Sometimes, thing from the past bubble up to bite you. Seven years ago, I missed a connecting flight in Beijing. The next available flight offered by Air China was 2 days later. On arrival in Beijing, I was given a 24 hour transit visa, and did not realise the implications until, 2 days later, Immigration at Shanghai Pudong pointed out that I had overstayed my visa. After 15 minutes sitting in the naughty chair though, I was allowed to leave China. So I thought, OK case closed.
Wrong. I planned to take advantage of the 72 hour visa free entry when flying into and out of Beijing. But Chinese Immigration keeps records, and my previous infraction made it impossible for the desired visa to be issued. Problem.
Thanks to wonderful customer service by Singapore Airlines staff who were very effective and persuasive with the local officials and ticket agents of Air China, we were able to avoid having to return to Singapore, instead flying on to Mongolia on the next available flight. Cost of overlooking the past? About $1500. Ouch.
Wrong. I planned to take advantage of the 72 hour visa free entry when flying into and out of Beijing. But Chinese Immigration keeps records, and my previous infraction made it impossible for the desired visa to be issued. Problem.
Thanks to wonderful customer service by Singapore Airlines staff who were very effective and persuasive with the local officials and ticket agents of Air China, we were able to avoid having to return to Singapore, instead flying on to Mongolia on the next available flight. Cost of overlooking the past? About $1500. Ouch.