Price comparison: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" for the XBOX 360 prices

Asia has gained some notoriety for offering rock bottom prices on software and video games – naturally ones that are counterfeit. However, should you NOT wish to break copyright law (it goes without mention the risk posed by counterfeit software and video games to your electronic devices) and you are planning to visit the region soon, purchasing legitimate software or video games may actually not only be a safer option, it may be an option that will still save you some money.

In fact, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" for the XBOX 360. The survey found that prices in Asia tended to be lower than prices in New York or in Europe especially. Hence, should you have children back home who are Harry Potter fans, perhaps you should consider purchasing the video game on your next business trip to Asia.

Price Comparison*

Frankfort	€69.99	US$100.31
Paris	€69.90	US$100.18
Rome	€65	US$93.15
Brussels	€64.96	US$93.10
London	40.69 Pounds	US$66.51
Seoul	78,500 Won	US$62.78
New York City	US$53.03	US$53.03
Kuala Lumpur	170 Ringgit	US$48.11
Hong Kong	HK$365	US$47.09
Manila	1,995 Pesos	US$40.84

* One EA video game (“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince") for the XBOX 360. Prices are based on foreign exchange rates as of August 26, 2009.

Shanghai’s Vino Venue: A unique wine tasting experience

If you are a business traveler or an expatriate in Shanghai who is also a wine lover, the Vino Venue offers a unique wine sampling experience. Unlike other wine bars or venues, Vino Venue takes a self service approach when it comes to wine sampling which it refers to as “wine by interaction.” Under this concept, patrons move from one metal wine dispenser station to another and have the option of choosing a half glass or a full glass from each after inserting a card into the dispenser. On offer are about 40 different wines ranging from reds to whites with prices for samples starting from 4 Yuan (50 cents) and after deciding on a sample, patrons can then move onto glasses with prices ranging from 80 Yuan (US$11.75) to 24 Yuan (US$11.75). At the end of the night, patrons then submit their cards to the cashier to discover just how much wine they have sampled.

Although sampling wine via a card operated dispenser for later payment may sound a tad bit tacky, the Vino Venue actually turns it into a fun and hip way to taste a variety of wines from around the world at your own leisurely pace. Moreover, the venue hosts wine and art related events that are geared towards expatriates and offers a number of wine related gift ideas.

The Vino Venue is located about 15 minutes by taxi from downtown Shanghai at 1970 Hongqiao Lu in the Hongqiao neighborhood. For more detailed directions, their website contains a simple map that includes Chinese characters or simply ring them at 21-6261-1995.

How to speed through airport security

Like it or not, longer lines at airport security checks is a fact of life in the post 9/11 world. However, airport security need not slow you down if you are well prepared for it in advance.

Hence, a recent article from ForbesTraveler.com entitled 10 Tips to Speed your Security Check along with an accompanied slideshow are well worth reading by any business traveler who does not want to experience unnecessary hassles and delays the next time they are at the airport. Although some of the tips are USA specific, many of the general tips mentioned are relevant to frequent travelers to and within the Asia Pacific region. These tips include:

• Emptying Your Pockets Early – Waiting in line is a good time to start emptying your pockets and placing the contents into your carryon bag or a handy shopping bag. After all, some of the contents in your pocket won’t be needed until after you have already landed at your destination.
• Pick the Right Time to Travel – Business travelers need to speed through security and hence, you will experience less hassles when traveling on a Monday or another work day than you will on the weekends when more infrequent travelers are traveling.
• Find the Fastest Checkpoints – Some airports have implemented multiline security programs where travelers are divided according to whether or not they are traveling with families or how frequently they travel. However, if you are in a real hurry, the line with the frequent travelers or the shortest line may not be your best option. Hence, ask an attendant which line is faster and consult either the airport website or the TSA website (if traveling from a USA airport).
• Checked-in Luggage – Some airports in the USA are requiring travelers to escort their checked baggage through additional security screening. Hence and if you are just on a short-term trip, pack everything into a carry-on bag.
• Appropriate Dress – A clean-cut business traveler will likely clear security faster than someone resembling a backpacker while conservative dress is probably the best option when visiting certain Asian countries in particular. In addition, wear coats and shoes that are both comfortable and easy to remove during security checks.
• Always be Friendly – Never give security personnel a reason to pull you aside and give you extra treatment by being unfriendly. This is especially important for Westerners visiting Asian countries as inadvertently offending someone or not being friendly could lead to more than just a delay at the security checkpoint.
• Boarding Passes and Passports – Always keep your important identification papers within easy reach and remember, while not all countries require visitors to have a passport valid for three to six months after an arrival date, a security official might – especially one having a bad day.
• Careful What You Pack – Always check with the airport, your airline or the relevant security agency website for the latest information as to what you can and cannot take on board an airplane. After all, just because you were able to take that 100 ml container of liquid on board your last flight does not mean you can take it with you the next time you fly. Moreover, security procedures may be more strict depending upon the airport you are in, the airline you are flying and your destination (like the USA).

Keeping the above useful tips in mind the next time you fly will allow you to speed through rather than be slowed down by airport security.

Thailand’s Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B” (Business Visa)

For foreigners visiting Thailand employment purposes, a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B”  (Business Visa) will likely be needed. Once a Non-Immigrant visa is granted, a foreigner can work in Thailand only after a work permit has been granted. Any foreigner who violates immigration law by taking up employment without a work permit or who violates Royal Decree B.E. 2522 (1979) which concerns the holding of employment in certain restricted professions or occupations, will face severe penalties if caught. Hence, it is strongly that foreigners moving to Thailand for employment purposes to consult with all relevant authorities before they leave.

