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| 100CAD - 100CNY A Day: 30 days in China | |
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| Topic Started: Jan 25 2014, 02:43 PM (1,498 Views) | |
| blizzard | Jan 25 2014, 02:43 PM Post #1 |
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Gold Star Member
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When I decided to not work in China again I knew I would still want to return to visit old haunts and have new adventures. I had already devised a possible plan that would not completely deplete my bank accounts - at the time I was still planning to work for another year. Plans change, go with the flow, are crucial to remember to not become ensnared in worrying about plans going awry. I am back on track, except it will be a flight first then many trains. No idea when I will leave in March, I just know I must by March 24. I have a ticket. I have a visa. I even have a rough itinerary! Now to convince at least one daughter to go with me - for the company, for photography, to share an adventure and to keep me from inadvertently insulting anyone. Is the insulting likely? Oh yes, I do tend to lose my temper and throw out choice words that could possibly get me in trouble. All in Mandarin of course. I need someone to keep me on the straight and narrow. The plan is to start in Beijing (BJ), travel north to Heilongjiang, down to Jilin then Inner Mongolia before heading to Shanxi and Shaanxi. Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi (lived in Nanning, love the region and the people) then possible Hainan before ending up in Shanghai. I expect to visit Suzhou again, as well as Nanjing - an important city in the history of China. As I look at this list I am aware I will have to make some changes to keep within my endeavour to spend no more than $100.00 per day, or $3000.00 over 30 days for everything. Airfare, visa, trains, hostels - this is why my daughter is balking. The 100CNY is a challenge to visit areas while only spending the equivalent of $18.00 a day. I know, it seems unfair to make such a challenge when I have prior knowledge of so many places however that part of the reason for going. I do know. Now to remember how to say BBQ pork. |
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| agate | Jan 25 2014, 03:34 PM Post #2 |
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Good luck to l it all Blizzard. It is good to have a budget and stick to it.
Edited by agate, Jan 25 2014, 03:35 PM.
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| wildie | Jan 25 2014, 03:55 PM Post #3 |
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Veteran Member
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If you need a baggage porter, I'm available! Groan2.gif. N1TheSkyIsTheLimit.gif |
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| blizzard | Jan 26 2014, 06:03 PM Post #4 |
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Gold Star Member
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Wildie, I plan to take just one bag. Most likely some sort of backpack that will fit my laptop, camera and perhaps two changes of clothing. Undecided if I should just have one pair of shoes or also take my sturdy hiking sandals for the warmer climes. Looking at all the places I might have to stretch my money to cover two months! I certainly do not want to go over budget and would love to actually have even $20.00 left. |
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| blizzard | Jan 29 2014, 05:32 PM Post #5 |
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Gold Star Member
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Well, so much for being given the proper information from Air Canada. When I called to finally use my return flight from Vancouver to Beijing I was informed I would have to pay over $800.00. As this made absolutely no sense I, of course, asked how that could be. Response, paraphrasing now, '...your ticket was a six month ticket for travel but it is good for one year. It gives you time to decide what to do.' I did not become angry with the CSR, he was only the messenger, but I am quite cross that after being told in August that I would be able to use the ticket for my flight up until March 24, 2014 I am not able to! Considering that a return flight is less than $1200.00 why would I bother to pay over $800.00 one-way when I already have a ticket. Grrrr. So now I need to decide what to do about going back. No rush to use the ticket I have - it is useless. I do have a visa that is good until May for entry. Or should I find someone who is going to China for a visit who can withdraw my funds from my account there then decide to return on a later date? I suppose this does give me more time to plan. I am just so frustrated with being told one thing then finding out it was incorrect. I could have used the ticket in October when I went for a week. Stepping away from my rant now. Still making plans, most likely for April or October now. Time will tell. |
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| Darcie | Jan 30 2014, 09:02 AM Post #6 |
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Skeptic
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I am so sorry to hear this Blizzard, but have to say that I am not at all surprised. I would be very angry at them. Like the communications industry, the airline industry seems to get away with whatever they want. |
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| blizzard | Dec 6 2014, 09:05 AM Post #7 |
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Gold Star Member
