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Forums > Living in Kunming > Temporary drivers licence in Yunnan

Interesting indeed.

However, it looks like the only difference in status is that you don't need to be a resident in China. It may be that you still need to take the theory test for Chinese driving regulations, the info provided in the links suggests this is the case.

If I am correct, then you can get a temporary driving licence if you have some purpose to drive, part of a tour perhaps. I assume then you would be in a hired or borrowed vehicle.

For most of us, who have a temporary certificate of residence from the local police, the temporary drivers licence offers no advantages over the permanent one.

Although one of the posts in China moto, suggested it was to buy a motorcycle in another province. This is a way of buying larger engined motorcycles, I have seen 1000cc sports bikes in China (not legal in Shanghai but I have seen them with other province plates).

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Forums > Food & Drink > "Wedding Banquet" venues?

Diana's has a buffet, has nice decor, and is not expensive.
They are on Dongfeng Xi Lu near the centre.

Downside, not much for meat eaters.

Mostly Chinese dishes.

But from what I understand (if this is a Chinese wedding) they will expect a sit down with all the trimmings, Bai Jiu, and cigarettes on every table; but the Hong Bao will cover the costs. Even if it is a working class wedding, no expense is spared. Especially if this is the brides first wedding.
I don't know what the expectation is for a second wedding.

At one wedding I went to in Guizhou, they collected 450RMB per head from guests as they entered the hall.

I am glad I got married in UK.

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Forums > Living in Kunming > Importing to China

I would suggest you use a shipping agent/import company. They charge fees, but will not see you wrong, as they do all the paperwork.

I think the larger ports also have bilingual websites with some information on customs duties. Shanghai, Shenzen, Dalian, Beijing.

Local consultancies are 10 a penny, and most are not worth 2 cents. Many will just take your money and give poor advice. Possibly based on an Ebay purchase they once made, that was delivered by UPS. I jest not. I would suggest caution if approached in response to your classified add. But would accept referrals from other expat companies that import.

It might help to know what you are thinking of importing, in what quantities, from where, by what mode of transport, and through what port?

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Forums > Living in Kunming > Solutions other than VPN

I think the only other solutions are offered by Quantas, Air Asia, Air France, Virgin, United, etc. etc.

It really is frustrating, and now even paid for VPNs are going down it is depressing.

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Define international city.

If you mean and international trade centre for SW China, I think Yunnan has missed the boat. Chongqing was on a par with KMG 6 or 7 years ago. It is now streets ahead. With the global recession, and even China's economic downturn, there are few opportunities to develop a new trading centre in SW China.

I know KMG and YN govt. want it, but I don't think they will get it. For Vietnam/Thailand/Etc. the extra flight time to Chongqing does not add a lot to the total door to door time. And when you get there all the main financial services are needed are already well developed, unlike KMG.
The other issue is how do you staff institutions from a work pool of people with a poor work ethic. Yunnan has never been known to be industrious. Chongqing is a cut-throat business environment, like Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai. In Yunnan people want easy money, and then kick back and play Mah-jong.

Reviews

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A reasonable choice of lumber that has improved over time. Fancy hardwoods like walnut, and mahogany are in abundance. There are some plywood and rubber-wood boards available. There are also some kiln dried imported softwoods and merbao available. Some of the lumber is very green, so look for the kiln dried if you need stable timbers.

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Echo everything said by others.
Breakfast great and the serve from 8am. Most other places say 9am and they still are not ready.
Sandwiches are cheap 22-32, and really packed full of filling. We got some sandwiches for a day out, the only mistake I made was ordering two, as this was too much. These are seriously good sangars, and they are wrapped in alu foil.

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In fairness to Metro, they are a wholesalers, and not really a supermarket. Hence the need for a card, which can be got around.

They have improved in the year I have been away. They now carry a more consistent range of imported foodstuffs and they also seem to have sorted out the mported milk supply.

They have a wider range of electrical appliances now, there is a coice of more than one toast. There is also a better range of seasonal non foods, like clothes, shoes, garden furniture and camping gear.