[RTWFF]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Anyone know what 2+2 equals

Buying or selling? I think the spread would be 4.15:3.85 but I'm open to offers

[RTWFF]

Originally Posted by bigjobs

That is a fair question ... to clarify and answer your question i did mean the 'immigration' area. the part where you present your entry/exit card and passport.

Unfortunately it depends on the country, the airport and sometimes the agent. I've found NZ to be particularly co-operative (I guess they have to be, they are just so pathetically grateful that anyone turns up in NZ at all (speaking as a former Kiwi :twisted: )). However I've heard stories of Australian agents being fairly dismissive. Wives, maybe, children (even adult children), mistresses and other assorted lovers are not acceptable to Australian officials

[infoworks]

Singapore are reluctant to allow it, but I have had my Son and Partner with me in several locations, including SYD, HKG, KUL and NRT and they allowed it...not always with a smiling face.

[dsomrox]

Originally Posted by bigjobs

.....
also with the APEC card you can get a discount at Downtown Duty Free, for those who were not already aware (i can't remember how much the discount was the guy just put it all through at once for me)

anyway, just thought ppl might want to know.

cheers and beers.

Love to know more about this discount, I have presented my APEC card on a number of occassions requesting a discount only to be confronted with a glazed and cynical look from the Downtown employee and no idea about what I am talking about.

Is there any official refernce to this discount somewhere?

Dave

[RTWFF]

I've never had a problem exiting Australia with my same-sex partner in the APEC line, so I thought I'd ask (nicely) last time we came in via Melbourne if we could use the APEC lane. "No worries" was the answer, and at the desk we got processed and (eventually) we got asked "How do you two gentlemen know each other?". The answer caused no consternation

As for Customs - I've found that in Sydney unless I'm coming from somewhere that's always suspect (ie. Bangkok), they just wave me through without x-ray. In Melbourne I got queried by an agent at the carousel; he stamped my card with some special clearance stamp which I've never seen before and again, no x-ray. So it can help, marginally, with Customs also. As for checked baggage, however ...

[SF&]

how much was the discount?

[Evan]

Originally Posted by RTWFF

As for Customs - I've found that in Sydney unless I'm coming from somewhere that's always suspect (ie. Bangkok), they just wave me through without x-ray. In Melbourne I got queried by an agent at the carousel; he stamped my card with some special clearance stamp which I've never seen before and again, no x-ray. So it can help, marginally, with Customs also. As for checked baggage, however ...

I find they do that to me a lot when i have come from somewhere like Japan, its a huge time saver if they just ask you a question, stamp and let you go out the door.

[Soundguy]

Seems China may be getting up to speed more. Just got clearance about 7 months after lodging my application..... I don't have plans to travel there in the near future so I hadn't put in any special request for faster clearance. Don't have Peru yet but that isn't a problem for me either.

I really hope India join and I can use the APEC card there..... their visa system bugs me. They takes ages, they charge wildly varying amounts depending upon what country you are from and the Sydney consulate office doesn't even appear to have a computer in the visa office - they will only accept cash or Money order (no EFTPOS or CC etc) with a crude hand written receipt. I wonder whose pocket the money ends up in? If you are in a hurry, tough to you - go some other contry is the basic attitude.

[pengwin]

I have just renewed my APEC card. Some of the countries that were included on the original card have yet to confirm, BUT China was included. Bonus, as this is a key benefit as you don't need to apply for a visa.

I do wish that India also participated in APEC to save the visa hassle.

I have found that the APEC card helps with long queues eg in Bangkok. Also enabled my wife through at the same time.

I have found that the APEC works well both departing and arriving the SYD

Overall, well worth the application.

pengwin

[NM]

I applied in late December (around 20th I guess). I now have 16 out of 18 countries approved, with only PNG and Brunei remaining. I had an interim card issued mid January that has 9 countries noted, including China.