Originally Posted by
drewguy
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.
I read the sticky about Internet access but, without having a VPN account, was hoping for a Facebook-style way to keep people updated on our activities.
We're avoiding use of credit cards and the DCC scam -- thanks to the sticky for that -- but credit card companies have been alerted to our travel plans just the same. I'll check in with the bank here on base to alert them to our ATM use. (Forgot about that as I rarely use the card in-country; thanks for the reminder.)
I had originally thought to buy RMB with USD cash instead of using local ATMs and was planning to bring a fair amount -- should I leave most of that money at home?
Thanks.