16. Buy produce considered to be the local specialties from markets nearby and ask the hotel to cook them up for you. They'll taste fresh and cost less...but check out the chef's fee before pouncing on that idea.
17. In a restaurant, ask if you are charged for your napkin; if so, use your own.
18. In northern China, most dishes come in large quantities on large plates. If you are traveling alone and order several for variety, you are unlikely to be able to finish them all; ask for half servings.
19. Remind yourself of the necessity to bargain whenever you are supposed to pay for something, anything.
20. Never buy anything when a whole group of tourists is milling around. Bargaining gets difficult in this situation.
21. Never look satisfied with a price or show strong interest in an item, even if you are, because that will drive away good bargains.
22. Don't reveal your hometown or country; if known to be prosperous, you are sure to be charged more.
23. Stick with your tour group when a guide will obviously come in handy - as in some cultural or historical spots.
24. Invite 2 to 3 of your companions to share your adventure and share all the expenses too.
25. Grab every free-of-charge map going, and all the train schedules displayed in local stations while you're at it.
26. Bring a vacuum bottle with you everywhere and request free fill-ups in restaurants.
27. Don't make phone calls from your hotel room; these establishments charge more.
28. Ask the locals, not your hotel waiters, for advice about where to eat or shop.
29. Try taking a bath in a nearby bathhouse; it costs less than those hotels that charge separately for soaks.
30. Meet up with your long-distance bus at a roadside stop rather than inside the bus station; it costs less.
