Price comparison: A filet mignon dinner

If you are an expatriate or a business traveler in Asia, having at least one business meal where filet mignon is on the menu is inevitable. Hence, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for eight-ounce (200 gram) filet mignon dinners at steak houses around Asia. The survey gives a good idea of just how much that next business meal in a traditional steakhouse will set you back for (however, drinks are not included in the survey). 

Price Comparison*

Shanghai	294 Yuan	US$42.97
Hong Kong	HK$252	US$32.69
Singapore	S$47	US$32.37
Seoul	39,747 Won	US$30.71
Jakarta	283,333 Rupiah	US$27.89
Manila	1,050 Pesos	US$21.76
Kuala Lumpur	59 Ringgit	US$16.35

*Prices include taxes and are based upon a survey of centrally located restaurants. US$ prices are based upon exchange rates as of July 15, 2009.

Short-term visa options for Malaysia

For business travelers coming to Malaysia, a visa may or may not be required depending upon your nationality. However, should you be needing a visa, there are three types of visas issued by Malaysia to foreign nationals and these visas include:

• A Single Entry Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are visiting Malaysia either for social or business reasons. This visa is normally valid for a period of three months from the date of issue.
• A Multiple Entry Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are visiting Malaysia for business or government related matters. This visa is normally valid for a period within three to twelve months from the date of issue.
• A Transit Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are entering Malaysia on transit. However, a foreign national who does not leave the airport premises and is continuing their journey on the same flight do not require transit visa.

Generally speaking, an entry visa requires the following documents:

• Passport
• Form IM.47 (Three copies) or other relevant forms.
• Three passport sized photographs
• Return or onward journey ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds

Visa applications should be made to the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate abroad or to the nearest British High Commission or Embassy in countries where Malaysia does not have a mission.

For the most up-to-date information about Malaysian Visas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage contains a section with visa information while the Immigration Department’s homepage has a section entitled Entry Requirements into Malaysia.

Price comparison: Having a manicure in Asia

In case you are a business traveler or an expatriate who will be needing a manicure at a local day spa in Asia, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of manicure prices at day spas in various cities around the region. Of course, it is important to remember that such price surveys serve only as a guide as a manicure at a high-end spa located in a luxury hotel or serviced apartment may cost considerably more while a manicure at a day spa frequented by local residents and even local expatriates may cost significantly less.

Price Comparison*

Tokyo	5,272 Yen	US$54.53
Singapore	S$46	US$31.85
Shanghai	142 Yuan	US$20.78
Hong Kong	HK$160	US$20.65
Kuala Lumpur	59 Ringgit	US$16.79
Bangkok	500 Baht	US$14.65
Seoul	17,375 Won	US$13.83
Jakarta	90,000 Rupiah	US$8.84
Manila	183 Pesos	US$3.80

*Prices are based upon a survey of local day spas while US$ prices are based upon exchange rates as of June 17, 2009

Cathay Pacific Business Class video

In case you are wondering what it is like to fly Business Class on Cathay Pacific for a flight within the region, a passenger has made a short video which was then posted on Youtube.com. In the video, the passenger shows not only the menu but close-up shots of each item on it along with pictures of the seat and the inside the cabin. Definitely a change from the traditional airline promotional video!

Short-term visas for Japan

A short-term visa will be needed for business travelers coming to Japan to engage in business activities such as market surveys, business liaison, business talks, contract signings and after-sale services for machinery imported into the country. For such travelers, there are two choices for short-term visas: a temporary visa or a transit visa. Either visa is good for a visit of up to 90 days; however, neither visa can be used to engage in a profit-making operation or paid activities or paid work. In addition, US citizens and citizens of other countries with reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan may be eligible to visit without having to obtain a visa while visitors from certain countries are exempted from visa fees. Otherwise, the standard fee for a single-entry visa is US$29.

However, should you be needing a short-term visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. A completed application form.
2. Valid passport.
3. One 1.7 inch square photograph taken within the previous six months of application.

In addition, an applicant must prove that they are properly classified as a temporary visitor by providing further evidence that may include:

1. Arrangements to depart Japan such as an airline ticket (original and one photocopy) or confirmation of a travel plan from travel agency or airline company.
2. Arrangements to cover the cost of the trip such as a personal bank statement, a pay stub or  a letter or an invitation from a business firm that indicates their intent to defray travel costs.
3. A letter stating the purpose of the trip from a business firm, travel agency or another source that indicates the intended length of stay, itinerary and the name and address of a business reference in Japan.

For the most up-to-date information regarding visas for Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage has a section containing extensive information including necessary forms and an FAQ section.

