I've been toying with the idea of bringing my Chinese penpal of 1+ years over for a week's visit. I don't really care about paying for it because its something I really want to do. By the way, it's my idea, not his--he doesn't even know I'm thinking of this yet so don't think he's trying to get a free trip to America out of me.
My question is, how would I go about getting the ticket to him? Would I have to wire the money or just get the ticket put in his name? Also, do websites like Expedia and Travelocity allow you to put a ticket in someone else's name (in this case, my penpal's) despite the fact that I'm paying for it and not him?
2007-12-30 09:57:02 · 6 answers · asked by hiei_luva14 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ China
This is really nice of you to do that for your friend. Before getting a ticket, your friend must have a valid passport. He must also obtain a US visa from the US Embassy or Consulate. If your friend is in Beijing, it is a lot easier. There are US consulates in Shenyang, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou. Check the website below for all the information. Once your friend has his passport and valid visa, you can purchase a ticket on line from www.elong.net, or you can simply wire him the money through Western Union and he could get the ticket from a local Chinese travel agency.
2007-12-30 15:17:22 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Phil 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can put tickets in other people's names from those websites. The most important thing to remember is China isn't like America they can't just decide to go somewhere, they have to be able to get visa which takes permission both from the US and China, it's tricky. And in all likelihood he doesn't have a passport, because it's so rare for them to travel internationally. I would buy the ticket online and get an e-ticket they can just pick it up at the airport rather than trying to have one sent to him.
2007-12-30 23:35:03 · answer #2 · answered by Megan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
#1 It is not so easy for your friend to leave China.
Don't send ticket. It will be cashed in.
I am not saying your friend is not loyal. But I have travelled many times all over China and it is difficult at time for chinese people to travel with me although they are IN China.
Don' t attempt. Sorry to be a party pooper but better than YOU loose cash you pay for a ticket.
It would be best for YOU to travel there.
2007-12-31 01:05:28 · answer #3 · answered by Southern Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best thing to do, would be book online with www.elong.com or www.ctrip.com , tell them you want to book it for your Friend, provide Name, Address and then pay via Pay pal or Western Union, they will deliver the ticket to your Friends House!
Happy New year from Shanghai, PR China
2007-12-30 22:26:26 · answer #4 · answered by fastenmen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this a surprise gift? Anyway, you should find out whether he is free or too busy to come first. If you have determined that it is ok, then find out if he has a passport. He needs to obtain a visa to get to US too.
2007-12-31 13:03:20 · answer #5 · answered by White Shooting Star of HK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ykphil knows his stuff, also it could take a few months for your chinese friend to get that visa... it would be easier, faster and cheaper for you go get a chinese visa and go there yourself. you would get a real experience out of it. it only takes 1 week for an american to get a visa to visit china.
2008-01-02 22:53:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