Peter99, a blast from the past.

Unless your Chinese friend has a business license and some tax documents then I think as of a few months ago they are also limited to a certain amount. Still, bring your Chinese friend as it at least doubles the amount you can change in one day at the very least.

Bank offer the best rates, better than the old women outside but if the currency isn't held by the bank then those women are better than the exchange offices at the airport.

I believe that in HK you can now get a visa the same day. When they are on a visa purge, such as around Chinese New Year, National Day and the February government meetings, getting a visa anywhere other than your home country or HK is very difficult, even if you have stated the third country on your visa application.

If you want a safe bet, HK. You can take a budget airline or the train to get there, it won't be that expensive to get there. Plus, it's a work visa - Why would you care what it costs? Bill your employer.

The Americans treat GoKunming like a CNN phone in. They can't prise themselves away from their sphere.

Even if I leave Kunming I will continue to stalk these forums answering questions with out of date information but the same "bantz".