I posted form, photo's, SAE, copies of current (red) Passport for renewal

to HK last week.

Checked my CC today expecting £174.36 to be debited for a 'jumbo'

passport inc return courier but only £161.32 has been debited which

doesn't equate to any prices I can find relating to renewals.

If they are refusing to replace my PP for some reason (eg, wrongly filled form)

would they inform me?

The UK 'phone number doesn't accept calls relating to individual cases

and ''should only be used AFTER 4-6 week period has expired'', so a few

weeks before I can call.

Any ideas anyone?

If my memory serves me correctly, they only debit your CC when they have checked and accepted your registration documents prior to sending everything back to the UK for processing. So if I am correct (?) there is nothing wrong with your documents.

The cost is 2144 HK$ on website. I just checked at today's exchange rate and it comes out to about 165 pounds. Which is close to what you were charged.

You must have a very good bank to get that rate! Why not call the bank and ask how much the transaction was in HKD?

As I gave a UK CC I presumed they would take it at the sterling rate £174.36

rather than a conversion of HK$ but hope you are right Joe.

EDIT I just checked and 2144 HK$ = £172.071

so why have I only been debited £161.32?

Have I been refused and this is the 'courier fee' difference??

Worrying

Edited October 8, 201312 yr by CHANGOVER

Since they are in HK and using a bank there the charge would be in HK$.

The definitely charge HKD, 2270-ish when I did mine December 2011.

Since they are in HK and using a bank there the charge would be in HK$.

2144 HK$ = £172.71

So I can't see why only debited £161.32

Maybe it was done on a good day when the exchange rate went more in your favor.

Hopefully it was just a 'good exchange rate' although it seems a bit of a jump.

I'm worried it could be the courier cost as they wouldn't take it if I were being refused a PP for some reason.

I would hope they would inform you WHY a pp is refused if that is the case? EG Problem with Photo's or form.

I didn't get a photo endorse as I don't think I've changed dramatically in 10 years, maybe they do :-(

PROBLEM SOLVED!

I emailed UK Embassy in BKK, they forwarded to HK and HK emailed me

explaining as only my new passport is being returned (no other documents),

they reduce the courier fee.

48 page Jumbo passport: HKD 1900 (£154.50)

Courier Fees

Passport sent from UK HKD 119 (£9.70)

I misread the amount of £161.32 from my CC statement.

Should have been £164.20.

They should change the website info. Probably a lot of people scratching their heads about low charges. I wonder about those that are sending bank drafts.

They should change the website info. Probably a lot of people scratching their heads about low charges. I wonder about those that are sending bank drafts.

Good point, I'll reply to HK and suggest they amend the site.

Flame removed.

They should change the website info. Probably a lot of people scratching their heads about low charges. I wonder about those that are sending bank drafts.

Good point, I'll reply to HK and suggest they amend the site.

HK replied

Thank you for your reply.

Your feedback has been noted regarding the website.

The bank draft would be returned to applicants as supporting documents so it can be refunded from the bank

I received my new PP after 3 weeks of posting to HK and is current from 15 Oct 13.

My permission to stay ends 5 Nov 13 and Visa ends10 Feb 14.

Shall I carry on using my old PP for the next 2 visa runs until I get a new visa in May (if I utilise the last 90 days prior to visa expiry) or use both new and old until then?

You will need to use both passports until your visa expires and you get a new one.

Your old passport is invalid now. Have you cut the corners off yet as instructed.

I received my new PP after 3 weeks of posting to HK and is current from 15 Oct 13.

My permission to stay ends 5 Nov 13 and Visa ends10 Feb 14.

Shall I carry on using my old PP for the next 2 visa runs until I get a new visa in May (if I utilise the last 90 days prior to visa expiry) or use both new and old until then?

The old passport is no longer valid for travel. Use both.

You will need to use both passports until your visa expires and you get a new one.

Your old passport is invalid now. Have you cut the corners off yet as instructed.

Will do, I shall not cut the visa page tho', correct?

Correct. But it probably would not matter unless you cut something important out.