American guy challenges to 'survive' in Shanghai on 130 RMB

sunnylin01

(From Shanghaiist) The benefits of travel are innumerable but the prices are all too real. However, that's not necessarily the case in China for a traveller on an expat's salary.

YouTuber Kevin Cook challenged himself to "survive" a day in Shanghai with a budget of just 130 RMB (about $20). Somehow that paltry amount was supposed to cover his food, transportation and lodging at a hostel for the night.

sunnylin01

Based out of Rizhao city in coastal Shandong province, Cook has been vlogging in China since 2014, so luckily he knows how to get around a Chinese city. In the video, Cook hones in on budget meals like pork baozi and fried rice, taking advantage of affordable public transportation in between. Was he able to make it through 24 hours or did he end up in the subway begging for change?

sunnylin01

While the exchange rate and cost of living certainly make this challenge a piece of cheap cake, Cook does make it a point to mention that Shanghai is China's most expensive city (well, behind Hong Kong). Shanghai is also rated the most expensive city for expats in Asia. But hey, at least it's relatively liveable!

sunnylin01

http://static.video.qq.com/TPout.swf?auto=1&vid=m0193i6l3m7

parcher

singapore is more expensive than shanghai surely...

sunnylin01

parcher Post time: 2016-4-15 11:14
singapore is more expensive than shanghai surely...

The cost of living in Shanghai is quite expensive, especially considering its soaring housing price.

parcher

I don't know how much hostels are in shanghai, but in CQ you can get a room to yourself for 49rmb.

Breakfast, spicy noodles =5rmb
lunch, Dumplings + soup = 15rmb
Dinner, either fried rice with salad or pork chops with boiled rice or beef rice = 35rmb

A total of 104 rmb. 26rmb still left can be used for snacks and internet bar