the 90 day doubly 30 day entry L or tourist visa. $1600HK for U. S. passport

Just made a trip to Hong Kong, Kawloon, went & got new visa, talked with a gent with a British passport & he paid 1250 for the same visa.
There was a $100hk fee for dummy plane ticket & hotel reservations, included in the 1600, have heard some HK agents don’t charge the 100 extra.
My place says if in by 11am, can pick up next day 12:30 – 1:00 (I did). In before 3pm can get the next day tween 5 & 6.
I only gave my passport & one photo, they did the rest, dang near positive it’s a legit visa as I just passed through Luohu a few hours ago.
My last visa was a Dragon 6 month multi entry F visa I obtained in Shanghai, didn’t seem to matter as the only question the girl asked me was `1 or 2 entry?”

My heart sank when the currier handed the agent 5 or 6 passports saying “one got declined”… not sure the story, I shoulda asked but was in a rush to get the 1:15 ferry back to Shekou, which I missed.

I’ve heard first hand of 3 different agents getting the 90 day tourist visa good for 2-30 day entries for U.S. & British, looks like many of the usual travel / visa agents Can get for the top 7 or 8 countries.

In the travel office was a sign listing countries they Can’t get the visa for, long list that excluded any of the top countries, too many for me to remember. I have a couple HK agent numbers if someone needs, PM me.

Departing in Shekou yesterday, at the ferry port, they scanned my lightly packed bag, along with Everything people were carrying. I had a bundle of pink notes in mine, they pulled me out of line, looked in my bag & asked `how much? Then they said Only 20,000 RMB was allowed each time out leaving China, but, they’ll let me through with my 30k, but next time I need to be careful to pay attention & let they me through.
A Normal uneventful entry back through Luohu at 2pm today, seemed quiet though.

Heard rumor U.S. passports being declined the one year multy visa, In the states as of 8 days ago, `hope not.
I’m good till August with this one, gonna wait till then to know what / how my next visa will be.

[Ace of Spades]

As far as I know, hospitals won't ask for any ID. The practice might be different in larger cities, but I am located near Guangzhou about 30 mins away. Hospitals record very little information, you can even use a false name, no one will check.

Basically, you walk into the registration area in any hospital, tell the clerk which department you will visit, e.g, dermatology, fill out a form, pay 2 or 3 RMB (sometimes higher) for registration this will also cover the consulation with the doctor. The clerk gives a receipt, a hospital card for future use, a prescription form and a record book. Proceed to relevant department.

I am not sure about HIV/AIDS testing in China, but my feeling is that ID might be required and the Public Security Bureau may get a copy of the results, especially if positive.

[SE Asia Joe]

SEA JOE,
I have been living in China for nearly 5 years now and I can tell you that everyday of those 5 years I have always carried my 3 inch bladed Benchmade knife (the folding type). I have entered many clubs with metal detectors (what a joke) and never been challenged to give it up by security. I have checked the knife, to board planes, in my luggage and have never have had a problem.
Now as to the law, I am sure the Chinese will translate the law in any fashion that seems useful at the time they so desire to take an edged weapon away from anyone.
I think the real problem starts when folks are carrying around fixed blades, the ones that dont fold, longer more durable knives. As long as you dont strap one of those chopper looking things to your side, your probably not going to draw much attention to yourself with a SMALL folder or automatic, something that is primarily used as a tool for opening packages, cleaning under fingernails, cutting cord/rope, freeing yourself or others from a seatbelt.
Hope this helps

Thanks for your input.
Yes, I can see where a 3" foldable knife - or those like the Swiss Army type would not be too much of a problem - those are even fine to carry around in Hong Kong.

But what I saw him carrying was one of those real mean looking flick knife with the automatic release, 6" long real pointy blade, Rambo type ridges on one side and real sharp on the other that can/fashioned to definitely cause some serious bodily harm. In other words a SERIOUS injury/fighting type knife.

