American guy challenges himself to 'survive' in Shanghai on 130 RMB for one day, succeeds

[yuiyoshida]

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.



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?

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!

http://shanghaiist.com/2016/04/14/survive_shanghai_130_yuan.php