To obtain the Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B” Business Visa, the following documents will be needed:

• Passport or travel document that is valid for at least 6 months.
• Completed visa application form.
• Recent passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past 6 months.
• Evidence of adequate finances - 20,000 Baht (US$588) per person and 40,000 Baht (US$1,176) per family.
• Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour. To obtain this, the prospective employer in Thailand must submit Form WP3 at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour (Phone:  02-2452745 or 02-2452745) or at the Provincial Employment Office in his or her respective province.
• Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and alien income tax or Por Ngor Dor 91 if applicable (in the cases where the applicant has previously worked in Thailand).
• Corporate documents of hiring company in Thailand. These documents may include:
  1) Business registration and business license.
  2) List of shareholders.
  3) Company profile.
  4) Details of business operation.
  5) List of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions.
  6) Map indicating the location of the company
  7) Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30 of the latest year).
  8) Value-added tax registration (Por Por 20).
• Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism businesses only) or documents that indicate export transactions issued by banks (for export businesses only).

Nationals of certain countries must apply for a visas only at Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulate-Generals in their home or residence country (The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contains a directory of links to Thai embassies and consulates around the world). However and given the (often sudden) changes in Thailand’s visa policies and their complexity, foreigners again are strongly advised to consult with their respective embassy in Thailand and with the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General before they make plans to visit Thailand for employment purposes.

The world's best alternative subway maps: Tokyo

Treehugger.com has created an interesting slide show entitled the World's Best Alternative Subway Maps and these included two slides showing various perspectives on the Tokyo subway system map – which easily turns into the world’s densest and most complex subway map that can easily confuse newcomers to the city. In the version done by Korean design studio Zero per Zero (which can also be viewed and purchased from their website), a more abstract approach was taken and the map is meant to be easier to use by tourists and newcomers to find their way around the city. In addition, the design is also meant to be a work of art as the center of the map is left somewhat open to show how subway lines circumvent the ground beneath the Imperial Palace with the subway lines running in a circle around the complex to evoke the national flag of Japan.

On the other hand, the Vollmer Design map (which is also available for purchase on their website) attempts to make the Tokyo subway map a little neater and simpler to understand. It also incorporates important geographic information like islands and parks in relation to each other and attempts to do away with information that confuses newcomers – such as referring to Tokyo Station as Tokyo which often leads some newcomers to believe the map is a regional train map rather than a city subway map.

Thus, if you are planning a visit to Tokyo and wish to not be lost in translation when it comes to using the city subway system, purchasing either of these maps before you go may be a very good idea.

Latest UBS survey on global prices and earnings

UBS has just released is Prices and Earnings report for 2009 and the results are a must read for any expatriate who will soon be relocating to the Asia-Pacific region. This comprehensive report, which is done every three years, is based upon a survey of prices for 122 goods and services plus apartment rentals, income, income taxes, working hours and vacation days for 14 different occupations in 73 major cities across the globe (This year, Asia-Pacific cities covered by the survey included Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Sydney, Auckland, Mumbai and Delhi.) Hence, the results give a good indication of purchasing power and standards of living for most major cities around the world.

Some of the findings (which will not surprise long-time residents or travelers to the Asia Pacific region) included the following:

• Clothing turned out to be cheapest in Kuala Lumpur and Manila with a complete women’s outfit (a two-piece suit, skirt, jacket, pantyhose and a pair of shoes) costing US$120 on average while a complete men’s outfit (suit, shirt, jacket/blazer, jeans, socks and pair of socks) costing US$205 on average. On the other hand, Tokyo topped out the entire list with a female outfit costing US$1,310 and a male one costing US$1,440.
• Tokyo also has the highest food prices among the 73 cities while Mumbai had the lowest. In fact, you can buy the UBS basket of food for close to US$150 in Mumbai and this same basket of food will cost you five times that much in Tokyo.
• Wages naturally, turned out to be lowest in Mumbai at US$1.30 per hour gross and the highest wages (at least for the Asia-Pacifc region) were in Tokyo at US$19.40 per hour gross.
• Taxes and social security contributions on the other hand were the lowest for the Asia-Pacific region in Bangkok at 5% and the highest in Sydney, Shanghai and Seoul at 23%, 22% and 21% respectively.
• In addition, workers in Asia also tended to have the most working hours for all regions surveyed; however, the results also varied dramatically within the region. It may or may not come as a surprise to you that workers worked the most in Hong Kong (2,295 hours) and Seoul (2,312 hours) and considerably less in Tokyo (1,997 hours), Shanghai (1,946 hours) and Sydney (1,747 hours).

In addition to the comprehensive report outlining the survey results which is available on the UBS website, Yahoo Finance has reprinted an excellent article from Forbes Magazine that focuses on the salary aspect of the survey and Forbes.com has also incorporated the top 20 cities for salaries into a slideshow.

Price comparison: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream prices

There are some items that a long-term business traveler or an expatriate and their family might not be able to live without and one such item or treat might just be Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. Travelers and expatriates coming to Asia will be happy to note that Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is readily available throughout major cities in the region. However, for Americans who have a craving for Ben & Jerry’s, expect to pay the same hefty premium that you find yourself paying in Europe when you buy it in major Asian cities.

In fact, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for a 500 ml or 1 pint container of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and found prices in Asia to be more than double what one would pay in New York (US$3.32) for the same pint. And unfortunately, this is one treat that you won’t be able to stock up on before leaving or have mailed to you once you are settled in Asia!

Nevertheless, there are plenty of other local alternatives or substitutes to choose from that no doubt come with fewer calories…

Price Comparison*

Singapore	S$15	US$10.28
Paris	€7	US$9.19
Brussels	€6	US$8.34
Kuala Lumpur	29 Ringgit	US$8.18
Frankfort	€5	US$7.76
Bangkok	299 Baht	US$8.76
Hong Kong	HK$60	US$7.73
London	4 Pounds	US$6.60
New York	US$3.32	US$3.32

*500 ml or 1 pint. Prices are based upon foreign exchange rates as of August 19, 2009.

Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang: Hip shopping, entertainment and health related attractions

Located within several main roads including Jalan Bukit Bintang, centrally located Bukit Bintang is one of Kuala Lumpur’s trendiest shopping and entertainment districts. As one of the city’s major shopping districts, shopping outlets such as the Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang Plaza (or BB Plaza), Imbi Plaza, Kuala Lumpur Plaza, Lot 10, Low Yat Plaza, Pavilion KL, Starhill Gallery and Sungei Wang Plaza offer a full range of merchandise to suit all budgets and tastes. For foodies, the Jalan Alor runs just next to the Bukit Bintang road and is extremely popular both day and night with locals and tourists alike for the stalls that line it serving a wide variety of Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Thai and Malay cuisine. Moreover, the area is well known for its foot and body massages with many shops along the Bukit Bintang road offering a variety of exotic foot treatments until late into the night.

For business travelers and expatriates seeking short or long term accommodations, the Sri Jati Apartments is located just five minutes from the Bukit Bintang Monorail Station and offers simple and affordable accommodations. Moreover, guests at the Sri Jati Apartments are allowed to use some of the facilities at the Dorsett Regency Hotel at no additional charge and these facilities include its outdoor swimming pool and gymnasium, limousine counter, laundry and pressing service, business centre, meeting and function rooms.

Hence, if you plan on visiting Kuala Lumpur or are coming there to live, be sure to check out what the Bukit Bintang area has to offer.

Hong Kong’s North Point: “Little Shanghai” + “Little Fujian”

Just as its name suggest, North Point is the most northerly point of Hong Kong Island and is just next to Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay. However, what makes North point interesting, at least from a historical perspective, is that this area was where members of Shanghai’s business community moved to during and after the Chinese civil war. Hence, the area became known as “Little Shanghai” in the 1950s when it became filled with restaurants serving Shanghai cuisine along with Shanghai-style beauty parlors and barbershops. Later, these Shanghai refugees were joined by Oversea Chinese displaced by political turmoil in Southeast Asia and soon earned the additional nickname of  "Little Fujian.”

Today, North Point is undergoing urban renewal with a mix of new luxury apartment blocks and offices sprouting up amid older buildings as the area is served by both the Island Line and the Tseung Kwan O Line of the MTR railway system and is also well serviced by bus routes and ferries. In addition, the area is home to the Island Children's Montessori School which offers an authentic Montessori curriculum that is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

For business travelers or expatriates needing a minimum three months accommodation, the Pacific Palisades is a luxury condominium complex close to the landscaped gardens of Choi Sai Woo Park and offers such amenities as an outdoor swimming pool, squash and tennis courts. In addition, the Harbour Plaza North Point (minimum of a one month stay) is just opposite of the MTR Quarry Bay Station and next to the highway. Harbour Plaza offers superior rooms (no kitchenette), studio suites and junior suites (with kitchenette), one-bedroom suites (with full kitchen) and two-bedroom suites (with full kitchen) along with a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool and business centre services.

So if you are looking for neighborhood that is fairly accessible with some unique historical charm, look no further than Hong Kong’s North Point.

Just Grapes in Shanghai

Should you find yourself visiting or living in Shanghai and you wish to visit a simple wine shop or wine bar, look no further than Just Grapes. Although geared more towards upwardly mobile Chinese professionals who are beginning to discover wine, Just Grapes has all of its labels printed in both English and Chinese characters and these labels include what type of grape was used to make the wine and what the flavor is in basic and easily understandable terms. In other words, you will not be lost in translation should you only understand English or for that matter – if you are not a wine connoisseur. However, it should be noted that true wine connoisseurs may not be impressed with Just Grapes since again, it is geared towards consumers just discovering wine.

Nevertheless, Just Grapes offers more than 600 different wines from 14 countries and these wines may be paired with a variety of appetizers, pastas, sandwiches and deserts. In addition, a variety of promotions are on offer from afternoon tea (any dessert with coffee, tea or wine for 40 yuan or US$6) to happy hour (two glasses of wine for 50 yuan or US$7.30) while regular tasting events are also held.

Currently, Just Grapes has three locations (there are simple maps posted on the Just Grapes website to assist you in finding these locations) in Shanghai:

Just Grapes Dagu

大沽路462号近石门一路

462 Dagu Lu near ShiMenYi Lu

Phone: (86) 21-3311-3205  

Just Grapes Xingeng   

辛耕路77B号天钥桥路

77B XinGeng Lu near TianYaoQiao Lu

Phone: (86) 21-3368-6218

Just Grapes Anfu

安福路162号乌鲁木齐路

162 AnFu Lu near Urumuqi lu

Phone (86) 21-5404-6505       

In addition, it should be noted that all three locations also have wireless internet. 

Travel scams to avoid

Travel scams are as old as travel itself. After all, visitors to a new country or city often make easy targets for unscrupulous locals. Moreover, as travel has gotten more and more complicated, especially with added security measures in airports along with the downturn in tourism and the economy in general, more and more scams or fees have cropped up.

