Hi there, I was trying very hard to contact the chinese consulate but no one answer , and the naswer machine speakes in mandarine which means that I dont understand anything (><) However, I have a special circumstances, and need to talk to someone who is able to help me. we usually go to Hong Kong without any visa but my baby has a travel pass and they told me we can't enter Hong Kong with her unless we apply for a visa. May I ask please what should I do. The reason why we are having transit in Hong Kong is because I have 2 special need daughters and it is very dangerous for them to travel by plane more than 7 hours due to the possibility they might have seizures which con not be treated in the plane, therefore, the neurologist always ask to give them a rest in the middle way which is Hong Kong this time, We booked the flight on the 20th Nov, so please I really need a quick respond. the Hong Kong internation airport people told me to talk to the consulate in order to apply for my baby a visa. can you tell me the numbers that I have to contact asap and when please? bensiana@gmail.com
Nov. 4,2009 20:39 Mr.Madison replied:
Try the contact on the official website of the China Consulate in Brisbane below: http://brisbane.china-consulate.org/eng/lsfw/t401000.htm
12.
Nov. 3,2009 03:11
Reply
Mr.hang(italy) said:
hey I have a italian passport living in australia for study and I would like to know if it's possible to the get back my visa in just the same day as I give the application to them them. If it is ok then I would just go to brisbane for only one day and then come back to port douglas. Also because I'm going to china in june, if it possible to apply for my visa now? or does it have to be 1-2 months before departing? thank you so much
The embassy do provide same days service, but you will have to pay additional fees. If you will travel China in June, it is too early to apply for the visa now, you should apply for the visa one month before your trip.
13.
Oct. 18,2009 20:18
Reply
Mr.Vajta(queensland) said:
Dear Mr. Cheney,
I had the privilege to get an useful help from you last time. May I ask for your help again? I simply cannot reach the Consulate on the give numbers. I am Gabor Vajta, Cairns resident, Professor of JCU, Australian Citizen. I submitted my visa application ten days ago with invitation letter, itinerary for 26th November, money order, etc. in a registered letter ten days ago. I have to pay my airline ticket TODAY, otherwise I will loose opportunity to travel to China. I tried to call the consulate but cannot pass through the Chinese autoresponse. I would need an assurance that my visa will be provided and sent to me to arrive in a few days, definitely Friday, or I have to cancel this trip and a most important scientific collaboration will get also cancelled. I ask for your prompt help to be able to proceed. Thanks in advance,
Gabor Vajta
Oct. 18,2009 22:46 Mrs.Carol replied:
After 10 working days of sending application, you don't receive your passport or visa. Therefore, you can send fax (your name, birthday, the date of sending, passport number) to the consulate for inquiring about your visa. The telephone is very hard to get through.
But I will also tell you one bad thing, as I know, The Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane does NOT take any responsibility for the loss or damage of documents sent to it or returned by postal or courier services.
Oct. 18,2009 22:49 Mrs.Carol replied:
For applications lodged by post, an additional fee of A$10 applies for each package which contains no more than four (4) passports. Do you also write visa fee and the A$ 10 on a cheque.
14.
Oct. 14,2009 18:44
Reply
Mrs.Queensland(Australia) said:
Hi, I am having the same trouble as ms annoyed. I cant get through to the consulate by phone either. It doesnt matter which extension number I press it just speaks to me in Chinese and hangs up. I tried 1,2 and 206. It is rather frustrating as my flights are coming up soon and I need to get the visa finished. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks
Oct. 14,2009 22:31 Mr.Carl replied:
I'm afrqaid the quickest and most effective way is to go to the consualte in person.
Oh really?? well I cant as I live in north Queensland. Guess I have to keep trying to ring them. Thanks.
Oct. 15,2009 01:06 Mrs.Darcy replied:
Mrs. Queensland, you can get some general info. from the official website of the Chinese Consulate below: http://brisbane.china-consulate.org/eng/lsfw/qz/
15.
Oct. 12,2009 19:58
Reply
Mr.Christian(Australia) said:
Hi
A group of 4 of us are heading to Beijing in November. We've decided to catch the train down to Hong Kong and fly out of Hong Kong to Bangkok for another part of our trip. Part of the visa requirements is to provide itinerary to show exitting China. Unfortunately we are exiting China by train (To HK)which we are unable to get ticket for we arrive. Will it be ok to show our flight exiting HK instead of mainland China?
