Travel Tips: How to save money while traveling through SE Asia

June 19, 2012
I’m slowly becoming more familiar with South East Asia as I spend more time here.  I’ve been to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia (not to mention other countries throughout Asia too).  I hope to continue adding to this list and really get to explore these countries further in the years ahead (it is amazing how diverse different cities can be within a single country).  The great thing about traveling in this region is that it can be pretty inexpensive once you’re actually here.  Travel, accommodations, and food can be very reasonable while still maintaining high standards (keep it chic ‘n cheap always!)Here are some tips I’ve used to save money while traveling:
1. Research low-cost airlines (as well as land routes)

Is it easier/cheaper to fly or to take a bus/train?  Flying is a great option in this region because there are a few low-cost carriers.  My favorites are SilkAir (division of Singapore Airlines), Jetstar, and Air Asia – in that order.  We have had a few late flights and poor flight management with Tiger Airways so I wouldn’t recommend them.  If you don’t fly, it is definitely possible to take a bus or train.  The options will vary by city or country, but the hotel front desk is a great place to ask.

1a. Check out local travel websites
A group buying site from Singapore or Malaysia like Reebonz or Groupon would also be a good place to start looking at flight and hotel packages (the price can be really low – just check out the hotel reviews on an independent site like Tripadvisor!)  Also start researching in country websites for a location in that country.  E.g. Metrodeal.com and cashcashpinoy.com were recommended to us when searching for deals to El Nido/Palawan (one of the best beaches in the world!) and we will be using this when we plan our trip there!  Just check that you can register your foreign credit card on that site!

I had mixed feelings about Bali, but it is a beautiful place!

2. Pick a hub.
It is good to pick one central place and then plan your travels from that hub.  When you pick your starting point, think about the proximity of it to the countries that you really want to visit and the ease of transportation from that location.  E.g. if you want to stay in Cambodia, but also want to visit Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, it may be easier to actually stay in Malaysia or Singapore because their airports are well developed and more people in those countries speak English.

You can use Kuala Lumpur as a hub and easily get to remote parts like Cameron Highlands to view the tea plantations!
Singapore is a small place, but there are some great fashion events here, like the Hermes graffiti event!

3. Research hotels and negotiate the rate
Is the advertised rate the lowest advertised rate?  Well it doesn’t hurt to ask the hotel and confirm their lowest rates.  Let them know if you are going for a special event and it doesn’t hurt to tell them about your blog either (especially if you will write about the hotel like I have).  You may get a lower rate and even if you don’t, you may get extra services thrown in.  Who doesn’t like a free massage right (yes my husband and I both got them in Cambodia when we visited for our anniversary!)
Otherwise, I try to book through hotels.com or agoda.combecause they have loyalty programs that span across diverse hotel chains (I am a Hilton Honors member as well and if the price is the same, will book directly on the website).  You can get one free night for every ten nights even though some of those hotels may have been boutique hotels and the others ones are multinational hotel chains.

I negotiated free massages and we got to see a few of my favorite temples in Cambodia!

4. Carry USD
Hmm you’re in Vietnam but are asked for US Dollars (USD)?  Does this make sense?  Well to some people in SE Asian countries, it does make a lot of sense, especially if they want to get away from their own currency.  I’ve also paid for Cambodian and Indonesian on-site visas, as well as Philippines exit tax with USD.  I would actually suggest you carry a decent amount of small change ($5, $20 bills) for both entry fees and tips.  You may also be negotiate a lower rate if you offer USD vs. the local currency (calculate the exchange first of course to make sure it works out for you!)

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  • Punctuation Mark June 19, 2012 at 05:04

    I need to get my act together and make it one day to that part of the world!

  • Stasha June 19, 2012 at 06:44

    lucky u. I dream to visit Thailand and Singapore. Love your tips!:)

  • honey my heart June 19, 2012 at 06:57

    thanks for the tips! i really want to head back to asia soon.

  • AWESOME suggestions. Thank you. I never thought about picking a hub, but what a good idea!

    Cheap Makeup Reviews
    Beauty and Fashion Blog Seattle

  • Lorna June 19, 2012 at 11:22

    wow I’ve been there.
    BARGAIN is the magic word 😉

    xoxo
    http://www.kumara-lifestyle.blogspot.com/

  • Tanvi June 19, 2012 at 12:50

    Book marked the post! Cannot wait to travel to that side of the globe! 🙂

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

  • Kim June 19, 2012 at 13:50

    Great suggestions, especially the one about staying at a “hub” with good infrastructure to reach other countries. I have never been to Southeast Asia, but would love to visit one day. I’m not sure if I missed your travel entry about Bali, but I’d love to read it if you send me the link!

  • ElsaD June 19, 2012 at 14:20

    Darling! I’ll tresure this post! Amazing tips! Can’t wait to use them on a trip! xoxo

  • Johanna June 19, 2012 at 14:45

    Could not agree more with these tips. Some I learned the hard way like carrying USD but so true!

  • Melissa Blake June 19, 2012 at 16:42

    Looks like such a lovely place…definitely want to add it to my must-see list!

  • Bravoe Runway June 19, 2012 at 18:00

    I’d like to go to Asia! Someday…I’ve only been to Taiwan and that was in 1989. It has been over 20 years. These are great tips and I’ll be sure to keep this in mind if I get to go again.

  • THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE June 19, 2012 at 18:24

    Great tips! You’re so fortunate that you’ve gotten the opportunity to travel so much. The experience one gets from learning bits of other cultures is invaluable. I hope to get to Asia one day. I’m sure that I’ll get to China one day in the near future for work but I’d love to tag on some time to explore. 🙂 xoxo

  • Miss Margaret Cruzemark June 19, 2012 at 18:33

    Amazing work. The pics are perfect and the post is fantastic. Thank you so much for your lovely comment on my blog!!
    Best Regards
    Miss Margaret Cruzemark
    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

  • Elle Sees June 19, 2012 at 20:21

    Great advice. On my bucket list.

  • Krystal June 19, 2012 at 20:50

    i’m putting this in my travel bookmarks for real!

  • A Heel in Mint June 19, 2012 at 23:16

    Great tips. Need to bookmark this one. 🙂

  • Heather June 19, 2012 at 23:17

    Great tips! I can’t wait to explore this part of the world someday!

  • Blond Duck June 20, 2012 at 02:34

    I didn’t know they had their own currency…total blond moment.

  • MOSAMUSE June 20, 2012 at 03:05

    love the second photo.. great tips! especially the one to get a hub
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    http://www.MOSAMUSE.com

  • Nathalie Kartika Putri June 20, 2012 at 22:08

    SE Asia has so many beautiful places to see. You should come and visit more than once (:

    natzcracker

  • caribbeanlivingblog.com June 21, 2012 at 03:04

    Oooh, thanks for the heads up and travel tips!

    That’s one of the things we’re most excited about here in Hong Kong, can’t wait to start exploring the area!
    Elly @ Caribbean Living

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