Question about the 30 day limit for converting X visa to resident permit

[Sydney Matt]

I have a feeling I can guess the answer to this, but just wanted to clarify. I'm on the way to Kunming in, incredibly, a couple of days on the Chinese language program at 师大。 When I arrive, I plan to stay in a hostel for a week or two while looking for an apartment to live in. Let's say I'm unlucky (hope not ) and still haven't found somewhere within the 30 day limit for converting the student X visa to a resident permit, and extend my stay in the hostel, would I be able to register for the resident permit using the hostel address? I'm thinking this should be okay. (note that I'm talking about the actual resident permit, not the registration form of temporary residence). Thanks for any help or advice with this.

[liuzhou]

Your address is not relevant to the residence permit procedure. Don't worry.

You have to change the visa to a residence permit no matter what and you won' t be the first person not to have finalised your accommodation arrangements.

[abcdefg]

And I'm sure you can find permanent lodging in less than 30 days. It's true that Kunming apartments are a bit more difficult to find now than they were in "the good old days," but it is still eminently doable.

You might want to have a look at the listings here:

http://www.gokunming...older/8/housing

[drungood]

I didn't even know about a 30 day limit for converting the visa to a resident permit. Is there anything else I should know to avoid getting screwed?

Sydney Matt, I'm in almost the same position as you, except I've been in Kunming for 5 days now. So far, no one has responded when I enquire about their classifieds on GoKunming. It's puzzling. If you're interested, maybe we could search for a multi-bedroom apartment when you get here. I have a Chinese friend who can help translate any contracts that need to be signed.

[abcdefg]

So far, no one has responded when I enquire about their classifieds on GoKunming. It's puzzling.

I'm not sure if this is the reason or not, but it might be. Most Chinese don't check e-mail daily and furthermore the notification system on that website doesn't always work properly. If the apartments you've seen for rent list a phone number to call, you always need to try that method of contact first.

[drungood]

I think you may be correct. I'll try actually calling phone numbers tomorrow.

[yialanliu]

When I was in Beijing, I went through an agent. It might be more expensive, but they get you settled very quicky if people aren't responding.

[Sydney Matt]

Hi, sorry for the delayed reply, as I've been in transit without internet access. First of all, thank you to abcdefg, liuzhou, and yialanliu for your advice. Drungood, not sure where things are at with you now. But certainly happy to meet up and perhaps look for a place to rent together. PM me if you're interested. Thanks again and hopefully it won't be too long before I can give answers instead of just questions! Oh, and I've been in Kunming all of 20 hours, but i seems a great city - I like it already.