Expert: Mike Dodds - 5/23/2009

Question
Hi Mike. how are you? Nihao ma?
Please could you tell me how much it is to fly to China and how much is accomodation?? i am really hoping to stay for a month. xie xie.

Answer
Hi Ashley,

Sorry for the delay.  Flights vary greatly from country to country, I'm from the USA and the typical cost is rather high here, around $1200 to $1700.  Much better prices can be found though if you search around on the internet and even with your local travel agents.  Find an Asian market and they typically will have a Chinese language news paper for your community.  Travel agents specializing in China travel will often have some very good rates there.

As for accomodations, youth hostels are very good and many are in centrally located areas of the cities you may visit.  Costs for YH's are typically 40 ($4.50) to 60 rmb per night.  There are literally 1000s of 3 star and below hotels, you should be able to find hotel accomodations for 100 to 250 rmb per night.  It depends on what region/city you are in and your aversion to risk.  Your best bet is to set something up for a few days prior to arriving, but then hunt down a long term arrangement.  

Also, consider going to some of the expat forums and asking if anyone could put you up.  If you tell them you're willing to pay some nightly fee or a set amount for the visit, I am sure you could find something. The nice thing about that option is that your host might actually help you get your bearings once you're there.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

Best wishes,
Mike Dodds
east.west.pm@gmail.com