Hello all,

I have a "generous" tourist visa of 1 year, multiple entry, up to 90 days duration of each stay. Can I use this visa to rent a apartment and stay in Shanghai for 9-12 months? I plan to exit/enter China much more frequently than 90 days anyway. I will not be working in China, at least for the time being.

How practical (and legal) would that be?

Will I have any problems with the real estate agent?

Also, what about health care access? Can I have the electricity and cable/ADSL bill in my name? Can I get a secured credit card from a Chinese bank? In other words, all the other things that one has to take care of after getting an apartment :)

btw, I just found this forum, VERY useful!

Thank you!

Renting should be no problem, it is legal. As long as the agent get their commission they are happy.

The bills will probably be in the landlord's name but they will still be sent to the apartment you will be renting.

nothing wrong with that at all. The only thing you'd face is having to re-register at the local cop shop every time you re-enter the PRC, with your copy lease, landlord ID, land certificate, passport etc etc. Takes a few moments but painless. If you're going to be coming in and out frequently, then this might become tedious.

No bank or utility company has ever asked to see my visa or RP. They just need a copy of your passport back page to prove who you are. The only thing that rules is money in these respects. It may be different if you want a contract mobile phone, a loan etc

thank you both very much!

Shangstar I do have to register with the gong an? even with just an L visa?

yes, all foreigners in China need to register their residence with the local Police within 24 hours of arrival (though a few days late is normally ok). In hotels, this is done at reception by computer (they give you the pink slip which confirms Police registration). There is a risk of fines if you don't do it. Also, if you wanted to extend your L visa in the mainland, they would need a copy of your Police registration form.

Basically, if you are on any kind of visa (as opposed to a residence permit), you need to register, within 24 hours of arrival, at the Police when you enter and re-enter the PRC with the documents I mentioned including a copy of your latest entry stamp. With a residence permit, you only need to register once when the permit is issued.

Dont worry though, it's a very straight forward process. When I had to do it, I scanned all my relevant docs on my PC into one file, and just pressed print every time I re-entered the PRC and copied the latest entry stamp before trundling off to the station. Reigstration takes about 15 minutes. Not long and no questions asked, you just fill in a form. It only takes 15 minutes because the guy has to type in everything on your form on to his computer. To be honest, if you're coming and going frequently, the local cop may get to know you and may dispense with the need for certain docs if they're the same as before. But you must still register.

Thank you Shangstar, and thanks for the scanning tip.

When the time comes I'll ask you whether I'm better off renewing my visa in NYC or doing it in the PRC...it seems the NYC consulate has been very nice to me