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5th September 2018
Scared of blowing your travel budget by accessing the internet overseas? International roaming is a lot more affordable than you might think. While you’re busy stressing about data usage, you’re more likely to get tripped up by these pricey tourist traps.
1. Shopping on the Champs-Élysées, Paris
If you thought data roaming rates were expensive, wait until you see the average price of shoes on the Champs-Élysées. Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, this is no ordinary avenue. Lined with high-end boutiques, it’s the kind of place where small handbags can cost a month’s rent.
If you can afford to treat yourself to some retail therapy on the Champs-Élysées, you definitely have room in your budget for international roaming.
2. The Empire State Building, New York
Getting to the top floor of this iconic New York landmark is pretty pricey. Lines for the lift can also take ages, and the viewing platform is often overcrowded. Instead of fighting your fellow travellers for prime selfie position, avoid the crowds and overpriced admission tickets by visiting a lesser known observation deck.
Leaving this famous tourist attraction off your itinerary might not be the easiest decision, but at least you’ll have more money left over for uploading your holiday snaps on social media.
3. Skiing in Dubai
Despite being located in the middle of the desert, you can still go skiing in Dubai. Built inside the Mall of Emirates (one of the largest shopping malls in the world) Ski Dubai covers 22,500 square metres of snow, including an 85-metre indoor mountain.
If you can’t resist the novelty of going skiing in one of the hottest cities on earth, an adult day pass will set you back over $100AUD.
4. Stonehenge, England
Tickets at Stonehenge are quite expensive and the crowds tend to ruin the eerie atmosphere. Want to delve into the UK’s ancient history without wasting your money on an overrated tourist trap?
There are plenty of other ancient stone circles scattered around the British countryside that you can explore for free. Some of these structures are located in the middle of nowhere, but having access to the internet means you can rely on your phone’s GPS. Use the money you were planning to buy your Stonehenge ticket with to invest in a local data plan instead.
5. Staying in Ubud, Bali
Despite Ubud’s rich cultural heritage and laidback vibe, it still has a high number of tourist traps. Stay on the outskirts of town to avoid being overcharged for food and accommodation, and always read online reviews of local attractions.
Even if you have to spend a little extra to access the internet in Bali, being able to jump on TripAdvisor on the go could save you lots of money in the long run.
6. Gondola Rides, Venice
Visiting Venice without taking a gondola ride might be considered sacrilege, but there are less expensive ways to explore this half-submerged city.
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to be ferried around Venice in your own private gondola (tickets start at around €80), don’t despair! Most of the city can be accessed on foot, or water buses are another cheap alternative.
And just think of all the data you’ll be able to buy with an extra €80 in your pocket.
7. A Night at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands is a 5-star resort, casino, shopping mall and convention centre all rolled into one magnificent building. Overlooking beautiful Marina Bay, it’s one of the fanciest hotels in Singapore.
Even a basic room at the Marina Bay Sands costs at least a couple hundred dollars per night. So unless you’ve got cash to splash, you might be better off staying at a hostel in Little India or Chinatown instead.
Have we convinced you that accessing the internet overseas is affordable these days? For more travel tips and tricks, visit the Travel Money Nz blog.
This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.
