Korean Job Discussion Forums

[swoodman]

How much money would you recommend I bring for a five night trip to Beijing? Also, should I get this money exchanged before I leave or do this at the airport? Thanks in advance

[tzechuk]

What do you want to do in Beijing?

Eat Beijing duck? Then go to Wangfujing's Quan Ju De.. it's in the ally right next to the gigantic bookstore.. that will set you back 200 yuan.

Go to the Great Wall on a packaged day-trip with a tour guide? That'll be may be 3-500 yuan.

Subway is quick and easy and costs only 2 yuan per trip.

Local food is also cheap and cheerful, but don't go to those that are overly local, or you might get food poisoning. I would budget for around 50 yuan for food per day if you want local food.

Everywhere you go will cost you money to enter - Forbidden City is 40 yuan in the winter and 60 in the summer.

Others will be slightly cheaper.

Buying souvenirs... things are not so cheap in China anymore, but not that expensive, either... so it depends on how much you want to spend.

I wouldn't bother eating western food in China. I did that in Dec. 2008, but that was a treat for my Chinese uncle, aunt and cousin - they live in Beijing, and they had never been to Outback until I took them. There were quite a lot of us - me, my parents, my sister and her daughter, my daughter, my uncle, aunt and cousin... so 9. The bill came to 1700 yuan, or something like 270,000 won. So this gives you an idea that prices are similar to those in Korea.

So back to your point - how much to budget/take?

I am going to say budget for 500 yuan a day, but take a bit extra for shopping etc. So I would take may be 5,000 yuan, or 800,000 won.

I found the rates at the airport to be similar to that of your local bank, but people have told me the rates are higher at the airport... dunno. I tend to use my international debit card these days.

Anyway HTH.

[curiousaboutkorea]

I second much of tzechuk's advice, having just spent my vacation in Beijing. You could go super-cheap if you wanted, staying in hostels and the like. Nothing wrong with that. I was able to find food good, hearty local food for very cheap. Soup and baozi for breakfast=8 yuan, a big bowl of noodles with meat and veg=12 yuan, snacks 2-6 yuan, etc. Full restaurant meals are of course more, but still affordable if eating at 'local' restaurants.

I always just take a bit of cash and exchange it at the bank before I leave and then do all the rest out of ATMs once I'm there.

[swoodman]

Thanks guys sound advice