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I am back to considering my idea to travel across/through China using the 100RMB or 100CAD idea but for longer. If I am going to really see the country why not all 34 regions? 23 provinces; 4 municipalities; 5 automunous regions and two special Administrative regions. I am now considering a year for travel. Mostly by rail, most likely the only way I can even consider putting my foot into Tibet. Not due to political or religious upheaval but the thinner air. I wish I had gone before moving back to Canada with my children despite some of the problems with visas. Oh well. Currently still in the planning stages and feeling the itch to get going. Kingston first, with a chance to discuss my D's plans for her thesis - if she goes to China I will definitely try to start my trip then. I have not mentioned anything to my sister - I am sure she will not be pleased as we have the condo to deal with. Time enough to figure it all out. It might take until 2016 before I start or short trips but at greater expense. |
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| swing | Dec 7 2014, 06:08 AM Post #8 |
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swing
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Well, so much for being given the proper information from Air Canada. When I called to finally use my return flight from Vancouver to Beijing I was informed I would have to pay over $800.00. As this made absolutely no sense I, of course, asked how that could be. Response, paraphrasing now, '...your ticket was a six month ticket for travel but it is good for one year. It gives you time to decide what to do.' I did not become angry with the CSR, he was only the messenger, but I am quite cross that after being told in August that I would be able to use the ticket for my flight up until March 24, 2014 I am not able to! Considering that a return flight is less than $1200.00 why would I bother to pay over $800.00 one-way when I already have a ticket. Grrrr. So now I need to decide what to do about going back. No rush to use the ticket I have - it is useless. I do have a visa that is good until May for entry. Or should I find someone who is going to China for a visit who can withdraw my funds from my account there then decide to return on a later date? I suppose this does give me more time to plan. I am just so frustrated with being told one thing then finding out it was incorrect. I could have used the ticket in October when I went for a week. Stepping away from my rant now. Still making plans, most likely for April or October now. Time will tell. Blizzard don't know if this ticket issue with Air Canada was ever resolved if not call the press! CTV here has a troubleshooter that delves into this for consumers. Large companies don't like bad press, they'll cave on your ticket. Global used to have a trouble shooter and i saw a similar incident with West jet a few months back, they paid up! |
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| blizzard | Jun 24 2016, 08:34 AM Post #9 |
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Gold Star Member
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Onward and upward. As autumn is approaching there are better and better airfares to China. If any seats are still available I am 95% sure I will book a flight for the end of Sept to travel for one month. That will give me plenty of time to work out my itinerary and get my visa. Fare with cancellation, under 650CAD! I will keep people posted. |
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| agate | Jun 24 2016, 02:12 PM Post #10 |
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Unbelievable!!! My fare to Edmonton is $600 !!!!!!! gaah.gif |
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| blizzard | Jun 24 2016, 03:34 PM Post #11 |
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Gold Star Member
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I did it! I did it! I bought my ticket for Vancouver to Shanghai! I am so excited inside. Only 645.41 including cancellation and travel insurance. I cannot believe my luck. Now for the calculations to begin. Airfare - If I take 21.51 per day from my daily allowance of $100 that leaves me with 78.50 per day or 400CNY. Oh my, I can see how that will be a major challenge. I did a quick check of hostel prices, astronomical. In three years I believe two of the places I stayed at have tripled. My youngest D has suggested AirBnB. I might for Shanghai and Beijing. At least food is cheap and delicious. Transportation might eat into my budget. Next on my list - apply for a ten year visa. At the Consulate, 100CAD.I doubt I need one however the fee is the same for 3-6 months as fr ten years and it would mean I always have a visa if I keep each visit under six months. I was not planning to include the full price of the visa, for one month it appears the cost will be maybe .83 per month. Leaves me with 77.65 = 395CNY Let the challenge begin. First stop Shanghai. Edited by blizzard, Jun 24 2016, 03:44 PM.
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| sooty | Jun 25 2016, 12:24 AM Post #12 |
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Blue Star Member
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Go for it and have a great time. Knowing the language must be a big plus. I'd be too scared to be independent in a non English speaking country. |
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| Trotsky | Jun 25 2016, 01:27 AM Post #13 |
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Big City Boy
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blizzard, I'll bet you cringed every time you heard U.S. politician yammering endlessly that the Yuan is undervalued. Before, you got 10 per dollar, and now you only get 6 and a half.
PERNIL laugh123 Edited by Trotsky, Jun 25 2016, 01:32 AM.
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| blizzard | Jun 25 2016, 04:21 AM Post #14 |
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Gold Star Member
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Even less when CAD to CNY. I am going to hone my incredulous tone whenever I ask 'how much?' |
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| agate | Jun 25 2016, 04:26 AM Post #15 |
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Good going Blizzard. You are a world class traveller. |
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