How to Budget and Save Money for a Trip to China

My husband recently got back from an inexpensive trip to China. Although mostly visiting Beijing and Shanghai, my husband also got to explore lesser known areas of China and meet the local people. Whether walking along the awesome Great Wall of China or eating regional Chinese food, he managed to stick to our travel budget and save money.

Based on that experience, my husband and I now know how to make the most of the currency exchange rate, find affordable attractions and restaurants in China, and even deal with emergencies (more about that below).

How to Save and Budget for a Chinese Vacation

As soon as you know you'll be traveling to China, it is time to think about cutting expenses. We didn't find it hard to come up with the money to cover travel costs for China because we cut pre-travel expenses and adjusted our spending habits.

For months ahead of time, we eliminated discretionary costs (eating out, trips to the movies). Another vital step was researching and planning out a low-cost itinerary, with the help of online sites and some books we bought.

Keep Travel Expenses Low by Booking Hotels and Plane Tickets Early

You can save money by planning ahead for airfare costs to China. You'll also want to book hotels quickly (Chinese hotels are often very affordable). One site that was useful in locating inexpensive flights was through Priority Club Rewards ,located here ,and voted number one by Global Traveler and Business Traveler Magazine.

Save Money on a China Trip by Packing Light and Use a Packing List

One website, Airtreks, has checklists of tips for cutting costs, as well as other helpful info which can printed out and taken along. This info is is located at airtreks.com . A packing list helps maximize the money saved on a trip to China and a super one can be found at the Airtreks site.

One important tip: do be aware that items allowed on American planes may not meet Chinese regulations. My husband had to discard some toiletries and other items when he got off the plan in China. A packing list tailored to meet Chinese regulations could have saved us even more money.

Saving and Budgeting for a Chinese Vacation - Group Tour or Your Own Itinerary?

You can stretch a travel budget for China, not only by booking hotels and airplane tickets early but by planning out a basic itinerary. Of course, you have to know your preferences. Would you rather save money in China by being part of a guided tour or would you prefer to plan your own schedule? Either way, you can save money. Just be sure to compare costs and then commit to the chosen option.

Save money on a Chinese Vacation - Get the Lowest Airfare and Know Customs Regulations

There are many online sites which provide info about low-cost airfares to China. One website which allows traveler to compare airfare prices is located at Tripadvisor and shows prices for Shanghai. You can research nearly any Chinese city and airline costs there. You must have a Visa and passport but can learn about US Visa info and find your nearest Chinese Consulate here , on a handy online site at the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Important tip: be sure to know which items are duty free and which are prohibited. While most prohibited items are obvious (dangerous drugs, fireworks and firearms), others are not so clear. You can find customs information at sites like this one from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, located here .

Vital info: be sure to keep up with the latest swine flu updates and Chinese travel. If any signs of swine flu are detected, travelers may be subject to quarantine. This rule was not in effect when my husband traveled to China so be sure you check for any updates or changes that may occur in the final few days before you travel.

Keep your Chinese Vacation or Trip Affordable by Carrying Along a Phrasebook or Portable Translator

Because of our tight budget for the Chinese trip, my husband used a Mandarin Chinese Dictionary and Phrasebook, one published by Rough Guide. This made the trip more affordable because of the extra info in the book - beyond language translations. When my husband had a toothache, he looked up the word dentist. While not thrilled to read that he should avoid going to the dentist while in China, he was able to find relief at a drugstore where he actually got antibiotics without a prescription. This brings up another point....

Save Time and Money on a China Trip by Knowing How to Handle Emergencies

My husband had to deal with the reality of a toothache and the lack of dentists (except those located along the street, many practicing without anesthetics). In a major emergency, of course, a hospital visit might be necessary.

Decide which Chinese Restaurants, Cultural Attractions and Shopping Experiences Are Affordable for Your Budget

Many restaurants are inexpensive, especially if travelers are willing to visit small restaurants frequented by locals. By planning ahead, my husband was able to see the Great Wall of China, enjoy the beauty of the Beijing Ballet and tour more remote areas of China - all without breaking our budget for the trip. You may decide to explore an ancient Chinese capital or take a boat ride down the Yangtze River. By planning ahead, you can enjoy the vast beauty and major attractions of China, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the trip is affordable and within your budget.

Sources:
Personal experience
Airtreks website: airtreks.com website
Hong Kong Tourism Board: here
Priority Choice Rewards: here