One place that could surely use a technology upgrade is the Chinese Consulate in New York City. With the Olympics in Beijing fast approaching, the line of people applying for visas snakes out the door and halfway down the block on Manhattan's W. 42nd Street.
Recent rules changes for visa applications have caused considerable delays at the Consulate. New regulations as of early May 2008 call for proof of the following, among others for a tourist visa: an air ticket, hotel reservation, vacation approval and even the latest banking statement.
Trouble is that this information has not been communicated very well to applicants. There's no mention of these new requirements on the Chinese consulate's website, although the visa application form can be conveniently downloaded. And at the Consulate, security officials aren't clued into any news about changes in documents -- though signs are posted about the increase in price to $130 for just a single-time entry.
It isn't until Olympic tourists reach the window for processing visas that they find out the bad news. Here, a handy checklist of required items is distributed by a clerk to anyone patient enough to get to this spot. Most people dutifully accept that if they really want to go to China, they will have to collect the necessary info and stand in line again. The line begins forming at 8AM, by the way, and doors open at 9AM. There's also a lunch-hour break at noon, so don't go then.
With just about every transaction now transformed from paper to online, now is the time for China to demonstrate to the world its technological capabilities by simplifying this process electronically. With so many individuals cued up wanting to go to China this August for the Games, what better way for the Mainland to showcase that it's not only emerging as a world economic power but also a tech power globally.
No doubt first-time visitors to China will be amazed by Beijing's new international airport, which makes most terminals at JFK look ancient while it echoes China's traditions with its dragon-like form and red Chinese colors. Not everything is so modern though. Go to my website, www.rebeccafannin.com, and click on blog to check out one very low-tech airport project photographed recently at the ladies bathroom.
Likewise, travelers to Beijing for the Olympics will surely be amazed by the new "people movers" at the airport that shuttle passengers from the gate to the main terminal. And they will be impressed by the new rapid-transit trains that travel from the airport in just 20 minutes -- a huge time saver over the hour-long journey by car. Yes, infrastructure works in China -- even if the makings do come from Canada and the U.K.
And, China definitely has an edge over most nations when it comes to the Internet and mobile communications. Passengers are greeted at the airport by China Mobile representatives selling SIM cards for making mobile phones work in China. These smiling reps will even set up your phone for you to make calls within China -- and the calls are cheap. So forget about paying for roaming charges with your mobile carrier abroad.
For those wondering what accommodations are like in Beijing, no worries here. The hotels with western brand names are quite nice, and the Internet access works seamlessly. There's high-speed broadband -- wireless at that. Charges are typically about $15 a day, but you can surf for free in the lobby.
Most hotels are already well-booked for the Olympics but those still yearning to go, here's a quick rundown of the finest places to stay. Travelers from America who want to feel right at home should check in at the Great Wall Sheraton for its international buffets, friendly service and the company of many U.S. tourists. The Swissotel can't be beat for location. Recently renovated with a spiffy executive lounge, the hotel is within walking distance of the station for the airport train. And while the air conditioning didn't work well here on a recent trip, the spa offers the most relaxing massages around.
What about new five-star luxury hotels? The recently opened Ritz-Carlton and Sofitel near the Eastern Third Ring Road offer the requisite club lounge with nearly all-day dining, luxurious health clubs, and comfortable, quiet rooms - all near transportation, shopping and restaurants. The only downfall is that the staff could use more training. With so many new hotels opening at once in the capital city, recruiting and training young staffers -- many of them from rural areas -- is a very challenging task for all hotel managers.
For all-around best, my nod goes to the Regent Beijing, with five stars on just about every imaginable service -- and, just a short walk from the Forbidden City and the main shopping street in the city. Try out the Regent's superb Italian restaurant too. Nearby is the Hyatt, one of the favored meeting points of westerners doing business in China -- with its Made In China restaurant and its oasis-like swimming pool just some of the reasons why.
On the West Side of the city, a new financial area has sprung up with banks, investment firms. Of the hotels in this rather life-less part of town, the Westin gets my approval and not only because of its delicious international buffet. Other more centrally located hotels popular with business travelers are the Shangri-La's Kerry Centre and its four-star option, Traders, and convention hotel, China World.
Plenty more hotels will be opened or renovated by the time the Olympics starts on August 8. The most upscale of the bunch is the St. Regis Beijing, in the heart of the diplomatic section.
Get your visa in hand, go, have fun and stay connected!