Money Saving Tips for the Worlds Most Expensive Cities

Photo courtesy of steven depolo

Places like Tokyo, Oslo, Paris, London and Sydney are wonderful fascinating places to visit, but very expensive.

Here are some tips on making these expensive cities a bit more affordable.

Ask the Locals!

Before you travel pick the brains of anyone you know who’s been to where you’re going. Get recommendations for places to eat, stay etc. The more insider knowledge you get the cheaper you can make things.

Create a Budget and Track your Expenses

To avoid getting carried away and spending too much money, set yourself a reasonable budget to stick to it. This will not only save you money, but if planned correctly will allow you to continue to travel longer and reduce waste along the way.

Hotels

Tokyo – avoid Roppongi it’s pricy, look at Ikebukuro or Sin Okubo instead. There aren’t many budget hotels, so try looking at all inclusive deals instead.

Oslo – July is one of the cheapest months to visit Oslo. Big breakfasts are often included in hotel prices so fill up early and skip lunch.

London – Look for budget hotels like Premier Inn and Travelodge, but be sure to stay near the tube station network.

Transportation

Check for off peak deals, in most places these are cheaper.

Tokyo – The Suica Prepaid Rechargeable Travel Card is a good price and is valid on most buses, trains and subways.

Moscow – Subways are cheap options for travel at only $1 per journey.

Melbourne - Great tram system and it’s cheap to ride – look out for the MetCard.

Eating Out

Tokyo – Value lunch boxes called ‘bento’ are usually found at a good price, and street food is often inexpensive and tasty.

Singapore – Another place where street food offers good value, and the night street markets are a good place to explore as well as to eat.

Rome & Paris – Avoid the tourist path and look for places in smaller back streets, ask the locals for recommendations. The St. Michel area in Paris is top notch and often boasts great deals on food.

Shopping & Finding Deals

Singapore – Test out your haggling skills at the markets here and you just might score yourself a bargains or two.

Paris – Flea markets such as Les Puces at Porte de Clignancourt offer good bargains and more chances for haggling.

Things to Do

Window shopping is free, and there are some great stores around these major cities, Harvey Nichols and Harrods in London and GUM in Moscow for example.

Tokyo – Parks such as Ueno and Chidorigafuchi are great for people watching as well as the cherry blossoms at the right time of year.

Germany – The famous German Christmas markets are wonderful – Frankfurts is one of the oldest at 600 years old and runs from November 22nd to December 22nd.

Oslo, Moscow & London – All have many museums and galleries which are free to visit. In Oslo there is the Vigeland Sculpture park, in Moscow the Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb in Red Square and St Basils Cathedral. In London, the Science Museum, The Victoria and Albert and the Natural History Museum all make great days out.

London – The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a great event to see. The best part is that it’s FREE!