Travel to China

[nsdesi]

What is the cost of Hostels and safety?
I intend to tavel widly in the country.
any new ideas?

[Reba]

Just out of curiosity, why post this in the United States forum and not the Asia forum?

[Jonno]

Hi,

I guess this reply will reach you about 6-months too late, but here's willing all the same...

By Western standards, China is still a reletively cheap country to live in, as long as you avoid the Western bars and clubs, and are a little sensible about things. The major cities are most expensive, whilst rural living can be incredibly cheap. Hostels are widely available, but they are not part of any international schemes such as Youth Hostel Association. I had a quotation from a hostel in Xi'an a few months ago, which was Y80 per person per night, with discount for groups. Y means RMB or Chinese currency RenMinBi. You will find excellent standard Western 2-star hotels at around Y200 per night, per room, which are probably a better and far safer option

You asked about safety, well I consider China to be far safer than virtually any Western destination, with the only crime you need to consider being 'Bag-snatching'. Pick-pocketing outside of Beijing street-markets is not an issue as long as you are sensible. However, if you leave baggage, laptops, or mobile phones unattended, then they will probably be gone when you return.

Conversely, I have never known of any problem with any hotel, and there you can leave cash on the table when you go out for the day, and know it will still be there when you return! Reason: Any (Unproven) complaint and the related staff are immediately sacked!

To clue you in: most migrant workers in China think a monthly wage of Y800 is a good deal, and this includes accommodation and usually food - but means they work 12 hour days minimum, and may have 2 un-consecutive days off each month at best. A good local job here will offer twice this renumeration monthly + better time off

If you are still planning a trip here, then I will need to talk to you about Independent Travel in China, and clue you into some of the things you should understand. This is all explained in detail on my website, but I cannot give you a link here yet - so think global websites, and insert 'china-expats' as the main variable to find us - or send me a PM on here

Lastly, we Expat's have a saying which is remarkably true in real life:

Here is China!

For it is nothing like anything you would expect, and both as crazy and most wonderful place you would ever imagine to experience

You are welcome

best wishes
Jonno