Cross-cultural, Daily Living, & Adjustment Issues

Hi Greg,

I was just wondering, I'm leaving on Tuesday for Chongqing arriving just before national day but I have been invited to go to Shanghai for a few days by some of my Chinese friends there. I was wondering if its possible to travel domestically during this time before my residents permit is placed in my passport, will I need to show my passport to get on a domestic flight in china? Ill ask my school about it before I leave but I don't know if they will be able to tell me this info so I thought I'd ask here.

Yes, you'll need your passport to fly domestically (Chinese nationals only need to show their ID cards). As long as you are flying within 30 days of arrival, it shouldn't matter that your passport doesn't contain the residency permit. You don't need a passport to travel domestically by bus or train.

Technically, you have 30 days from the date of your arrival in China to apply for the residency permit. Although the FAOs like to have them sent over as soon as possible, just as long as the local PSB receives your passport before the 30-day period expires, you should be alright.

Thanks for the reply, I talked to my school and they said it should be fine.

PS. I love QQ, makes talking to my contact at the school so easy.