Just curious actually

SEAJ

[Wadman]

Well, for a proper blood test you DO need to submit ID. This is a different procedure and only certain hospitals are qualified to do these. The one STD China really cares about is AIDS. So, if you do blood test, and it turns up positive for AIDS, they will kick you out (so I have heard).

For Gonnorhea, Chlamidya, etc, I don't think they could care less.

Wadman and you've pointed out the "loophole" in the whole system - but legally speaking and without using the loopholes etc - a doctor/hospital in China is I BELIEVE, required to report to the authorities any foreign national diagnosed to be harboring an STD.
A person can do ANYTHING ANYWHERE (if not caught) - the thing to remember though, is if such action is strictly legal or not.

SEAJ

[Batman]

SEA JOE,
I have been living in China for nearly 5 years now and I can tell you that everyday of those 5 years I have always carried my 3 inch bladed Benchmade knife (the folding type). I have entered many clubs with metal detectors (what a joke) and never been challenged to give it up by security. I have checked the knife, to board planes, in my luggage and have never have had a problem.
Now as to the law, I am sure the Chinese will translate the law in any fashion that seems useful at the time they so desire to take an edged weapon away from anyone.
I think the real problem starts when folks are carrying around fixed blades, the ones that dont fold, longer more durable knives. As long as you dont strap one of those chopper looking things to your side, your probably not going to draw much attention to yourself with a SMALL folder or automatic, something that is primarily used as a tool for opening packages, cleaning under fingernails, cutting cord/rope, freeing yourself or others from a seatbelt.
Hope this helps

[SE Asia Joe]

I have to agree on this one,,I have never had to show ID for any visits to hospitals in China,,and I have been many many times (kids are sick all the time,,)

As long as you have those pieces of red paper with Maos face on it for the bill you are OK. No need for ID at all.

Give a fake name if you are worried about it, and get the number of the doctor so you can just call for the results.

Wadman and you've pointed out the "loophole" in the whole system - but legally speaking and without using the loopholes etc - a doctor/hospital in China is I BELIEVE, required to report to the authorities any foreign national diagnosed to be harboring an STD.
A person can do ANYTHING ANYWHERE (if not caught) - the thing to remember though, is if such action is strictly legal or not.

SEAJ

[SE Asia Joe]

Was with a fellow monger who was carrying quite openly/quite easy to see/ sticking out of his pocket a 6" Switch blade - one of those that when you press a button, the blade would flick out. Reason he carries it he tells me is to drive off beggars and to possibly use if he gets into any 'situations' in china.

Now I know that I wouldn't cary one myself as I would be deathly afraid of not being able to use it properly and that instad it would be used against me!!

But am wondering - is such a flick knife legal to carry around in China?

I KNOW that its is definitely NOT legal to do so in Hong Kong and that one will get into some real deep trouble if caught with one here.
SEAJ.

ps. Please no RTFF retorts!! Or telling me that its got nuthin' to do with mongering - this is the General Info thread!!

[Kunshan]

I have to agree on this one,,I have never had to show ID for any visits to hospitals in China,,and I have been many many times (kids are sick all the time,,)

As long as you have those pieces of red paper with Maos face on it for the bill you are OK. No need for ID at all.

Give a fake name if you are worried about it, and get the number of the doctor so you can just call for the results.

[Wadman]

Well, depends. If you are a laowai, it's obvious you are not local. If you are a ABC, they don't even ask for ID in hospitals. So couldn't report you if they wanted to.

Also, if you think it might be some form of STD, I would suggest going out of country, HK/Macau, or know a doc you can trust. I have heard that doctors are required to report to the government, people with STD's...this would not be good for a foreigner. Anyone else ever heard this?

[SE Asia Joe]

Chances are you got a heat rash, if the rash itself is limited to crotch area.