However, ForbesTraveler.com recently had an article entitled the Top 10 Travel Scams to Avoid that is well worth reading by any road warrior or vacation traveler plus the article also includes a slideshow of the 10 travel scams to avoid. Although none of the travel scams listed were “Asia specific,” the article is well worth reading as frequent business travelers or expatriates who travel may encounter or have already encountered some of the following “scams” that were mentioned in the article:

• Unscrupulous Parking Attendants/Valets – Always take your valuables with you or lock them in the trunk no matter where in the world you are when using a parking valet – especially if it is not obvious where your car is actually being parked (i.e. the street where it can be towed). And remember, Asia has more than a few cities where a few dollars worth of pocket change left lying around may be more than what most people earn in a day.
• Airline Checked-in Baggage Fees – If you will be traveling within Asia without a return flight to the USA where checked-in bag weight limits (at least in the past) have tended to be more lenient, you may be in for a big surprise. Always check the policy of the airline regarding weight restrictions before you head to the airport – especially if you are flying in economy class.
• Unsecure Airport Security Areas – Crowded airport security areas are an easy place to loose small and valuable items. Either place most of the small miscellaneous items you are carrying (wallets, jewelry, belts, camera, mobile phones, ipods etc.) inside your carryon bag before you are set to enter a secure area or have a small plastic bag handy to put them into when they must go through the metal detectors. In that way, you can be sure you will leave the secure area with all of your belongings. And if you are subject to a secondary screening, be sure to insist that your personal items accompany you.
• Hotel Locations – Avoid surprises by always running a hotel or serviced apartment address through MapQuest or Google Earth to ensure that your accommodations are where they say they will be – i.e. “close to the city center.” After all, online maps are available now for most Asian cities.
• Hotel Room Identity Theft – Never leave any documentation containing personal information lying around your hotel or serviced apartment room as you may become a subject of identity theft no matter what part of the world you are in. And remember, even maids in developing countries may be much more tech or language savvy than you think!
• Buying Counterfeits – Asia has a reputation for counterfeit CDs and designer handbags but some counterfeits may be downright dangerous such as counterfeit medicines (it may be a good idea to stock up on some medicines in your home country before you leave), perfumes and electronics. Not to mention, bringing counterfeit items back to your home country may result in confiscation or fines. 
• Money Changers – Although paying inflated commissions when exchanging money at hotels or airports may be bad, receiving out of circulation banknotes can be worst - something to watch out for in particular while in Asia. Hence, reputable banks, money changers and the ATM may be your best option.
• Being Taken for a Ride in a Taxi – Taxi scams are as old as taxis themselves, whether its forgetting to turn on a meter or taking the “scenic route” to your destination. Moreover, some Asian cities are notorious for taxi rides that can be more than annoying and turn downright dangerous. Always try to follow the route on a map and when possible use official hotel or airport taxis. 

Keeping some of the above tips in mind will help you to avoid unnecessary fees or scams.

Price comparison: A dental checkup and teeth cleaning

Asia is increasingly becoming a center for medical tourism due to the fact that many Asian cities not only offer high quality medical, dental or cosmetic surgery options but also in many instances such treatments will cost significantly less than they would in Western countries. Thus, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning in various cities around Asia and clearly anyone accustomed to paying USA prices will find plenty of bargains in the region.

Of course, anyone considering using their medical insurance to pay for such services in Asia should ensure prior to arrival that they will be covered for it. Nevertheless, when it comes to a simple dental checkup and teeth cleaning, having it done is Asia and even paying for it out of pocket will probably be worth it.

Price Comparison*

Sydney	A$178	US$147
Hong Kong	HK$670	US$86
Kuala Lumpur	202 Ringgit	US$57
Singapore	S$95	US$66
Jakarta	533,333 Rupiah	US$54
Seoul	50,000 Won	US$40
Shanghai	247 Yuan	US$36
Manila	1,500 Pesos	US$31
Bangkok	1,000 Baht	US$29

*Prices include taxes and are based upon a survey of centrally located dentists. Prices are averaged and rounded to the nearest US Dollar.

How to save money when calling home

For a business traveler or an expatriate on an expense account, calling your home country for business related purposes is probably not a major issue. However, calling home or having members of your family call you when abroad can quickly become expensive. Hence, a recent article (entitled Calling Home for Less) by Matt Gross for his Frugal Traveler column in the New York Times Travel Section is well worth reading by any road warrior or expatriate who will be based abroad for any length of time. 

Here were some of the programs, services or options mentioned by Matt:

• SKYPE – Anyone who is remotely tech savvy who travels or lives a considerable distance from those they need to stay in touch with will probably have SKYPE phone software installed on their computer plus the software can also be installed on iPhones as well. However, the recent purchase of SKYPE by eBay has left the company in a murky area as the purchase did not include buying the software code that makes SKYPE operate and the company founders have set up a new company that owns this code. In other words, the days of free calls may end after a British court sorts out the legal details of the merger.
• Google Phone – SKYPE now has serious competition, some of which is coming from Google Phone which is offering international rates that are comparable to SKYPE’s. Currently however, Google Phone does not offer an iPhone option.
• JAJAH – Also, JAJAH has gained a following by offering inexpensive international calls to user who first dial a local access number in the country they are visiting. However, the service currently offers local access numbers mostly for European countries – doing travelers in Asia little good.
• VOXOX – However, Matt writes that he is now completely sold on VOXOX as a solution because you don’t need a computer or internet access or an expensive phone to use it and the rates are similar to SKYPE’s. Moreover, VOXOX offers SMS Callback where you can use a local SIM card, then send a text message with the number of the person you are trying to call to Voxox and then wait for your phone to ring and for the person you are trying to call to answer.

Matt also briefly mentions the MagicJack – a device that I have used for some time now that simply plugs into my computer (any phone can then be plugged into the device) and can be used to call any USA or Canadian number for free. Moreover, users can obtain a phone number with a local North American area code (most major area codes are now available) where you can also be reached at so long as your computer is turned on and connected to high speed internet (otherwise, calls to your number are recorded on voicemail and sent to you via email). The device is very cost effective (US$39.95 plus shipping and handling and then US$19.95 a year) for those who will be calling North America plus low international rates are offered to other countries. Generally speaking, I have experienced few problems with the device (although I have had to reformat mine after it had stopped working on a couple of occasions).

In addition, I have used Net2Phone in the past to make calls from landlines to other numbers globally. However, one drawback of their service is that local access numbers are not necessarily available in all countries that one might find themselves visiting plus you still need to find a payphone.

