My friend advised me that I can get a Chinese Visa at BoC, so I hit it up. I had heard that the Chinese consulate was a total zoo, even having lineups out the door, etc.
It costs more ($70 vs $50), but you don't have to line up in that zoo of a Chinese consulate
Well, the bank wasn't totally devoid of queues, it is a bank, after all.
Upon entering the bank, use the touchscreen console to get a number. If you're there for a visa, you'll be in a separate lineup. Once you've got your number, you can sit in the comfy waiting area, instead of outside in the cold.
The reason my experience with the bank was poor was because of the awful dissemination of information. But that's not all the bank's fault. Some blame can be laid on the crappy websites.
Firstly, service fees are cash only. Why, oh why, would a bank accept cash only? Also, you have to pay up front, whereas at the consulate, you pay after you've gotten your Visa. Suuuper sketchy.
Secondly, the staff don't speak English! The people who are trying to get Chinese visas are not Chinese...we may not speak Chinese. I tried to ask if they converted currency to Chinese RMB, and the guy couldn't understand my question.
I wish I had a thirdly, but really, all I have is a feeling of dissatisfaction in my experience without quite knowing why. I just left feeling poorly served overall.
But I'd still go there over the consulate to get a Chinese visa.