Aah, Asia - literally my favourite continent for travel adventures. It stole my heart and held on tight, and I'll just keep going back for more. One of the biggest things I'm a fan of is how affordable it is - particularly because I'm an avid budget traveller. Sure, you fork out a bit more for the flights but once you're there you can eat the tastiest dinner for less than a fiver, or last for a month in a country with funds that wouldn't even stretch a week back home.
I'm writing this blog because I wish someone had told me this - just because it's cheap, doesn't mean you shouldn't have a budgeting plan. Honestly, counting money kind of goes off your radar when you're over there because it costs next to nothing. It's so easy to run riot when it's so cheap. So, without further ado:
Don't go crazy because everything is cheap
I'm repeating myself a bit from the intro, but only because it was the downfall of me. You’ll go to markets, restaurants, basically everywhere and be so bowled over by how cheap everything is that it’s extremely easy to just throw your money at anyone and everyone. “A bandanna for 10p? I don’t even need one but sure”. Classic anti-budgeting labyrinth.
Haggle for everything
It’s like a sport in Asia – haggling for the best price. You'll see this done most often in markets, and the stall holders will actively encourage it – if you start to walk away they’ll start offering it at cheaper prices until you eventually give in because you either really want the item or you just feel bad.
Don’t use regular cabs
They just completely rip you off most of the time. Nine times out of ten they won’t use a meter and just quote you an outrageously high price, when you know you can get it cheaper. If you want to, you could just haggle with them to a price that suits you better, but I suggest using an app like Uber or GrabTaxi (Asia’s go-to Uber rival). And you’ve got to try a Tuk Tuk at least once.
It’s all about the street food
One of the best things about travelling to Asia is the amazing amount of street food on offer around every corner. You want a Michelin Star noodle dish from Singapore for $6? Head to Tai Hwa Pork Noodle in Singapore, you want Char Koay Teow (stir-fried rice noodles) in Penang – just walk down the street and you’re sure to find lots of food stalls, or how about the classic Pad Thai in Thailand? It’s literally everywhere, for around 40baht (90p).
Plan out your weekly budget
Even though you can easily spend little in Asia, you can just as easily spend a lot, so it still makes sense to plan out your weekly budget. You can live like a King for a week in Asia for at least a third of the price of anywhere else… but you still don’t want to run out. And believe me when I say, it can happen. And it did, to me!
Use maps.me
There’s no doubt that Google Maps could become your new best friend when you’re out there, but instead of using up all your data on that, try downloading the free app maps.me. It does exactly the same as Google Maps but you can use it offline. It’s a pretty nifty app when you find yourself walking around in circles.
Consider staying in the cheapest hostels
You can get dorm rooms in hostels for as low as three dollars a night – I'm not joking! So if you’re looking to spend your money on experiences rather than where you rest your head at night, think about staying in hostels instead. Plus, there are some truly awesome budget hostels all over Asia - check out my blog for the ones I stayed in.
Use public transport/hire a scooter
It might look scary but once you’ve got the hang of it, using public transport is wayyyy more cost effective than any other type of transport – plus you’re immersing yourself in the local way of life, and that’s always a great experience. Alternatively, if you’re in a town that requires extensive travel to get to the cool places, e.g. Pai in Thailand, then it makes sense to hire a scooter. Or maybe you just want to do a cool road trip between places, like Hue to Hoi An in Vietnam. Scooters work out super cheap and you can rent them for as long as you want. Plus, scootering along the country roads with all that beautiful scenery around you is an experience like no other. Try not to join the bandage crew though (you will see TONS of backpackers walking around with bandages on).
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