Oct. 13,2009 02:26 Mrs.Jennifer replied:
I think it will do, but it depends on the China embassy finally.
16.
Oct. 6,2009 19:21
Reply
Ms.Annoyed(Australia) said:
This is by far the worst service I have ever had to endure! I can not believe how hard it is to talk to someone regarding Visa application.
Oct. 8,2009 02:09 Mr.Mable(Australia) replied:
When do you call the consualte? The Chinese Consulate General in Brisbane will be closed for the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Day on 1st October(Thursday), 2nd October(Friday), 5th October(Monday) and 6th October(Tuesday) and resume office on 7th October(Wednesday).
17.
Oct. 5,2009 01:07
Reply
Mr.Vajta(Australia) said:
Dear Mr. Cheney,
Based on your information I wish to apply for a single entry visa. Unfortunately your letter did not contain any information regarding the price of the single entry visa. Additionally, there was an error at the edition of the price: is it ten dollars?
Thanks for your answer in advance,
Gabor Vajta
Oct. 5,2009 22:55 Mr.Helper replied:
the fee for single-entry visa is 40 Australian dollars, the handling service fee is 10 Australian dollars for each package which contains no more than four (4) passports. You should pay 50 Australian dollars in total.
18.
Sep. 29,2009 00:04
Reply
Mr.Gabor Vajta(Australia) said:
Dear Ms. Brenda, I send this inquiry on the basis of the information of the Brisbane Consulate homepage, just at the same homepage where your answer has occurred. See the evidence (copy of the homepage:) "...2. If you want to apply for Chinese visa by mailing, you should satisfy the following requirements. a. You are residents of Queensland. b. You must use Express Mail, Registered Mail, DHL or TNT to send applications to Chinese consulate in Brisbane. c. The required documents for applying a visa should be complete. d. The self-addressed, pre-paid return envelope with enough postage should be provided. The SENDER on the envelope is your address and name instead of Chinese Consulate. It also should use Express Mail, Registered Mail, DHL or TNT. e. All payments should be paid by Bank Check or Money Order if you apply for a visa by mailing. The payee is 'Chinese Consulate in Brisbane'. f. The processing time of applications by mailing is normally 5-6 working days. The expedited service is not available for applications by mailing. g. After 10 working days of sending application, you don't receive your passport or visa. Therefore, you can send fax (your name, birthday, the date of sending, passport number) to the consulate for inquiring about your visa. h. One package contains not more than 4 passports." So, could you give me an accurate and responsible information how much should I pay for a single entry visa or multiple entry visa (in one year)?
Sep. 29,2009 01:27 Mr.Cheney replied:
Mr.Gabor Vajta, firstly, I would to cklear that a single China visa is valid for 3 months only. If you wat to apply for a visa for one year, you should apply for a multiple entry visa. The visa fee of a multi-entry visa for one year is AUD 120 and the handling fee for th mail service is $10.00 per package(maximum 4 passports per package). Meanwhile, please be advised that if you choose to pay by credit card, a surcharge of A$1 will be added to the total amount less than A$100, or A$1.5 or the amount more than A$100.
19.
Sep. 28,2009 15:17
Reply
Mr.Gabor Vajta(Australia) said:
I am Australian Citizen, Cairns resident, want to travel to China and submit my application by mail. What is the fee of a single entrance visa to China including all handling costs, i.e. how much should I send you on a money order or bank cheque alongside with my application?
Sep. 28,2009 21:59 Ms.Brenda replied:
I don't think the China emabssy in Australia accept visa application by mail. You'd better confirm this with the embassy in advance.
20.
Sep. 24,2009 21:07
Reply
Mr.Sawtell(Australia) said:
Is it possible to re-locate permanently in China.
Sep. 24,2009 22:07 Mr.Brant replied:
Please read th einfo. on the website below: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/apply.htm
21.
Sep. 21,2009 06:36
Reply
Ms.Li(Australia) said:
Hi there,
I would like to renew my Chinese passport. What documents shall I prepare please?
