Features
Thursday, 03 September 2009 02:09
Written by Lan Jiang

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We may have stopped paying for drinks a long while ago (hello Ladeez Nites!) and yet we’re still counting our last kuai come the end of the month. So for all you busted, broke and brooding skinflints out there, or anyone “between jobs,” here’s how to get through the month on next to nothing.

Live rent-free
Yep, you read that right. No more rent. And you don’t even have to take up employment as a part-time mistress. Many Shanghainese families with kids are willing to put you up in beautiful apartments for free, just as long as you spend a few hours a week chatting to the family in English. Some specify how many hours a week they want you to spend with them (usually up to five) while others are happy just to have you around.

http://www.cyber-courier.com/cer/china/forum/viewforum.php?f=7 www.craiglist.com
Saving: Approx RMB2,000-RMB5,000

Eat for free
This one’s a no-brainer. Log onto www.shanghaicoupon.com and you’ll find hundreds of coupons for food and drink deals all over town. You can even specify what area of town you’re looking for freebies in, so you won’t have to pay for a taxi. Cheapskate goodness!

www.shanghaicoupon.com
Saving: Approx RMB500-RMB1,000

Haircuts for free
As long as you’re not too worried about whether you’ll end up looking like Cher or Edward Scissorhands, offer to be a hair model. Many of the international salons in town such as Toni and Guy, have training centers where students practice on real models. It can take a long time, but the students are generally supervised by their teachers, so nothing can go too horribly wrong.

TONI & GUY (Super Brand Mall), B2 Super Brand Mall, 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu,
Tel: 5098 8018
Saving: Approx RMB250

Free cosmetics
You don’t even have to leave your desk to get boxes of freebie beauty stuff delivered right to you. We trawled Free DHC’s website to score free Coco Mademoiselle perfume by Chanel. The samples provided are mostly cosmetics but you can also get other bits and pieces like pretty necklaces or cute dresses.

www.freedhc.com
Saving: Approx RMB100

A free high!
For arguably the best view in Shanghai, pay RMB150 for the SWFC observatory, right? Wrong, fool. Hit up the Century 100 bar on floor 91 instead. You can look for free, or invest the cash in a few drinks. Alternatively try Cloud 9 bar on floor 87 of the Jin Mao tower. Before 8pm, staff here actually ask you if you need a table or just want to look for free, so no sneaking around required.
 
Cloud 9 Bar, 87/F Jin Mao Bldg, 88 Shi Ji Da Dao, Pudong
Saving: RMB150

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