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misc01 – about the dough
First things first: walking costs money.
I don’t particularly enjoy talking about this issue, so I will try to finish it up in the first post – and then go on to some other more interesting subjects:
So how did you get your funding?
- I got a small heritage which was just enough to sustain myself during the period of walking. Given this opportunity, I chose to stay away from any kind of sponsorship, mainly because this meant greater personal freedom.
Any other way to get money?
- When I was employed at Frankfurt’s “Haus der Jugend” International Youth Hostel in 2002, I met quite a few backpackers who were traveling and working at the same time. Or rather they would be floating around, spend some of their money on the way, and then try to earn it back by doing bar jobs and the likes in one of their travel destinations. …Another way to get money would be getting a sponsorship of course.
How much money do you need for a trip like this?
- Unfortunately, you are always going to need more than you thought. Long-term visa can cost a shitload of money, and then there are flight tickets, insurance, vaccinations and equipment. This can easily amount to a couple of thousand euros – and that’s before you’ve even walked one single step!
Then how much do you need on an average day?
- This obviously depends on your personal habits and the environment you are in. If you can speak the language and get yourself familiar with the local culture, then you should be able to get much better deals on just about anything.
Well…?
Okay, here is a complete list of my expenses on hotels and food in euros:
What do you get for this kind of money?
- In the big cities like Xi’an or Ürümqi, I need about 5 to 7 euros a day for food, and I will try to find a three or four star hotel for 15 to 25 euros. This means internet, a hot shower, and a large TV. There will be extra expenses if I’m going to ask the hotel staff to take care of my laundry, if I want to mail something home (manners or bust), or if I feel the urge to do some sightseeing or something like that. Life in the countryside is much cheaper: I spend 3 euros on food, and maybe another 2 euros on a single room in a guesthouse. There are small hotels all over the place. Their service is very basic though – you definitely won’t be able to take a shower.
Can you manage to survive on less?
- Yes, but don’t be too hard on yourself. The road can be pretty mean as it is.
How do you handle money?
- I keep two credit cards in different pockets for safety reasons, though I hardly ever make use of them, except maybe in some four star hotels. I usually try to carry about 500 euros in Renminbi. There is a proper ATM that takes international Maestro or credit cards in virtually any large city (pop. >300.000) all over China.
Is it safe to walk around China with this kind of money in your pocket?
- Yes, I think so.
Soundtrack: Timbaland & Magoo – “Don’t Make Me Take It There”
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May 12th, 2009 at 06:57
wow sounds expensive. in my thoughts i always forgot visa stuff etc :/
May 12th, 2009 at 17:35
Hey there Christoph! :D
I think you're my new idol ^-^
My names Mike ( Michael ) and I'm from Sweden. :)
Two days ago I watched the final vesion of your "TLW" on youtube and I was truly stunned.
After watching it, the first thing I said was something like " I think I might take a walk.. "
In that instant I made a promise to myself, that I'll be doing a similar walk before I've turn 25. ( I'm 17 now :P )
So first I was trying to find some logic in the chaotic flow of thoughts rushing my head.. It didn't really work out.. ^_^'
That's when I decided to try to find some more info about you and maybe some way of contacting you, which lead to a happy surprise!
These "Misc" posts! :)
I just realized that one of my biggest problem might be just what your first "misc" post is about.. Money. :/
I'm going to study for another year before I'm done with school and after that I guess I have to start saving money if I am to get a good budget to work with. :/
I was thinking that maybe you could mail me or something like that if it's not to much trouble? I'd really like to talk to you about how you started out and so on :)
Looking forward to hearing from you! / Mike :)
May 19th, 2009 at 09:51
Hi, Christoph
One or two months ago, I found your Youtube video "the longest way", and it was great. Who doesn't like it?
And I got your Youtube in my Blog.
I wish God bless you !!
May 20th, 2009 at 14:34
Great video. Regarding the money issue… why not open a Bank of China account when you get there, then just have your ATM card that can be used nearly anywhere. I'm not even a backpacker, but it helped in daily life there for work and play.
May 20th, 2009 at 14:36
a suggestion regarding the money post…. bring enough cash with you, then open a bank account when you get there. not that bad if you speak the language or have a friend there… and then you have an ATM card you can use nearly anywhere in the country, especially if you choose BoC
May 21st, 2009 at 08:54
Yes, good point, I went to Japan quite at the same time you where doing you long way in China… I did open an account in Japan, but it is very difficult there. How is it in China?
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:49
hola!!!
descubri tu citio web cuando por curiosidad vi un video por MSN Video, y me parecio genial esto de conocer el pais de tal manera, deve ser una experiencia unica, arriesgada pero a la vez maravillosa!!
lamentablemente esata todo en ingles y no puedo apreciar el contenido de la pagina.
m parece genial tu idea… suerte.
besos..
May 22nd, 2009 at 23:48
I just want to say that what you are doing is amazing, and it is an inspiration to go out and see the world's wonders for yourself. I have done many hikes and backpacks in the Boy Scouts of America, but never have I heard anything like this, and what you are doing is something that others wouldn't, and I just want to say I'm supporting your trip. I'm forwarding links to friends, and showing them how incredible it is. God be with you, Christoph Rehage!