Thanks
Yihong Li
Sep. 21,2009 20:28 Mr.Winston replied:
You should contact the Consular Protection Office of the China consulate in Brisbane for help. Tel: 61-7-32106509-215 Emergent Call: 61-7-0410657178 Fax: 61-7-30128096
22.
Sep. 18,2009 02:07
Reply
Mr.Andy(Australia) said:
I am an australian and have a chinese girlfriend still live in China. We plan to get married soon. Do I need any documment to proof that I am single? If so, could you tell me what I need please, thanks.
Sep. 18,2009 03:53 Ms.Emma replied:
Please read th einformation on the webite below: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/marriage-registration.htm
23.
Sep. 18,2009 01:54
Reply
Mr.Andy(Australia) said:
I am an Australian and I have a property in China. If I want to apply for a 12 months multiple entry-visa, do I need to give the hotel reservation?
Sep. 18,2009 03:52 Mrs.Victoria replied:
No, hote reservation is not required when applying for china multiple entry visa.
24.
Sep. 15,2009 18:57
Reply
Ms.VERY ANNOYED!(Australia) said:
I have to say that the telephone service of Chinese Embassy is DISGUSTING! NO ONE ANSWERS THE STUPID PHONE! If you are trying to get in contact with them, and you don't live in Brisbane, then i wouldn't bother! How can such a simple task, be so hard? FRUSTRATING!!!!
Sep. 15,2009 21:57 Mrs.Victoria replied:
The phone of the embassy is alway busy and hard to get through, so you can go to the embassy in person or entrust a travel agency to process the visa.
25.
Sep. 15,2009 17:47
Reply
Mr.Cameron Tuesley(Australia) said:
I left my folder which contains my receipt from the Chinese Consulate in Brisbane for my Visa application. Can I still collect my Visa without this receipt? If not, what can I do? I leave for China on Monday so only have 2 days to get my visa. Thank you
Sep. 15,2009 21:55 Mrs.Olivia replied:
If you lose the receipt, you will have to go to pick up the visa in preson.
26.
Sep. 13,2009 23:33
Reply
Ms.moss(australia) said:
do i need a visa if i'm travelling from brisbane to hong kong and macau if so how much does it cost
Sep. 14,2009 01:36 Mr.Jack replied:
You don't need a visa to Macau for up to 30 days, you don't need a visa to Hong Kong for up to 90 days, either.
27.
Sep. 11,2009 01:36
Reply
Mrs.McCreesh(Australia) said:
My husband has booked us a holiday for 8 days in hong Kong .We have just realised my passport which is Irish has expired . I have applied for a new one ,but it won't be ready in time. The Irish embassy is issuing me with a temperory passport in time for our trip. will there be any problems entering Hong Kong on a tomperory passport .Our travel agent has checked and says it will be fine.
Sep. 11,2009 04:35 Mrs.Brenda replied:
I think there will be no problem, but Irish passport holders need to apply for a visa to Hk. I'm not sure whether the visa ofice could accept it.
28.
Sep. 4,2009 16:02
Reply
Mr.Knight(Aust) said:
My wife, two kids and myself are travelling to China later this month. Do I have to hand in my passport in person or can my wife hand mine over when she takes the others in???
Sep. 4,2009 22:12 Ms.Grace replied:
Either you or your wife can apply for the China visa on behalf of the other, but the visa application form bust be signed on your own.
29.
Sep. 3,2009 05:28
Reply
Mr.David said:
Iam to trvel to Shanghia next week and need to travel with heart medication, are there any restrictions on what i can take to china
Sep. 3,2009 20:25 Mr.Caldwell replied:
Chinese customs must have restrictions on medicine, but I'm not sure about the relevant info. about your situation. I advise you enquire about it from the China emabssy when you apply for the visa.
30.
Sep. 1,2009 19:39
Reply
Mr.Nathan(Australia) said:
I am in Hervey Bay Queensland,300 km north of Brisbane. Is there any offices near Hervey Bay that I can process my visa through or do I have to go to Brisbane. Thank you
Copyright© 1998-2009 TravelChinaGuide.com, All rights reserved.
Travelers' Voices on China Consulate in Brisbane (65)
11.
