Let’s Talk Money . . .

BofA shut down my Visa bank card yesterday.    Seems I was supposed to call them -- any local branch, or the 1-800 number listed on the back of my card --  to say, “Hey, I will be in China for five weeks.”  Oops, my bad.

For some odd reason, I couldn't dial the US on my iPhone.  "All lines are busy" is a horrible recording to hear when you're about to check out of your hotel, you still need to buy your train ticket to get to Guangzhou, and book your hotel there. 

Hubby calmly suggested to go on-line.  "Keisha" and I had a pretty lengthy chat session.  She was very efficient and helpful, but she couldn't pull the trigger on getting the card working again.  

Finally, I connected to the States and had a 25-minute phone call with someone in the BofA fraud department.  Three words:  "Baby, I'm baaaaaaaack."

Here is what Chinese money looks like:

Chinese currency is called renminbi.
The name literally mens, "people's currency." 

The Chinese dollar goes a long way.  We've been able to enjoy some luxurious treats, for cheap. Here are some examples of what you can get:

I went to the spa at our American chain hotel, and got the works.  
Up first was a Thai massage, 60minutes $25 USD.  
Then I got a pedicure that automatically came with a 60minute leg massage, $10 USD

Then I got a Manicure, $7 USD

Manicure turned out pretty good.

Hubby and I both got Reflexology (foot massage) at our American chain hotel, 60 minutes $25 USD

Calamari dinner $3 USD

Tofu for lunch $2.50 USD
But Tofu doesn’t mean “vegetarian" in China.  There's pork and beef swimming all in this hot pot.  I sent it back, and the workers were super ANNOYED with me.

But the mosquitos are FREE (I have 6 bites, and counting)

Taxis cost anywhere from $.50 - $3 USD.

The bullet train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou, 1hour38minutes, $12.72 USD

When they say you get more bang for your buck in China, it's true.

~SS

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