Hey, there. I'm sorry for such a newbie question; I'm about to go abroad for the first time, and I'm, oh...how you say...an idiot when it comes to some of this stuff. I'm going to be in Beijing from September 'til early December, if I can stretch my money that far. My question is, how long can you stay in a hostel before you have to leave? I guess I wouldn't mind just buzzing from one hostel to the next like a bee in a field, but if I could find just one and keep paying for a bed, I'd rather do that. Is this just wishful thinking? What do you think?

- S

Honestly if you are gonna stay for that long you might have other options to save some money, I know that hostels have diff policies, let me do some research and give you some links.
. . .
Apt. prices and stuff. Just so you have an idea & you can check the hostels right on the main page. :greenguy:

I guess if you're paying, the hostels wouldn't mind you staying a while - you might be able to get a discount, but I don't know how that works. Try emailing the hostels directly to see what they can do. Renting a flat might be a cheaper option, as DJV said, don't know how feasible that is in China, but there are a lot of people on the boards who've studied there, so they might have some good info.

Good luck,

:tumbleweed:

Also ask the hostels if there is anyway you can work for your keep. I've stayed at several hostels that allowed foreigners staying for an extended period to work 3 or so hours a day at the desk in exchange for a place to crash out.

Else I would imagine you could get an apartment cheaper than spending the cash in a hostel everynight.

Good ideas, thanks for the tips. And thanks, DJV, for the link; the info was really useful.

- S

I would figure that most hostels wouldn't mind someone being around for so long. It is a guaranteed bed that is paid for and as your there longer, you get to know the people, the ins and outs of the place and could help other travelers with tips in the area or something.

I would say that as long as you weren't annoying the people who work there, or over stepping your boundries, that it shouldn't be a problem.

SuDZ

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TheJake @ Aug 16 2006, 08:34 AM) [snapback]135082[/snapback]</div>No problem dude, anytime. :greenguy:

take a tent stay in the hostel every two days. granted i am a cheap bastard but it works