Thus and given all of the above options, business travelers and expatriates will now find plenty of affordable options to stay in contact with those you need to be in contact with no matter what part of the world you or the other party is located in. 

The Employment/Work (Z) Visa for China

If you will be relocating to China for employment purposes, you will need to obtain a Employment/Work (Z) Visa. To apply for an Employment/Work (Z) Visa, an application must be submitted to the visa office at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate General either in person or through an intermediary (in person) and generally speaking, mailed applications are not accepted.

When filing an application, the following documents will need to be submitted:

• A valid passport with at least six (6) months validity and containing at least one blank visa page in it.
• One completed Visa Application Form (Q1) with a recent photo of 2 x 2 inch photo. If you are a first time applicant whose former nationality was Chinese, then your Chinese name must be included in the application form along with your original Chinese passport or a photocopy of the information page of the passport.
• An original and a photocopy of the Work Permit for Aliens that was issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or an original copy of the Foreign Expert's License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
• A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit while proof of kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificate etc.) will be required for any accompanying family members.

Generally speaking, fees are US$130 for American citizens and US$30 for citizens of other countries and the regular processing time for visas is 4 working days while express service is 2 to 3 working days (an additional US$20) and there is a same day rush service for emergencies only (an additional US$30).

However, applicants should take into consideration that visa processing times for the Employment/Work (Z) Visa may vary from location to location while rules and regulations may also vary from nationality to nationality. Hence, it is best to consult your respective embassy or consulate general in China or the respective Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in your home or resident country for the most up-to-date information.  

A little bit of Napa in Shanghai

In the past, business travelers and expatriates who were wine lovers and based in China have had few venues to enjoy good wines while the traditional Baijiu spirit, which is sometimes mistakenly translated as white wine or wine, is actually 80 to 120 proof or about 40-60% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, as China changes, so does the wine scene and increasingly new wine bars and wine shops are appearing to cater to status conscious local Chinese and foreign expatriates alike.

One such venue to recently appear is the Napa Wine Bar & Kitchen/The Wine Residence located in a century-old Tudor mansion along a narrow alleyway amid pet shops and fruit stands. Wines at the Napa are stored in a former bomb shelter located under the mansion where members of the Wine Residence Club can store their wine collections in individual lockers. Above the wine cellar is a 40 seat wine bar area, a 60 seat dining room, an 8 seat private dining room and a 40 seat outdoor area – perfect for either a large party or for a more intimate gathering.

On offer is one of the most extensive wine lists in Mainland China featuring all major wine growing regions plus less known ones and patrons should expect to pay 50 Yuan or US$7 and up for wine by the glass. Also on offer is an a la carte menu and a tasting menu that offers everything from truffled mushroom risotto (138 Yuan or US$20) to pan seared sea bass (218 Yuan or US$32) to citrus cured salmon (95 Yuan or US$14). In addition, a party of 6 to 10 may enjoy a theme wine and matching food served in large sharing platters – perfect for a small informal gathering with other expatriates or business associates. 

Napa is located at 57 Jiangyin Lu (a downloadable map is available on their website) and reservations can be made by calling 6318-0057.

Seoul’s Jung-Gu district: Literally the “central district”

Located in the heart of Seoul on the north side of the Han River, Jung-gu literally means “central district” in Korean. In fact, it is the historical center of the city and contains a number of historical and cultural sites such as the Myeongdong Cathedral, the National Theater of Korea, the Seoul Museum of Art and the Bank of Korea Museum along with well known Seoul landmarks such as the N Seoul Tower and a number of department stores, shopping centers and entertainment venues. In addition, several member companies of the Hanjin conglomerate have their offices in the area along with international airlines such as Air China, Hainan Airlines and Air France.

For business travelers and expatriates looking for either short (minimum of one night) or long-term accommodations, the Han Suites Serviced Residences is located at the foot of Mt. Nam San with spectacular views of the city and offers 120 fully furnished and equipped studio, one and two bedroom suites. In addition, for business travelers and expatriates who will be needing office space, the Executive Centre Seoul Finance centre offers 60 offices and 215 workstations along with fully equipped conference facilities that can cater to meetings and seminars for up to 60 people. Moreover, the location offers easy access to all parts of the city via the City Hall Station just a two-minute walk away.

Hence, for business travelers and expatriates coming to Seoul who literally want to live and work in a “central district,” look no further than Jung-Gu.

Price comparison: Camper Peu Cami men’s shoes

Whether you are coming to Asia on a business trip or are living in Asia as an expatriate from a Western country, you will often find plenty of arbitrage opportunities as many shopping and clothing items in particular can cost significantly less in Asia. However, this is not always the case – especially if you are buying authentic designer European made shoes.

The Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for Camper Peu Cami men’s shoes and the survey results show that you are generally better off buying a pair in New York or Europe and bringing them with you to Asia. Of course, you can always order a pair online and have them shipped to you which may or may not be more cost effective depending upon where in Asia you are living. Nevertheless, if there is a particularly expensive and authentic designer Western label that you cannot live without, it is better to do some research before you settle in Asia to determine whether or not you should stock-up before you move. 

Price Comparison*

Seoul	313,900 Won	US$257
Bangkok	8,250 Baht	US$243
Tokyo	22,600 Yen	US$238
Singapore	S$329	US$230
Kuala Lumpur	729 Ringgit	US$209
Frankfort	€140	US$202
Brussels	€140	US$202
Hong Kong	HK$1,534	US$198
Rome	€125	US$180
Jakarta	1.70 Million Rupiahs	US$172
New York	US$163	US$163
London	90 Pounds	US$152
Paris	€105	US$151

*Prices are based upon a survey of prices for Camper Peu Cami men's shoes and are based upon exchange rates as of August 5, 2009.