Nov. 4,2009 17:40 Reply
Mrs.Ash(KSA) said:
Hi there,
I was trying very hard to contact the chinese consulate but no one answer , and the naswer machine speakes in mandarine which means that I dont understand anything (><)
However, I have a special circumstances, and need to talk to someone who is able to help me. we usually go to Hong Kong without any visa but my baby has a travel pass and they told me we can't enter Hong Kong with her unless we apply for a visa. May I ask please what should I do. The reason why we are having transit in Hong Kong is because I have 2 special need daughters and it is very dangerous for them to travel by plane more than 7 hours due to the possibility they might have seizures which con not be treated in the plane, therefore, the neurologist always ask to give them a rest in the middle way which is Hong Kong this time, We booked the flight on the 20th Nov, so please I really need a quick respond. the Hong Kong internation airport people told me to talk to the consulate in order to apply for my baby a visa. can you tell me the numbers that I have to contact asap and when please? bensiana@gmail.com
Nov. 4,2009 20:39
Mr.Madison replied:
Try the contact on the official website of the China Consulate in Brisbane below:
http://brisbane.china-consulate.org/eng/lsfw/t401000.htm
12.
Nov. 3,2009 03:11 Reply
Mr.hang(italy) said:
hey I have a italian passport living in australia for study and I would like to know if it's possible to the get back my visa in just the same day as I give the application to them them. If it is ok then I would just go to brisbane for only one day and then come back to port douglas. Also because I'm going to china in june, if it possible to apply for my visa now? or does it have to be 1-2 months before departing? thank you so much
Nov. 3,2009 20:04
Ms.HELPER(Canada) replied:
The embassy do provide same days service, but you will have to pay additional fees.
If you will travel China in June, it is too early to apply for the visa now, you should apply for the visa one month before your trip.
13.
Oct. 18,2009 20:18 Reply
Mr.Vajta(queensland) said:
Dear Mr. Cheney,
I had the privilege to get an useful help from you last time. May I ask for your help again? I simply cannot reach the Consulate on the give numbers.
I am Gabor Vajta, Cairns resident, Professor of JCU, Australian Citizen. I submitted my visa application ten days ago with invitation letter, itinerary for 26th November, money order, etc. in a registered letter ten days ago. I have to pay my airline ticket TODAY, otherwise I will loose opportunity to travel to China.
I tried to call the consulate but cannot pass through the Chinese autoresponse.
I would need an assurance that my visa will be provided and sent to me to arrive in a few days, definitely Friday, or I have to cancel this trip and a most important scientific collaboration will get also cancelled.
I ask for your prompt help to be able to proceed.
Thanks in advance,
Gabor Vajta
Oct. 18,2009 22:46
Mrs.Carol replied:
After 10 working days of sending application, you don't receive your passport or visa. Therefore, you can send fax (your name, birthday, the date of sending, passport number) to the consulate for inquiring about your visa. The telephone is very hard to get through.
But I will also tell you one bad thing, as I know, The Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane does NOT take any responsibility for the loss or damage of documents sent to it or returned by postal or courier services.
Oct. 18,2009 22:49
Mrs.Carol replied:
For applications lodged by post, an additional fee of A$10 applies for each package which contains no more than four (4) passports. Do you also write visa fee and the A$ 10 on a cheque.
14.
Oct. 14,2009 18:44 Reply
Mrs.Queensland(Australia) said:
Hi, I am having the same trouble as ms annoyed. I cant get through to the consulate by phone either. It doesnt matter which extension number I press it just speaks to me in Chinese and hangs up. I tried 1,2 and 206. It is rather frustrating as my flights are coming up soon and I need to get the visa finished. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks
Oct. 14,2009 22:31
Mr.Carl replied:
I'm afrqaid the quickest and most effective way is to go to the consualte in person.
Oct. 14,2009 23:43
Mrs.Queensland(Australia) replied:
Oh really?? well I cant as I live in north Queensland. Guess I have to keep trying to ring them. Thanks.
Oct. 15,2009 01:06
Mrs.Darcy replied:
Mrs. Queensland, you can get some general info. from the official website of the Chinese Consulate below:
http://brisbane.china-consulate.org/eng/lsfw/qz/
15.
