[ddeck]

>Paying 200 to drive across the border is a rip-off though

Agreed. For anyone planning a similar trip, the train to the border at Lok Ma Chau costs less than US$5 and you can then just walk through immigration. Taxis and the Shenzhen subway are right on the other side.

[robryan]

You can also get a 5 day Shenzhen only visa at the border for a lot cheaper than the regular Chinese visa. (Although only from the Lo Wu crossing).

[ddeck]

Be aware that U.S. and French citizens are NOT permitted to apply for the 5-day Shenzhen port visa. [1]

It's also not guaranteed for other citizens so probably best to get a regular China visa rather than risk being turned back at the border.

[1] http://www.travelchina.gov.cn/art/2015/1/30/art_15_45566.htm...