Beijing Capital International Airport: Finding your way around the dragon

The new US$3.5 billion Terminal 3 at the Beijing Capital International Airport is not only the second largest airport building in the world, it also has an unusual design. Unlike other airports which generally follow similar and fairly straight forward designs, Terminal 3 is shaped like a dragon with domestic flights located in the dragon’s “head” and international flights located in the dragon’s “tail.” Hence, visitors may find navigating around the airport a daunting task while official English language resources available online still remains limited (For example: Airport maps on the official airport site are in Chinese).

However, Air China has posted a 10 minute video guide on Youtube.com that visitors to terminal 3 may find helpful. The video itself has no voice narration but it does contain plenty of English subtitles along with images to help visitors at least familiarize themselves with the airport layout.

China’s Enoteca wine lounge & boutique

If you are in China looking for a wine bar with a reasonably priced wine list and a social atmosphere, Enoteca is a South American focused wine bar where you can mix with both expatriates and local Chinese professionals alike. On offer are an assortment of hand selected wines categorized  as Whites, Roses, Bubbles, Playful and Evocative Reds, Sensualist Reds, Hedonist Reds, Sweet Temptations and Garde. Expect to pay prices that range from 98 Rmb (US$14.35) for a bottle of Ampakama Chardonnay from Argentina to 1,800 Rmb (US$263.50) for a bottle of Champagne Dom Perignon 99 with most prices falling in the few hundred Rmb range. In addition, Enoteca’s wines are complimented with a full menu that includes Tapas, Sandwiches, Grilled Paninis, Salads, Soups and Desserts plus a set brunch menu (120 Rmb or US$17.5) and a set breakfast menu (75 Rmb or US$75).

Enoteca actually has three locations with two located in Shanghai and one located in Beijing:

安福路53-57号(近常熟路) 邮编：200031
53-57 Anfu RD. near Changshu RD. Shanghai 200031
Phone: 5404 0050

朝阳区光华路9A世贸天阶北街F1-M102
M102 Northern Tower, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Beijing
Phone: 010 6587 1578

太仓路58号(近济南路) 邮编：20040
58 Taicang Rd. near Xintiandi 20040 PRC
Phone: 5306 3400
enoteca.jose@gmail.com

On weekends, expect standing room only at the 53-57 Anfu Road location but a table can be reserved in an adjoining dining area.

Obtaining a Short Validity Business ETA (visa) for Australia

Business travelers planning to visit Australia for a short business trip will need a visa and may want to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). An ETA will allow business travelers to stay up to three months in Australia provided that the applicant has an ETA Visa-eligible passport. Applicants will need to be overseas at the time they apply and passport-holders from certain countries (Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and the USA) can apply online through the Australian Electronic Travel Authority System.

Normally, business travelers should obtain a Short Validity Business ETA which will allow multiple visits as many times as necessary for up to 3 months per visit and is valid for a 12 month period. However, employment is strictly prohibited. Applications by eligible applicants may be made online via the Australian Electronic Travel Authority System and these applications will cost A$20.

For further information about ETA visas or Australian visas in general, the Department of Immigration & Citizenship contains comprehensive information and all necessary forms and applications. In addition, eVisas to Australia Pty Ltd. has posted a helpful video with additional tips on Youtube.com while their service accepts ETA applications from applicants who hold passports from a longer list of countries than the service offered by the Australian Electronic Travel Authority System.

Finding a proper cup of coffee in tea-drinking Japan

For any expatriate or business traveler who is a coffee drinker and is also planning a visit to tea-drinking Japan, you may think that your options are limited to machine made caffe lattes at local coffee shops or something ubiquitous from a large international chain such as Starbucks. However, should you desire the traditional slow brewed cup of gourmet coffee, there are an increasing number of options available in Tokyo.

In fact, the New York Times travel section recently reported about the growing trend of specialty gourmet coffee shops opening around the city and profiled the following coffee shops that are well worth checking out by any true coffee lover:

• Macchinesti – Just a one minute walk from the Hiroo subway station, this cafe was started by a Japanese architect who had lived in Seattle. Expect to pay 450 yen (US$4.25) for a shot of espresso to 600 yen (US$6.35) for a cappuccino while eggs Benedict with your coffee will set you back 1,500 yen (US$15.90).
• Bar Del Sole – With a branch in the Roppongi district that is a three-minute walk from the Hibiya Line subway stop, this Italian restaurant also offers a full coffee menu. Expect to pay 350 yen (US$3.70) for a macchiato and 630 yen (US$6.70) for a cappuccino.
• Zoka – With three locations in Tokyo and one just 100 yards from the Akasaka-Mitsuke subway stop, Zoka offers a bit of Seattle. Expect to pay 380 yen (US$4) for a small iced caffè latte.
• Café de l’Ambre – Located in Ginza, this shop opened in 1948 and specializes in aged specialty coffees. Hence, expect to pay up to 1,360 yen (US$14.40) for a single cup.
• Tajimaya Kohiten – Just south of the west exit of the Shinjuku Station, this coffee shop opened in 1964 and offers 13 types of straight coffee. Expect to pay 750 yen (US$7.95) for a Cuban Mountain coffee and 650 yen (US$6.90) for Grade 1 Sumatra.  

Hence, if you are a coffee lover and will soon be visiting or living in tea-drinking Japan, rest assured that you will find a growing number of options to choose from for that caffeine fix.

Resources for women road warriors

Women travelers, especially those who travel frequently for business and must also travel internationally, have special needs and concerns. And while Asian cities are generally a safe place for women travelers, there may be some neighborhoods and hotels in Asian cities that are considered less friendly for women travelers.

These unique challenges faced by women travelers led Kathleen Ameche, a long-time woman road warrior, to write her first book entitled The Woman Road Warrior: A Woman's Guide to Business Travel back in 2005. The book quickly moved to the #1 spot on Amazon.com for business travel books and now there is a second addition entitled The Woman Road Warrior: An Expert's Guide to Domestic and International Business Travel. The new edition contains an entire section dedicated to the challenges that women travelers face when travelling globally.

