Safest, cheapest way to get a Chinese Visa

Helbyname

Hi Everyone,

I need to get a visa for China. My travel agent has sent me a link to Visacentral.com, telling me that it is the best place to go to. However, having compared prices, they are much much more expensive than other places. I am worried about going with the cheaper places in case they are not legitimate and the only other way,it seems,is to go all the way to London to put in my application and then again to collect my visa!
Please, please, is there anyone out there that has positive experience of applying for a Chinese Visa on line without having to pay the astronomical amount that Visacentral.com charges.
Thanking you for any help you can give me on this matter.
Helbyname.

DTDfanBoy

Visaforchina.org is the proper site to use, they will process applications submitted by post or in person.

Helbyname

Thank you so much DTDfanBoy! You are a lifesaver! I have been so worried about getting stung on another site but was not happy going with the site my agent recommended. I presume you have used visaforchina.org successfully and that is the reassurance I needed. Very much appreciated! Have a great day x

Voyager2002

There are loads of agencies around, virtually all of which do what they say. Shop on price, then do a search for reviews of the agency that comes out as cheapest.
I have posted about good experiences on this board, but a long time ago, with a Chinese travel agent that I used to use. I have also had good service from Trailfinders, although their prices are not the lowest around.

DTDfanBoy

There's no point using any other agency than the one I listed, http://www.visaforchina.org/LON_EN/

All tourist/business visas issued in the UK are processed by them, using any other service will result in you paying extra fees.

Here's a link to the costs

http://www.visaforchina.org/LON_EN/yyxz/263928.shtml

£84 for postal applications or £66 for applications made in person for single entry visas.

Helbyname

Thank you again. That is so useful and has saved me a lot of worry! I can now apply with confidence.