Ryu69 wrote: ↑I think I understand about you going to HK. What I was recommending is to fly to beijing from vancouver and then have a 2 month (or whatever the time you need) stopover in Beijing, then fly to HK. Then you can fly without stopover from HK to Vancouver with a connection in Beijing via Air China. If they let you have the stopover for that long, then the cost of the flight will be the same as if there wasn't a stopover. I am suggesting this as I don't think there is an airline that flies from Beijing to Vancouver with a stopover in HK as you will have to pay for 2 one way flights, but Air China does a stop over in Beijing when going to HK. But not sure how long the stopover can be. I'm babbling a bit, as I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. But yeah, Air China is basically a budget airline. I would go with Cathay if you don't mind paying the extra money.
as for where to change money. I would do it in Vancouver. I usually go to Vancouver Bullion Downtown or on Grandville as they are pretty competive. As for how much you should bring to Beijing? depends on what you want to do. For me, a tour to Great wall was about 70 CDN a person. same with the other tour of tienimen square and the other shrines. not sure what else you want to see in Beijing. Food is very cheap if you don't go to the restaurants geared towards foreinger. you can go have dinner and lots to drink for 10 bucks canadian. don't eat at western type places like KFC as it is very expensive. if you go clubbing, it is about 10 CDN to get in (well at least where i went to) and drinks are decent. we ususally bought a bottle for about 100 CDN and shared that amoung our group. i suggest bringing money and only using credit card at non shady places as there is no surcharge but the exchange rate sucks. you can always use the bank machine too to take out money if you are afraid to bring too much money. one thing you should try is the chicken burger at 7-11 in beijing (7-11 is everywhere in HK and Beijing) as it is a great snack after a night of drinking.
I use vancouver bullion myself when I buy US currency. There is this part of me that is not comfortable with bringing so much cash to a third world country.
I think I get what you are saying now. I'll check things out. Thanks for the help.