Moreover, Kathleen also has a website (WomanRoadWarrior.com) that is packed full of useful information for women travelers including links to additional resources for women travelers and professional women’s groups to a blog that shares useful travel tips specifically for women. In addition, Kathleen has posted a series of ten travel safety videos containing many of the tips contained in her book.

The Woman Road Warrior book can be purchased from Amazon.com for US$15 (free shipping on orders over US$25) or from Kathleen’s website for US$12 plus shipping and handling.

Tokyo Narita Airport Terminal 2 video

Should you find yourself passing through Terminal 2 at the Tokyo Narita Airport, this helpful (although somewhat dated) video posted on Youtube would be worth watching. Just in case you are not familiar with the Narita Airport, Terminal 2 is home to Japan Airlines, several Oneworld carriers plus Air New Zealand, EgyptAir and China Southern Airlines. It consists of a main building plus a satellite building that are connected by concourses and a shuttle (people moving) system. Check-in, departures and Immigration are on the second floor while the baggage claim and customs are on the first floor.

Finding your way around the terminal should not be much of a problem but just in case you think that you might be in a hurry, watching this helpful video before you arrive might save you some time and from getting lost.

Hong Kong’s Happy Valley: A happy place to call home

Situated on the Northern part of Hong Kong Island, Happy Valley is mostly a residential neighborhood where a mix of both locals and expatriates have come to call home. Ironically though, the area had originally been marshy and hence, early residents were susceptible to malaria. Hence, the area was originally used as a cemetery and given the common euphemism at the time for cemetery (“Happy Valley”).

Today however, Happy Valley is populated by upper income residents and local celebrities and hence, the area contains a number of upscale restaurants, supermarkets, banks and hotels. In addition, Happy Valley is home to the Happy Valley Racecourse, one of two horse racing tracks in Hong Kong plus the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum.

For business travelers and expatriates looking for long-term accommodations (minimum of one month), the Eaton House Blue Pool is just a 5-minutes drive to Causeway Bay and comprises 55 One and Two bedroom apartments and Studios, a private swimming pool, fully equipped gym and a beautifully landscaped garden and terrace. In addition, the Eaton House Village Road is located in the heart of Happy Valley and offers 50 deluxe Studio and One Bedroom apartments, an outdoor terrace for private functions and complimentary broadband service.

So if you are a long-term business traveler coming to Hong Kong or an expatriate looking for a quiet and upscale residential area to call home, look no further than Happy Valley.

Price comparison: An Aeron office chair

If you are an expatriate already working in Asia or a business traveler coming to Asia to set up your office, you may decide to purchase a very familiar piece of office furniture used by executives: the Aeron office chair. In case you are not familiar with them, Aeron office chairs are a product of Herman Miller and are designed to be completely adjustable and ergonomically correct. Hence, they are considered to be extremely comfortable (moreover, due to their exclusivity and cost, they had become a symbol of the dot-com era in the late 1990s).

The Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for Aeron office chairs in several cities around the Asia-Pacific region. The price survey gives a good idea as to just how exclusive Aeron office chairs continue to be. However, the good news is that if you are coming from Europe, you will largely find the Aeron office chair to be more affordable in the Asia Pacific region than back home.

Price Comparison*

Bangkok	49,000 Baht	US$1,441
Tokyo	133,053 Yen	US$1,412
Seoul	1.7 Million Won	US$1,373
Kuala Lumpur	4,750 Ringgit	US$1,348
Singapore	S$1,759	US$1,221
Sydney	A$1,449	US$1,195
Shanghai	8,000 Yuan	US$1,171
Hong Kong	HK$8,345	US$1,077
Jakarta	-	US$900

*Prices are for the basic Lumbar model that have a graphite wheel base and are Size B. US$ prices are based upon exchange rates as of July 28, 2009.

Some travel do’s and don’ts in Asia

Traveling to a different region with a completely different culture can be a minefield for both tourists and for business travelers in particular. Hence, Forbes Traveler recent had an article plus an online slideshow of eight major travel taboos to be avoided. While not all of the taboos mentioned are a concern for travelers to Asia, below are some of the do’s and don’t that business travelers to Asian countries need to be aware of:

• Shoes and Feet – While many travelers might be aware of the taboo of showing the soles of your feet in Arab countries, they should be aware that Buddha also taught that the feet are the lowest part of the body in both a physical and spiritual senses. Hence, showing your feet or pointing them at someone in most of Asia is also considered to be an insult.
• Touching the Head – Likewise, Buddha taught that the head contains one’s soul. Hence, in most Buddhist countries, patting someone’s head is a major faux pas.
• Don’t Use Your Left Hand – In the Middle East, South Asia and parts of Africa, the left hand is used for sanitary practices. Hence, one must never touch food, goods in the market or strangers with it.
• Never Insult the Thai Royal Family – Thailand holds great reverence towards their king and doing anything that is perceived to be an insult towards the monarchy can lead to a jail sentence.
• Quiet that Nose – Although Korea and Japan are just neighbors to China, they have completely different attitudes when it comes to the sniffles. In Korea, even having a slight sniffle at the dinner table and you will be considered a barbarian while in Japan it is considered rude to use a handkerchief in public.
• Chopstick Etiquette – Chopsticks are meant to be used for eating, not for pushing bowls around the table or used to skewer or pierce food or to be played with. Moreover, never place chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice as this will resemble incense used to honor the dead and hence, an invitation of death to the dinner table.

Keeping the above tips in mind on your next business trip to Asia will greatly help you avoid any major faux pas that could lead to more serious problems when it comes time to start negotiating that important business deal.

