Thank you so much everybody for all of the responses. Good answers to all of the questions. in short I'll recommend my guests to try their NZ eftpos (atm) cards and have US dollars as a backup.

@TICexpats what's a number 6 uncle?

I did search through the older threads but I couldn't find the info that I needed.

I have relatives visiting from NZ and I wanted to know where is the best place to change their money into RMB. Does the new airport have reputable fair money changers? And will they need to first have US dollars or Euros etc to convert in to RMB?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

I recently lost all programs on computer and the people who fixed it up could only install a Chinese language copy of Word 2003 that I cannot use and which will not even open my existing Word files.

I'd like to buy a copy of Word (the year is not too important) in English that I can install on my computer. I do not want to buy online as I hate using my credit card and I'm something of a luddite. Does anyone have a copy on disc or memory stick that they'd be willing to sell?

P.S. I have put this in the Wanted section of the classifieds as well. I just hope it is more visible here - until it is picked up by an admin and shifted to the classifieds anyway.

Thanks for your reply Spring

Actually my wife is Chinese and I live with her family so I get to speak a little every day. I had hopes that I would just magically pick up Mandarin but I've discovered that I really need a structured lesson plan to push on.

I have tried online lessons but, because I am busy, I find ways to avoid doing what I need to. Thats why I'd like to attend a school or employ a professional tutor.

Again, any advice would be most welcome.

Hi there. I'd like to attend a Chinese class on Saturday mornings. I know there are plenty of posts and comments on different schools but my time is not really flexible as I work during the rest of the week, 9 AM to 1 or 2 PM would be ideal.

My level is somewhere between beginner and intermediate.
Any suggestions on good schools, prices etc would be much appreciated