Travel Advisory: Bangkok airport duty free scam

The BBC and the Times are reporting new allegations about passengers being detained every month in the duty free area of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport on suspicion of shoplifting, and then held by the police until large sums of money are paid to a middleman to buy their freedom. This time, two British IT experts were targeted but other recent targets have included two Danish nationals and an Irish scientist and her husband and one year old son.

Apparently, all were victims of a classic Thai scam called the "zig-zag” and the scheme has targeted Asians for some time already. In fact, a letter back in April to The Nation reported that an Indian national was recently a victim of such a scheme. However, it now appears that westerners are also being targeted.

Hence, the British Embassy has issued a warning to passengers at the Bangkok Airport to take care in not moving items around in duty free shops before paying for them as this could result in arrest. Moreover, other variations of the scheme include someone telling a group of travelers to place all duty free items in one bag or that its ok not to declare duty free items. Customs will then pounce on the traveler when they reach arrivals.

However, it should be noted that millions of travelers pass through the Bangkok Airport every year without incident but nevertheless, business travelers should take note and take basic precautions in light of the incidents being reported above.

Price comparison: Playing at a public tennis court in Asia

In case you are a business traveler or an expatriate who is also a tennis player but will be staying at a hotel or a serviced apartment in Asia where there are no tennis courts, playing at a public tennis court may be an option. Hence, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for playing at a public tennis court for one hour. Of course, it is important to remember that such price surveys serve only as a guide. A truly avid tennis player may wish to stay at an accommodation that comes with tennis courts but should also bear in mind that such accommodations may be difficult to find in many of Asia’s more densely populated cities such as Tokyo. Hence, another option would be to find an accommodation in a neighborhood with parks that have public tennis courts.

Price Comparison*

Shanghai	88 Yuan	US$12.80
Tokyo	1,133 Yen	US$11.89
Seoul	9,567 Won	US$7.45
Jakarta	61,667 Rupiah	US$5.98
Bangkok	200 Baht	US$5.86
Hong Kong	HK$45	US$5.85
Singapore	S$8	US$5.15
Manila	163 Pesos	US$3.39
Kuala Lumpur	10 Ringgit	US$2.82

*Prices are based upon a survey of public tennis courts and are per hour while US$ prices are based upon exchange rates as of June 24, 2009.

Korean short-term business visas

Business travelers coming to South Korea for short-term work or business purposes must obtain a 90 day C-2 Short-Term Business Visa. In fact, the C-2 visa can also be used as a substitute in the event that you do not qualify for a long-term working visa. However, under these circumstances, you will need to leave the country every 90 days or else face a substantial fine. Hence, a good number of foreigners who are either working in or engaged in medium or even long-term business activities in the country will simply hop on a plane to Japan, stay there for a day or two and re-apply for another 90 day C-2 visa at the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate.

The documents required for the C-2 Short-Term Business Visa are fairly straight forward and the actual form can be downloaded from the website of the Korean Consulate General in New York City. These documents include:

1. A passport.
2. A completed visa application form.
3. A photo(2"×2" size, taken within the last 6 months).
4. Documents confirming trade or business relationship with a Korean counterpart (inviter).
5. Documents that confirm a trade or a business relationship with a Korean counterpart may include an invitation letter, an export license or contract, a letter of intent for business cooperation or partnership or similar documents.
6. Documents to prove the identity of the Korean counterpart and this documentation may include a copy (certificate) of business registration, an attested copy of corporation registry, a certificate of tax payment or similar official documents.
7. Other documentation required includes documents or letters that prove the status of the applicant in a company and information about the current activity of the company.

In addition, the following visa fees are required to be submitted with the application:

• US citizens: US$45
• Non-US citizens: $30(Single Entry/staying less than 90 days), $50(Single Entry/staying more than 90 days) and $80(Multiple Entries)

For the most up-to-date information regarding the C-2 Short-Term Business Visa or any other Korean visa, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade homepage, KoreaLaw.com, the e-Government for Foreigners homepage or the Official Korean Tourism Guide homepage.

Singapore Airlines cabin upgrades

Anyone who has ever flown on Singapore Airlines knows why the airline is considered to be one of the best in the world in terms of comfort and service. However starting this month, the airline is refurbishing the cabins of its Boeing 777-300 fleet (although this does not include its 777-300ERs).

First class will be upgraded to the standard of the current Boeing 777-300ER and will include eight rather than eighteen seats. These seats will be 35 inches wide and can convert to a full-flat bed. In addition, the seats will feature a 23 inch IFE screen. 

Meanwhile, Business class will have the same seats as the airlines new A330 fleet and will include an improved version of the original inclined lie-flat seats. In addition, these seats will each feature a 14.4 inch IFE screen.