Oct. 12,2009 19:58 Reply
Mr.Christian(Australia) said:
Hi
A group of 4 of us are heading to Beijing in November. We've decided to catch the train down to Hong Kong and fly out of Hong Kong to Bangkok for another part of our trip. Part of the visa requirements is to provide itinerary to show exitting China. Unfortunately we are exiting China by train (To HK)which we are unable to get ticket for we arrive. Will it be ok to show our flight exiting HK instead of mainland China?
Oct. 13,2009 02:26
Mrs.Jennifer replied:
I think it will do, but it depends on the China embassy finally.
16.
Oct. 6,2009 19:21 Reply
Ms.Annoyed(Australia) said:
This is by far the worst service I have ever had to endure!
I can not believe how hard it is to talk to someone regarding Visa application.
Oct. 8,2009 02:09
Mr.Mable(Australia) replied:
When do you call the consualte? The Chinese Consulate General in Brisbane will be closed for the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Day on 1st October(Thursday), 2nd October(Friday), 5th October(Monday) and 6th October(Tuesday) and resume office on 7th October(Wednesday).
17.
Oct. 5,2009 01:07 Reply
Mr.Vajta(Australia) said:
Dear Mr. Cheney,
Based on your information I wish to apply for a single entry visa. Unfortunately your letter did not contain any information regarding the price of the single entry visa. Additionally, there was an error at the edition of the price: is it ten dollars?
Thanks for your answer in advance,
Gabor Vajta
Oct. 5,2009 22:55
Mr.Helper replied:
the fee for single-entry visa is 40 Australian dollars, the handling service fee is 10 Australian dollars for each package which contains no more than four (4) passports. You should pay 50 Australian dollars in total.
18.
Sep. 29,2009 00:04 Reply
Mr.Gabor Vajta(Australia) said:
Dear Ms. Brenda, I send this inquiry on the basis of the information of the Brisbane Consulate homepage, just at the same homepage where your answer has occurred. See the evidence (copy of the homepage:)
"...2. If you want to apply for Chinese visa by mailing, you should satisfy the following requirements.
a. You are residents of Queensland.
b. You must use Express Mail, Registered Mail, DHL or TNT to send applications to Chinese consulate in Brisbane.
c. The required documents for applying a visa should be complete.
d. The self-addressed, pre-paid return envelope with enough postage should be provided. The SENDER on the envelope is your address and name instead of Chinese Consulate. It also should use Express Mail, Registered Mail, DHL or TNT.
e. All payments should be paid by Bank Check or Money Order if you apply for a visa by mailing. The payee is 'Chinese Consulate in Brisbane'.
f. The processing time of applications by mailing is normally 5-6 working days. The expedited service is not available for applications by mailing.
g. After 10 working days of sending application, you don't receive your passport or visa. Therefore, you can send fax (your name, birthday, the date of sending, passport number) to the consulate for inquiring about your visa.
h. One package contains not more than 4 passports."
So, could you give me an accurate and responsible information how much should I pay for a single entry visa or multiple entry visa (in one year)?
Sep. 29,2009 01:27
Mr.Cheney replied:
Mr.Gabor Vajta, firstly, I would to cklear that a single China visa is valid for 3 months only. If you wat to apply for a visa for one year, you should apply for a multiple entry visa.
The visa fee of a multi-entry visa for one year is AUD 120 and the handling fee for th mail service is $10.00 per package(maximum 4 passports per package).
Meanwhile, please be advised that if you choose to pay by credit card, a surcharge of A$1 will be added to the total amount less than A$100, or A$1.5 or the amount more than A$100.
19.
Sep. 28,2009 15:17 Reply
Mr.Gabor Vajta(Australia) said:
I am Australian Citizen, Cairns resident, want to travel to China and submit my application by mail. What is the fee of a single entrance visa to China including all handling costs, i.e. how much should I send you on a money order or bank cheque alongside with my application?
Sep. 28,2009 21:59
Ms.Brenda replied:
I don't think the China emabssy in Australia accept visa application by mail. You'd better confirm this with the embassy in advance.
20.
Sep. 24,2009 21:07 Reply
Mr.Sawtell(Australia) said:
Is it possible to re-locate permanently in China.
Sep. 24,2009 22:07
Mr.Brant replied:
Please read th einfo. on the website below:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/apply.htm
21.
