Originally Posted by
Alka
+ We'd like to update friends and family with photos and notes -- is Facebook available or is that restricted?
+ As mentioned in my reply to tiblot, we arrive late but arranged prepaid shuttle transportation. Unless necessary to do otherwise in your opinion, we'll arrive without Chinese currency but will exchange USD the next day. Would I be better off having at least have some money in hand upon arrival? If so, I'll look to exchange at DFW or ORD.
Thank you again for the advice -- and patience.
Facebook, twitter, and others are blocked unless you have access through a VPN or, sometimes, your mobile phone. Email usually works, but gmail can be tricky. There's a thread for all the various issues that arise using the internet in China.
For cash, get it at PEK on your way out. When you exit the customs hall there are several ATMs immediately there as well as just past the usual throng of people. (You won't need cash before that.) Make usual preparations to alert bank, but the ATMs don't charge fees (your bank may) and are available all over the city. Taxi into Beijing at that time of night should be under Y100, or perhaps well less depending on location.