Page 30 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 3 | February - March 2024

• Get off the beaten track: Indonesia has • Use local transport apps: Similar to • Haggle with a laugh: Bargaining is a
famous tourist spots that are well known, Grab, Indonesia is well known for its norm in Indonesia, and doing so can
but if you’re on a budget, there are plenty local transport apps Gojek and Bluebird. act as a way to bond with the locals. A
of beautiful places to go and things to see. Used all over the country, both these small phrase or joke in Bahasa gives
Avoid the mainstream tourist islands and apps ensure efficiency, safety and everyone a laugh, and makes the
venture to the lesser-known ones that will affordability. Costs are fixed, and there shopping experience all that much more
have more untouched beauty. Jungle is no need to stress about negotiating for enjoyable.
treks, hikes, and waterfalls are available the price of your trip.
aplenty and have no cost. Temples and • Local food: Eating is an essential part of
natural attractions don’t cost much a trip and Indonesia has so many options
(THB 30 - 180 per person) and many that will satisfy both the stomach and
are even free of charge. For the more the wallet. Local food is delicious and
popular attractions and activities, costs available everywhere in smaller cafes
can range from THB 100 to THB 700 and ‘warungs’ that are definitely worth
per person, so the difference is quite vast. the dining experience.

Average spending snapshot per
day, according to information
from previous travellers:
• THB 574 on meals
• THB 272 on local transportation
• THB 2,260 on hotels

TURKEY

When to go: peak season May to
September; shoulder season April
and October
Although not close to Thailand, this is
another appealing country to visit. When
compared to its neighbours in the Middle
East and Europe, Turkey is much more
affordable. It is a country rich in culture Sultanahmet or Taksim Square, choose
and beauty with both mountains and to stay in the next neighbourhood,
beaches. A big plus point for Thai passport Beyoglu, which is still close enough,
holders is that Turkey does not require visas. with a 10-minute walking time to Istiklal
Therefore, it can serve as a potential last- Street and Taksim Square.
minute travel option that does not require • Use local currency: As tempting
advance planning. By flight, it takes 10 as it can be to use credit cards and
and a half hours from Bangkok. A few tips foreign currency in Turkey, this is not
to remember when travelling to Turkey: recommended. Paying in local currency,
the Lira, is the best and cheapest way.
• Book a tour: Different from Vietnam, However, make sure not to change any
Turkey is known for their tours and currency in the airport as those rates can
given the country’s culture, beauty and be outrageous compared to in the city.
heritage, there is no better way to explore The five best places to change money in
it all than with a guide and the right Istanbul are all centrally located: Taksim
information. Top destinations in Turkey Square, Istiklal Street, Sultanahmet,
include Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Beyazit, and Kapalicarsi, so remember Average spending snapshot per
Ephesus, with tour options that ran ge this when you make it over there! day on past travellers:
from 2 days all the way to 14 days! The
tours also include meals, making it an • Choose local transport: When travelling • THB 1,255 on meals
all-inclusive experience with no extra around, try to go with local transport •THB 1,828 on local transportation
stress. options like the bus and the metro • THB 4,087 on hotels
• Avoid staying near tourist attractions: instead of taxis and private cars.
When travelling, it is normal to find
accommodation near attractions,
however in Turkey, avoiding this can With a little flexibility and pre-planning, it is possible to
help you save money. Staying just a little have a great time at the budget that works for you!
further away but still in close vicinity can And most importantly, embrace the local culture
help budgeting. Instead of staying in wherever you go and be open to learning new things!

30 | MASALA MAGAZINE FEB-MAR 2024