Job Discussion Forums

[jg]

Hello all,

How much should I bring, or better, what is a respectable low? Everyone says that China is cheap but I know there are some start-up costs I will incur, as with any new venture. I will be traveling from Shanghai to Jinan, but after that I dont imagine I will be spending a lot (housing is paid for). I don't eat at KFC, McDonald's, or their like and I plan to keep the "westerner" indulgences to an absolute minimum (big fan of local markets and their food stalls here!).

However, I have no intention of getting off the plane and going straightaway to Jinan... it seems wiser to rest a day in a hostel in Shanghai, stroll around a bit, then get the train to yonder camp... how can this be done on the cheap? Is $500 US enough? What is the one must-see in Shanghai?

Jay

[Minhang Oz]

Jay
You PM'd me re your other thread, so I'll answer several questions in one hit. For cheap Shanghai accommodation [a rare commodity] look at the "Shanghai to Wuhan" thread on this forum, where Roger makes a recommendation.
As this is the most Western city in China, its probably a good introduction to the country. The Bund [Waitan to the locals] is gracious and deserves a stroll. The skyscrapers on the Pudong side of the river are impressive but don't need a visit unless you want to ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower. A night time river cruise is recommended by many. For a glimpse of more traditional life, visit the old city area around Yu Garden [Yu Yuan], which is itself a Disney World rendition of China. You can do all this in a day's leisurely walk.
Despite disparaging comments made by others, LONELY PLANET is a useful starting point for first timers, except its the size and weight of a house brick.
Useful guides are www.expatsh.com and www.thatsmagazines.com The classifieds in both of these can help if you're looking for work later on.
The museum in People's Square has a great collection of traditional art. A visit to a water village, such as Zhujiajiao ia well worth it, but is a full day trip.
On costs, if you stay away from all things Western [although KFC etc aren't too pricey, and have the best toilets] 400 rmb, or 50 US a day should be ample to live as a budget tourist in Shanghai-I could do it for half that, but wags comment on my stinginess. Once you've settled down to work 100 a day should do the trick. If your school is providing meals-edible ones that is-even less. Everyday life is VERY cheap. A major credit card is the best way to bring your money. You can't use it at many ATMs, but can get cash from big branches of the main banks. Blackmarket deals are not recommended for "newbies" as there's a lot of counterfeit notes around.

[oprah]

What are "blackmarket deals"

[Minhang Oz]

People who hang around outside banks or where there are lots of foreigners, and ask you to " change marney". They're illegal, but quite open in their dealings, probably with police cooperation. Blackmarket rates when selling your foreign currency aren't very much higher than official bank rates, so only worthwhile if selling large numbers of $$$. Watch for getting shortchanged, and for fake 100rmb notes-producing these is a whole industry in itself. I've met taxidrivers who have been taken with this one-what chance have you got? And if all of your transaction is fake, try explaining to the police why you're passing counterfeit notes.
I know people who transact this way all the time and don't get stung, but they know what they're doing.
Useful for changing leftover rmb into hard currency without spending hours in the bank though.

[struelle]

[Atlas]

[struelle]