The first retrofitted aircraft will operate the Singapore-Sydney route (SQ 231/232) starting on July 22nd and the new cabin configuration will gradually be deployed on other flights from October to December. These include flights to Dubai (SQ 494/495), Istanbul (via Dubai) (SQ 490/491), Riyadh (via Dubai) (SQ 454/453), Shanghai (SQ 830/833 and SQ 836/825) and Sydney (SQ 219/220).

Hence, there is no better reason to choose Singapore Airlines for your next business trip.

Price comparison: Baby-sitter services in Asia

In case you are a business traveler or an expatriate who will be bringing small children with you on your next trip to Asia and will require the services of a baby-sitter, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for baby-sitter services at central located luxury hotels around the region. The survey should serve as a rough guide as it is important to remember that any services provided by a luxury hotel or a serviced apartment will tend to be much higher than what might be obtained privately. However, if you are staying in a hotel or a service apartment that offers such services, you can be assured that your child or children are in good hands and hence, pricing should really be considered an after thought.

Price Comparison*

Tokyo	3,892 Yen	US$41.11
Hong Kong	HK$206	US$26.55
Singapore	S$26	US$17.96
Seoul	15,525 Won	US$12.15
Jakarta	91,667 Rupiah	US$8.91
Bangkok	300 Baht	US$8.76
Manila	233 Pesos	US$4.82
Kuala Lumpur	15 Ringgit	US$4.21

*Prices are based upon a survey of baby-sitter services at luxury hotels and are per hour while US$ prices are based upon exchange rates as of July 8, 2009.

Terminal guide for the Hong Kong International Airport

Youtube has a short video guide uploaded about arriving at Terminal 1 at the Hong Kong International Airport. The video uses an airport diagram to show where arriving passengers need to go if they have another flight to catch or if Hong Kong is their ultimate destination and hence, will be needing to clear immigration and customs. Since the layout of Terminal 1 is fairly straight forward, arriving passengers should not have any problems finding out where they need to go. Nevertheless, watching this video prior to arrival will certainly be a help to any traveler who expects to be in a hurry when passing through the airport. 

Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward: In the heart of the City

In densely populated Tokyo, Chiyoda (千代田区) is unique among the city’s 23 special wards as it is the least populated one and yet, it is at the center of Toyko and contains a significant amount of open space. The reason for this is the fact that the Imperial Palace complex occupies the central area of the ward along with many government institutions such as the Prime Minister’s residence, the Diet, the Supreme Court and fifteen embassies. Other important landmarks in the area include the Yasukuni Shrine, the Nippon Budokan (a popular rock concert venue) and Tokyo Station – one of the busiest train stations in Japan and the starting point or terminus of many of Japan’s high speed bullet trains. In addition, the area also contains Hibiya Park – a popular venue for open-air concerts that is also known for its tennis courts.

Chiyoda also contains a number of residential neighborhoods (a number of which are considered to be upper class) and commercial districts. Among these neighborhoods and commercial districts is Marunouchi, which also happens to be located next to the Tokyo Station just opposite of the Ginza district and was recently profiled in a New York Tines article as an up and coming district worth exploring. Other areas worth mentioning include Uchisaiwaichō which is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel and a number of bank headquarters and Ōtemachi, also home to a number of Japanese financial institutions.

For business travelers and expatriates seeking long term accommodations in the area, Bureau Kioicho offers studio apartment type accommodations and is only a few minutes walk from several subway station. It also happens to be near the Imperial Palace grounds – a great location for early morning or evening jogs.

So if you need a centrally located neighborhood to call home that also has the added benefit of open space, a rare commodity in densely populated Tokyo, look no further than Chiyoda.

Singapore Airlines Economy Class promotional video

Singapore Airlines has a well earned reputation for comfort in the air – especially its business, first or suites classes. However, given the state of the global economy and corporate cost cutting, some business travelers may find it hard to justify flying business or first class these days. Nevertheless, a short Singapore Airlines promotional video uploaded onto Youtube shows that flying new economy class on Singapore Airlines is NOT the equivalent of taking coach (aka steerage) on another airline. According to the video, passengers have “your own space created around you” as all new economy class seats are equipped with USB data ports so that passengers can do work as they fly or they can choose from a variety of 3D games and movies from their own personal entertainment systems that are equipped with 10 inch screens.

So don’t worry if you cannot justify flying business or first class on your next Singapore Airlines flight as their new economy class will still get you to and from your destination in comfort and style.

Shanghai’s Globus Wine Cellar

Traditionally, business travelers and expatriates who were wine lovers and either visiting or based in Shanghai and for that matter, China in general, have had few venues to enjoy excellent wines. However, this is beginning to change and increasingly wine bars have started to appear in cosmopolitan cities like Shanghai to cater to status conscious local Chinese and foreign expatriates alike.