June 8th, 2009 at 06:16
helsor: It happens to all of us. That's why try to make a pessimistic calculation.
Mike: First of all, congratulations for having the ability to dream. I am sure you can do whatever you want to do! What exactly would you like to talk about though?
Yoo: God bless you too man!
Craig: Yeah, I tried that before too. You get a bit more flexibility when it comes to ATMs with a Chinese bank account. The downside is that you can only open or close an account (and do transactions) at your local branch.
Alex: A bit complicated as well, but not as bad as in France (Credit Lyonnais was like the worst bank I have ever been to!)
Noel: Muchas gracias! (No hablo espanol :))
Rob Weis: Thanks man!
November 28th, 2009 at 14:01
I just wanted to say that your trip was awesome. That you cataloged it for the rest of us to enjoy is even better.
December 13th, 2009 at 00:02
Hey Christoph,I have watched your video half a dozen times and see new things in it each time I never noticed before.What a wonderful memory you have made for yourself, which will only get better as time goes by.When I was sixteen a friend and I ran away for the summer ( 2 months) and walked and hitchhiked across Canada.We had many adventures and meant some wildly interesting people.I fondly remember that summer as one of the best experiences of my life, although I would not share that thought with my wife or kids or I might hurt their feelings.The year was 1971, but the memory is as fresh as if it was yesterday.Wish I had it on video though! You have made an Incredible work, loved the music.I could almost feel the wind.
Chris
December 30th, 2009 at 19:31
Hi Dude,
I think you travel is awesome, as a Chinese, I am so jealous that you realized my dream before i got time to pursue, btw, who is the teacher xie in your post? I would love to hear his story as walking in China.
let me know if u plan sth like this next time,
big fan
zhenyu
January 8th, 2010 at 00:51
Christoph,
Wow ich bin ziemlich beeindruckt. Hatte das Video vor nem Jahr oder so auf Vimeo schon mal gesehen, es ist mir zwar im Gedaechtnis geblieben aber hat mich nicht so vom Hocker gehauen…
Ich bin jetzt aber gerade nach meinem Abi fuer nen Jahr in Neuseeland und musste mich mit aehnlichen Sachen herumschlagen (natuerlich nicht so ins Extreme getrieben wie hier), aber es ist sehr interessant die Packliste, Finanzen und den ganzen Kram zu sehen! Hab sehr viel Zeit damit verbracht meine Ausgaben in irgendwelche Tabellen zu loggen, sehr praktisch das ganze auf dem iPhone zu machen, das nuetze ich auch fuer GPS und Musik, habe dafuer keinen Laptop…
Mit gehen 1000 Sachen durch den Kopf die ich hier reinschreiben will, aber ich bleibe jetzt mal hierbei: Einfach genial sowas durchzuziehen, natuerlich die Reise oder wie auch immer man es nennen will, aber auch diese Website, sehr schoen und professionell gemacht alles! Und das Video sieht sehr schoen aus in HD, das Editing muss ein riesiger Zeitaufwand gewesen sein.
Viel Erfolg beim Studieren (?), das werde ich auch als naechstes machen. Und beim Fortsetzen des Projektes. Ich werde immer mal wieder auf der Seite vorbeischauen.
Noch eins, Dark Tranquillity wird mit 2 'l' geschrieben :P Keep it metal!
Cheers aus Wellington
Philipp
January 12th, 2010 at 14:47
Following your way, find here.Great ！Have a good life！
April 3rd, 2010 at 19:15
Super amazing video which I got through Stumble Upon and rated as a big thumbs up! I also watched it a few times. Would love to know more about the finding “love” part of your story. Who is she? Where did you meet her? Where is she now? Do you keep in touch?
What are you doing now? Your story is just fascinating. Wonderful blog you created as well (what did you use for the template?)
Luv and Best Wishes, Rhonda
May 21st, 2010 at 19:42
It’s so amazing travel experience you had. You give me a lot of courage to do like you. That’s a wouderful travel that dreamt for a long time. And I love your blog. I would pay attention to it all the time.
Best wishes, Cynthia
July 7th, 2010 at 08:32
Hi there Christoph,
Your experience was so amazing. I had always plan to do something like that and thank you for sharing your trip with us, now im sure that i ll go to the road as soon as possible. I have only one question about sleeping, did you care a tent with you? If yes, its was safe to camp on open areas? And can you talk about the most dificult situation you got in?
Well congratulations not only for your trip but for the blog, photons and videos as well and thank you very much for let us knowing about it.
Well looking foward to hear from you.
July 7th, 2010 at 10:03
Hey Christiano, thank you for your comment!
I will write a few more misc-posts and try to cover the things you mentioned! :)
March 25th, 2012 at 23:09
Christoph, i just found your video, and im going to read your website through and through for this next few days. you are my new inspiration, but i cant talk much now, i need to sleep first ( now is 5am ). Love from Indonesia!
April 2nd, 2012 at 01:15
Also: Das meiste Geld braucht man zum Schlafen – DESHALB: ZELT!
Nur einmal in Beijing bin ich ausgeraubt worden im Schlaf. Ich war 4 Monate per Fahrrad innerhalb China unterwegs und 3 Monate Anreise von Athen aus auch per Rad und Zelt.
April 26th, 2012 at 14:40
I thought it would actually cost much more