Who is your provider? I've used Vodafone's world traveller service in the US, China and Japan for a fiver a day. If you're in North America for a length of time, I know a lot of people where I stayed did just buy cheap burner phones and keep in contact that way.
Tomous wrote:Can anyone give me some advice on Hong Kong/China/Japan?
I'm considering spending up to 5 weeks there but have no idea how to divide up the time. China is obviously massive and will take time getting around. Equally I understand Japan is expensive to travel so don't want to spend a huge amount of time there...
Any advice appreciated, thanks!
Just saw this! Apologies if you've already sorted it.
I did ten days in Japan, three days in HK and a week in China; if I had five weeks I'd pump the extra time into China and travel a bit more.
Few things to keep in mind;
If you're looking to do a bit of travel within Japan using the rail network - which you should - you *need* to get a JR pass or it'll be prohibitively expensive, and you can't get them when you're in Japan as they're only for foreigners. The other problem is that, as of last February at least, there's no digital option for them. I'm aware that you're not in the UK just now, so your best bet is probably to get it sent to a family member or friend in the UK and posted on to your location, unless you're travelling somewhere that can issue you one.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/We travelled from Tokyo to Kyoto, then to Osaka and through to Hiroshima, where we flew to Hong Kong. Flights from Hiroshima to HK are cheap(£60-80) and last about five hours.
Tokyo is massive. Really strawberry floating big. There are others on here who will be able to help you out with things to do better than I can, but there's a gooseberry fool ton of stuff that's worth seeing. The best day I had was a walk I took from the hostel I was staying in Asakusa, taking in the nearby shrine, to the Pokemon shop in - I think - Ikebukuro. Was really nice to see people going about their business, and I jumped the subway back to Akihabara on my way home.
Speak to Jay Adama if he's still about - I haven't seen him for a while. We met up for a pint while I was out, and he took me to the Golden Gai in Shinjuku, which is definitely worth seeing. Loads of little bars that seat no more than about ten people, and great for wandering around in. He lives/lived in Tokyo and probably has some great things to do.
Osaka and Hiroshima we only got a couple of days in - definitely worth seeing, I wish I'd had more time in Osaka particularly. There's strawberry float all in Hiroshima apart from the park that houses the nuclear bomb museum. It's 100% worth seeing, and I will never go there again.
Hong Kong is great. Get the ferry, it's cheap as strawberry float and connects Hong Kong Island to the mainland. Also make sure to get the tram to the top of the mountain - some spectacular views. Skarjo lives out there, and can direct you better than I can.
China visas aren't too hard to get - cost me £150 but is valid for multiple entries over two years. I'm quite upset I won't be able to use mine again.
We went to Guangzhou - a city a few hours from Hong Kong. It's nice, but I guess you'll be better going to Shanghai or Beijing, and travelling around from there. I ran out of cash and couldn't afford to go, so stayed with a mate who is teaching English out there.