Among the new wine bar offerings is the Globus Wine Cellar. Founded in 2006 by a Russian financier and his wife who sought to create a venue for Shanghai wine lovers, Globus is a European focused wine bar that imports over 200 different wines from more than 30 top boutique wineries around the world - including ones in California, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The owners choose to seek out wineries known for small production quantities of wines that have exceptional quality and a unique character. In fact, they personally visited many of these wineries to hand select the bottles on offer in their shop. In addition, Globus also offers wine education classes and ensures that all of their employees are trained experts on wines.

The Globus Wine Cellar is located at 376 Wukang Lu inside Ferguson Lane (phone: +86 21 6466 8969). In addition, Globus has also recently opened an offshoot shop called Globus Loft (phone: +86 21 5466 1575) at 283 Jianguo Xi Lu, Building 5 near Xiangyang Lu just south of the French Concession neighborhood and a third location (phone: +86 21 6501 5315) in the new 1933 art/restaurant complex at 10 Shajing Lu near the Jiulong Hotel.

Hence, there are now three fewer reasons for business travelers and expatriates in Shanghai to say that they have no place to enjoy excellent wines.

The Asia Jet Card: The ultimate time saver for high-flying executives

For busy high-flying corporate deal makers, business travelers and expatriates, commercial flying can be a real hassle. After all, even flying business or first class on commercial flights may involve extended check-ins, lost luggage, unnecessary connections and of course unexpected delays. In fact, there is a 20% to 25% chance that every commercial passenger flight will either be delayed or cancelled.

Hence, Hong Kong based private aviation service company Asia Jet along with fleet operator Metrojet have teamed up to offer the Asia Jet Card - a program that gives card holders access to a fleet of five gulfstream jets with as little as 12 hours of notice. Three prepayment programs are priced at US$100,000, US$250,000 or US$500,000 while flight time is charged at a fixed hourly rate of US$5,900 plus handling fees which are usually around US$2,000 per hour. To arrange a flight, card holders simply contact Asia Jet and they will then email an all-inclusive quote with expected flight times.

According to the company, the benefits of the program is that they can create a profile of what a particular client likes and dislikes and hence, offer more personalized service over other traditional chartering services or commercial passenger options. More importantly, their service can save as much as several hours over a trip involving commercial passenger airline travel and they are better able to serve more remoter and non standard destinations. Thus and although roughly 65% of the firm’s business is in Southeast Asia, Asia Jet expects significant growth in servicing large second tier Chinese cities that are poorly served by commercial passenger carriers. Moreover, their service is less expensive than owning and maintaining a private corporate jet.

So if you and other executives at your firm need to quickly move about the region without the hassles of dealing with commercial passenger aviation but still need an affordable option over owning and maintaining a corporate jet, consider looking into becoming an Asia Jet Card member.

Central Kuala Lumpur: A true golden triangle

Central Kuala Lumpur includes the old City Centre area where the former colonial administrative center center was based along with Chinatown and an area to the Northeast of this known as the Golden Triangle where many of the city’s shopping malls, office complexes, and entertainment spots are located. Here you will find the major shopping district of Bukit Bintang which contains half a dozen malls along with the shopping streets of Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Sultan Ismail. In addition, the Suria KLCC located just below the Petronas Towers offers upscale shopping and plenty of restaurant options while the Asian Heritage Row offers both restaurant and nightlife options. The entire Golden Triangle and City Centre area is easily accessible via monorail, LRT and the North-South Expressway to the rest of KL and to the airport.

For business travelers and expatriates coming to KL who need accommodations, the Golden Triangle area offers a wide selection of serviced apartment offerings including the Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences, Ascott Kuala Lumpur, The Nomad Sucasa All Suite Hotel, Citrus Hotel, Lanson Place Ambassador Row and The Maple Suite. In addition, business travelers and expatriates will find the serviced office offerings in the Golden Triangle area to include offerings in many of KL’s most prestigious office addresses including the Menara IMC, Menara Citibank Building, Megan Avenue 1, Central Plaza, Petronas Towers, Menara Rohas Perkasa and Menara Standard Chartered.

Thus, if you want to live and work in the golden heart of KL, look no further the Golden Triangle area in the middle of the city.

Video guide to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Youtube has an excellent video guide uploaded about the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The guide was created by Malaysian Airlines and naturally contains plenty of positive spin for the airline (not that Malaysian Airlines needs any spin!) while commentary is provided by Asha Gill - a well known Malaysian TV host, model and film director/producer. In the video, Asha takes you through the entire airport from arrival in the satellite terminal to a visit to the Malaysian Airlines business class lounge, duty free shopping, a ride on the skytrain to the main terminal, baggage collection and finally getting a train into the city. The last two minutes of the video shows some of the sights to be seen around Malaysia and of course the shopping opportunities that await visitors to KL.

So if you plan on visiting Malaysia any time soon and will pass through Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the video is well worth a quick viewing.