Forgot one more thing...about 500DVDs!!!

> It really depends on how hard you want to budget I guess.

> When I first came to China I was on 3000 a month, but with OT I
> usually took home about 4000. I (just about) managed to save
> 1000/month hence 12,000RMB which is a little less than your total.
> However, I did buy a mobile phone (4,500RMB) a DVD player (about 650)
> three bikes (first one was stolen plus one for my girlfriend about
> 700RMB) a camera (400) and countless other little things. I also
> bought a computer and various computer bits, but the school bought
> that off me when I left for pretty much the same as I paid for it, so
> I won't count that.
> I ate out EVERY night, usually with my gf as well, but I hardly ever
> went to a flash restaurant, so that usually wasn't more than about
> 25. Plus of course some beers (usually the local brand so only 2RMB a
> bottle). I very rarely went to the flash bars or discos.

> If you really want to save you can budget hard and save a reasonable
> amount, though from the sounds of it you may be better off going to
> Korea. (I haven't been there so I can't tell for sure, just from
> reading posts in this and other boards).

> I have a mobile phone, but I don't use it a huge amount, so that only
> costs about 50/month. I also don't have a (working) printer, so no
> printer/paper costs. If you avoid going back home of course, then
> that is a major expense eliminated.

> You should also be able to change all your savings into hard
> currency, and hence take it all with you when you leave. Legal
> schools have to pay you up to a certain percent in hard currency if
> you ask them (70% I think) usually USD. You can also change your RMB
> if you have an expert visa at the bank, plus there is the 'dodgy'
> exchangers that will do it for you (check the money carefully). They
> often give a better exchange rate than the banks!

> You won't get rich on your savings, but you can save!!