For an accurate diagnosis go to any large hospital, get a blood test (they will prick your finger) and looked at by a doctor (dermatology department) to rule out any problems. If it does turn out you got an STD, your divorced lady friend and other partners should all get promptly tested and treated. Sometimes ladies show no symptoms

Definitely go and get yourself checked out as there ARE a great variety of STD's and other nasties. But as per CPE, I'd go to a doctor/hospital outside of China as yes, I do believe that they will report you to the authorities if you are found to be infected with an STD.
Meanwhile, please also know that there ARE occassions when the extra high humidity in many parts of China give rise to various fungal infection/jock itch/allergies. This being so, as my first "line of defense" I pick up (for a few Bahts in Thailand) and regularly use "Snake Brand" Prickly Heat powder manufactured by British Dispensary - which lots of Thai guys use. This powder is also available in some of those Thai food shops in Hong Kong. Otherwise, there are also local PRC brands/manfuacture that you should be able to get in China.
SEAJ

/////This is on today's South China Morning Post///
COUNTDOWN TO THE OLYMPICS
Reuters in Beijing
Jun 03, 2008
The organisers of the Beijing Olympics yesterday reminded foreigners to behave, warning them that everything from protesting without permission to sleeping outdoors was forbidden. They also said holders of Olympics tickets were not guaranteed visas.
The extensive list, written only in Chinese and put up on the organisers' official website (www.Beijing2008.cn), says entry will be denied to anyone intent on "subversion", those with mental illnesses and sexually transmitted diseases, and people who wish to engage in prostitution. "Foreigners should respect Chinese laws while in China and should not harm China's national security or damage social order," it says.

The reminder warns the 500,000 overseas visitors who are expected to come to Beijing in August that China is still a country with many off-limits areas and beholden to bureaucracy and public-security organs.

"Not all of China is currently open to foreigners, and if foreigners do not have permission they should not go into areas not opened," it reads.

"Foreigners should carry with them relevant documents. The police, in the course of doing their job, have the right to check foreigners' passports and other documents," the reminder says, adding that foreigners should register with the police upon arrival.

The government has denied keeping a blacklist of what it considers potentially troublemaking journalists, but is eager to avoid activists from human-rights or pro-Tibet groups staging protests at the Games, hence the tougher visa controls.

"Foreign spectators will not necessarily automatically get visas just because they have bought Olympic tickets, and still need to apply for visas in accordance with the rules at Chinese embassies," the list says.

The reminder also outlines six activities that are illegal at cultural or sporting events. These include waving "insulting banners", attacking referees or players, and smoking or lighting fireworks in venues.

And you can forget about sleeping outdoors to save a bit of money.

It is not allowed, to "maintain public hygiene and the cultured image of cities".

[Old Mean Dog]

Hmmm, I just got something that I've never seen before. Some light bumps over my crotch area, slightly itchy, no pain. Just enough to be irritating. Told the divorced woman that I'm currently seeing and she immediately brought me some cream and pills to take twice a day. It seems that her ex-husband has also visited the ladies as well. She is amazingly okay with this. I say this since I haven't taken it that far with her. She just wanted to see and tells me thanks for being honest with her and once I recover, she will blow my mind. This is I'm what talking about the good and bad of China. This would never happen in the US. She understands and is waiting for me to get better. Go figure!

Anybody have any idea what this is?

I'm gonna guess Crabs! Second choice will be Crotch Rot!

Seriously, go see a doctor.

Also, if you think it might be some form of STD, I would suggest going out of country, HK/Macau, or know a doc you can trust. I have heard that doctors are required to report to the government, people with STD's...this would not be good for a foreigner. Anyone else ever heard this?

[Ace of Spades]

Chances are you got a heat rash, if the rash itself is limited to crotch area.

For an accurate diagnosis go to any large hospital, get a blood test (they will prick your finger) and looked at by a doctor (dermatology department) to rule out any problems. If it does turn out you got an STD, your divorced lady friend and other partners should all get promptly tested and treated. Sometimes ladies show no symptoms

[Santa]

Some light bumps over my crotch area, slightly itchy, no pain.

Anybody have any idea what this is?

I sometimes get very light and slightly itchy bumps between my fingers, and it only seems to happen when in China.

Is it possibly an allergic reaction to soap residue?