South Jakarta: Hip cosmopolitan living

Of the five cities that make up Jakarta, South Jakarta is the largest and includes some of the most affluent and hippest parts of the city. In turn, South Jakarta is divided into ten districts and a number of administrative villages. Ones worth noting include:

• Kebayoran Baru is home to the Jakarta Stock Exchange and the Jakarta International School along with some of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Indonesia. Moreover, the district is also includes an area where a number of Korean expatriates have established their offices and business.
• Bangka (or known locally as Kemang) is well known for its upscale shops, art galleries, bookshops, restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisine and entertainment venues such as bars and clubs. This area is where many of the city’s expatriates call home.
• Tebet owes its claim to fame as the one time home to US President Barak Obama.

For business travelers or expatriates who need either short (minimum of one night) or long-term accommodations, the Kemang Icon by Alila is located in the heart of Kemang and offers one-bedroom units with a living room, bedroom, ensuite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and kitchenettes framed by floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views. In addition, for business travelers or expatriates who will be needing office space, the Marquee Executive Offices in Talavera Office Park offers serviced offices, virtual offices and video conferencing and conference facilities for up to 50 people.

Thus, South Jakarta offers the business traveler or expatriate everything one could possibly need in a place to work or call home.

Flying to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Travelers planning to fly to China will find a relative lack of information available to them in English and online about Chinese airports and the Shanghai Pudong International Airport is no exception to this. The official website has some information plus there is an online airport guide with further information that includes a diagram of the facilities and services while Japan Airlines has also created and uploaded an arrivals video onto Youtube.

In addition, travelers to Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport will find that taking the Maglev high speed train into the city (Pudong) will definitely save them time (the ride lasts roughly 7 minutes and 20 seconds) and probably money as well since airport taxis will tend to be expensive (travelers should also be careful when using taxis from the airport as some cab drivers have been known to take advantage of travelers new to China). A single trip ticket can be purchased for 40 Yuan by presenting an air-ticket from the same day while a round trip ticket that is valid for seven days can be purchased for 80 Yuan. Further information about the Maglev train is available on their website plus a promotional video about the train is posted on Youtube that some travelers may find helpful.

The world’s best international airlines

For business travelers planning a flight to or within Asia, Travel + Leisure magazine has recently published the results of a reader survey to determine the world’s best international airlines and to no surprise, several Asia-Pacific based carriers have made the list. Topping the list again was Singapore Airlines along with Emirates and Qatar Airways (the later being new on the list). Other Asia-Pacific based carriers such as Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways and Thai Airways all stayed on the list although Thai Airways had the largest drop from 3rd to 8th place. Meanwhile, newcomers on the list included Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand and Asiana Airlines. The survey results clearly show that airlines based in the Asia-Pacific region continue to offer the best service quality and the highest flyer satisfaction rates.

Top 10 International Airlines*

Rank	2008	Airline	Score
1	1	Singapore Airlines	87.4
2	-	Qatar Airways	83.06
3	2	Emirates	82.02
4	6	Japan Airlines	80.5
5	-	Virgin Atlantic	80.42
6	7	All Nippon Airways	79.09
7	4	Cathay Pacific Airways	78.86
8	3	Thai Airways International	77.73
9	-	Air New Zealand	76.95
10	-	Asiana Airlines	76.93

* The World’s Best Awards from Travel + Leisure magazine.

Thai Airways promotional video

If you want to know why Thai Airways calls itself “the world’s friendliest airline,” check out this promotional video about the airline and its plans to upgrade both their business and economy classes. Moreover, Thai Airways serves more than 70 destinations on 4 continents plus every corner of Thailand and is also a member of the Star Alliance – the world’s largest airline partnership which gives passengers on member airlines access to all corners of the globe. So if you want to know what it is like to fly on an airline that is based in the heart of Asia and calls itself the world’s “friendliest,” this promotional video will give you a quick peek.      

Eight common travel related illnesses to be aware of

Lately, the news has largely been filled with stories about the swine flu and efforts to contain its spread by travelers. Luckily, swine flu is one of the lesser illness concerns that travelers should have when traveling. Hence, Forbes Traveler recently had an article and a slide show presentation on their website detailing the eight most common types of illnesses that travelers should be aware.

As you can probably guess, traveler's diarrhea remains the most common illness that travelers suffer from. In fact, as many as 40% of all travelers to a developing country will come down with it and it is fairly hard to avoid. However and if its any consolation, travelers from developing countries are almost as likely to have traveler’s diarrhea when they visit a developed country simply due to being exposed to different bacteria in both the food and water.

Nevertheless, the Forbes Traveler slide show shows seven other illnesses (some of which are lesser known than others) that travelers should be aware of. These illnesses include:

1. Norovirus – Often associated with cruise ships, the symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Chikungunya -  Found in tropical areas and in Indian Ocean destinations in particular (India, Thailand, the Maldives and Sri Lanka), this mosquito borne disease brings terrible joint and muscle pain, fever and rashes.
3. Hepatitis A – This disease is spread through contaminated water and uncooked foods and is the most common form of Hepatitis that travelers are at risk for. Symptoms include general fatigue, headaches, fever, jaundice and sore muscles.
4. Dengue Fever – Another mosquito borne disease, this illness is also know as breakbone fever because it is very painful and accompanied by severe muscle and joint pain. Its on the rise and travelers to the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia, Latin America or Africa are potentially at risk.
5. Sun Poisoning – Too much sun can lead to bad side effect in the form of incessant itching and burning sensations.
6. Sexually Transmitted Diseases – The same risks and rules at home also apply when traveling abroad.
7. Malaria – This well known mosquito borne disease is still prevalent in many developing countries and tropical regions of the world.

Luckily, there are preventive vaccines and treatments for most of these illnesses and taking simple precautions (such as wearing long sleeves, pants and using insect repellent with DEET) will lower your risk. For further information about what potential illnesses might be a concern in the location of your next business trip, the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contains all of the information that you need to stay healthy.