Sep. 21,2009 06:36 Reply
Ms.Li(Australia) said:
Hi there,
I would like to renew my Chinese passport. What documents shall I prepare please?
Thanks
Yihong Li
Sep. 21,2009 20:28
Mr.Winston replied:
You should contact the Consular Protection Office of the China consulate in Brisbane for help.
Tel: 61-7-32106509-215
Emergent Call: 61-7-0410657178
Fax: 61-7-30128096
22.
Sep. 18,2009 02:07 Reply
Mr.Andy(Australia) said:
I am an australian and have a chinese girlfriend still live in China. We plan to get married soon. Do I need any documment to proof that I am single? If so, could you tell me what I need please, thanks.
Sep. 18,2009 03:53
Ms.Emma replied:
Please read th einformation on the webite below:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/marriage-registration.htm
23.
Sep. 18,2009 01:54 Reply
Mr.Andy(Australia) said:
I am an Australian and I have a property in China. If I want to apply for a 12 months multiple entry-visa, do I need to give the hotel reservation?
Sep. 18,2009 03:52
Mrs.Victoria replied:
No, hote reservation is not required when applying for china multiple entry visa.
24.
Sep. 15,2009 18:57 Reply
Ms.VERY ANNOYED!(Australia) said:
I have to say that the telephone service of Chinese Embassy is DISGUSTING! NO ONE ANSWERS THE STUPID PHONE! If you are trying to get in contact with them, and you don't live in Brisbane, then i wouldn't bother! How can such a simple task, be so hard? FRUSTRATING!!!!
Sep. 15,2009 21:57
Mrs.Victoria replied:
The phone of the embassy is alway busy and hard to get through, so you can go to the embassy in person or entrust a travel agency to process the visa.
25.
Sep. 15,2009 17:47 Reply
Mr.Cameron Tuesley(Australia) said:
I left my folder which contains my receipt from the Chinese Consulate in Brisbane for my Visa application. Can I still collect my Visa without this receipt? If not, what can I do? I leave for China on Monday so only have 2 days to get my visa.
Thank you
Sep. 15,2009 21:55
Mrs.Olivia replied:
If you lose the receipt, you will have to go to pick up the visa in preson.
26.
Sep. 13,2009 23:33 Reply
Ms.moss(australia) said:
do i need a visa if i'm travelling from brisbane to hong kong and macau
if so how much does it cost
Sep. 14,2009 01:36
Mr.Jack replied:
You don't need a visa to Macau for up to 30 days, you don't need a visa to Hong Kong for up to 90 days, either.
27.
Sep. 11,2009 01:36 Reply
Mrs.McCreesh(Australia) said:
My husband has booked us a holiday for 8 days in hong Kong .We have just realised my passport which is Irish has expired . I have applied for a new one ,but it won't be ready in time. The Irish embassy is issuing me with a temperory passport in time for our trip.
will there be any problems entering Hong Kong on a tomperory passport .Our travel agent has checked and says it will be fine.
Sep. 11,2009 04:35
Mrs.Brenda replied:
I think there will be no problem, but Irish passport holders need to apply for a visa to Hk. I'm not sure whether the visa ofice could accept it.
28.
Sep. 4,2009 16:02 Reply
Mr.Knight(Aust) said:
My wife, two kids and myself are travelling to China later this month. Do I have to hand in my passport in person or can my wife hand mine over when she takes the others in???
Sep. 4,2009 22:12
Ms.Grace replied:
Either you or your wife can apply for the China visa on behalf of the other, but the visa application form bust be signed on your own.
29.
Sep. 3,2009 05:28 Reply
Mr.David said:
Iam to trvel to Shanghia next week and need to travel with heart medication, are there any restrictions on what i can take to china
Sep. 3,2009 20:25
Mr.Caldwell replied:
Chinese customs must have restrictions on medicine, but I'm not sure about the relevant info. about your situation.
I advise you enquire about it from the China emabssy when you apply for the visa.
30.
Sep. 1,2009 19:39 Reply
Mr.Nathan(Australia) said:
I am in Hervey Bay Queensland,300 km north of Brisbane. Is there any offices near Hervey Bay that I can process my visa through or do I have to go to Brisbane.
Thank you
Sep. 1,2009 22:00
Mr.Lester replied:
I'm afraid you have to go to Brisbane.