Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pattinsons]

Hello everyone. I am going to Beijing for Chuseok. I will be there four days. I was wondering how much money I should take there. I booked a package so my hotel is included. I want to do some sight seeing. You know the Great Wall, Forbidden city, etc. How much should I take? Thanks for you help.

[mulligc3]

Not much, you can get day package trip to great wall and forbidden city is like 10,000 won or something like that in. Food is dirt cheap out in shopping centres and delicious. I spent 3 days there and came back with money.
Go to see a show
The legend of Kung Fu is brilliant and cheap!!!! ENJOY

[fezmond]

i second the above: not much

i did 4/5 days a month ago and the biggest expense was buying gifts for others.

food is dirt cheap. for the most part, booze is the same. sights/subway etc are also really cheap. it's definately not a walking city though so you may spend some in taxis.

i took 50,000 won for each day and just about spent it

[jomiro]

well....
i usually take about 2000 rmb with me when i go to beijing. normally spend 3 to 4 days there.
yes, it is cheap.
but face it. you are a westerner and probably dont speak any chinese. chances are high you will be screwed over a few times.
plus, you have no idea where to get the cheapest food. taxi rides are cheaper than here, but still cost money.
the trip to the great wall for 10.000 won i would like to find.
if you book a trip with a tour company you will pay around 25 - 30 US$.
depending on which part you go to you will have to pay a bit more or less.

other sights (palaces, forbidden city, ming tombs (waste of time tho): usually between 50 and 100 rmb to get into.
subway ride: 2 rmb per ride.
taxi ride: i think they still start with 10 rmb for the first 3 km. then every additional km they add 2 rmb. in the end they might ask you to add another kuai, which they justify with the high gas prices.
food: beijing duck around 250rmb at a good place.
normal dishes: around 12 rmb and up (depending where you eat and what you eat).
shopping in beijing: cheaper than anywhere else. souvenirs is what they will screw you over with. you have to negotiate the prices. rule is half of the price they are offering minus 10% (that should be what you pay - the most).
avoid the tourist/silk markets on the weekend. thats when they have super crazy prices. a tuesday or wednesday is the best to shop there.