Shopping around the world on a dollar
Traveling to a foreign country might quickly empty your wallet but even in expensive cities, you can find cheap products and be assured that your humble one dollar bill can still buy you something. Wherever you go, flea markets and local restaurants can surprise you with ridiculously cheap items. By splurging on these budget-friendly products, you’ll come home with a lot more money (and souvenirs) than initially expected. Here are some of the meals, souvenirs, and sightseeing activities you can enjoy for one dollar a pop.
Cheap eats
Southeast Asia has always been a bargain destination, most especially for its deliciously flavored food. If you’re stopping by Vietnam, try out a bowl of ph? noodles served in roadside stalls. Mixed with beef or chicken, the rice noodles are served with hot chili, cut limes, fresh herbs, and scalded bean sprouts. But if a bowl of noodles is not your thing, you can take a sip of Vietnam’s Cafe sua da (ice coffee with milk) which is a dollar a cup. Other value-meal noodles in Asia are bowls of ramen in Taiwan or the noodles served in Indonesia’s mobile stalls called kaki limas.
Asian tourists who are looking for a bite of America can order from McDonald’s dollar menu. If you’re after a hearty lunch, you can indulge on a double cheese burger or a McChicken. Early bird travelers in search of breakfast should go for the two hash browns or two breakfast apple pies at $1.
Cultural experiences
What do Hong Kong, Singapore, and Germany have in common? Aside from being popular tourist destinations and expensive places to travel, they are proof of the saying that “the best things in life are free” (or at least, almost free). In Munich, Germany, museums only charge 1 EURO for visitors who drop by on a Sunday. A scenic trip across the Victoria Harbor on a Star Ferry will only cost HK $ 2.20. Thanks to Singapore’s humble size, the transit system allows you to cover all areas for a little over a dollar.
Unique souvenirs
Bringing home a nation’s intricate crafts won’t cost much if you shop and haggle for lower prices in flea markets. Flea markets in St. Petersburg sell Russia’s symbolic nestling dolls, which make great souvenir gifts for loved ones at home. Visitors to Mexico should not leave without getting a good deal on the famous sombreros. For a little class at half price, look for cheap deals on Spain’s abanicos or fans. These fans make great decorations for the home.
Bargain buys
Aside from cultural souvenirs, flea markets also sell attractive looking accessories and clothes for cheap. Women after a new look can get great deals on glass bangles in India’s busy bazaars. In the Philippines, ukay ukay establishments sell t-shirts and shorts for a dollar or maybe even less. With enough patience and effort, you’ll end up finding a new top that no one else has. Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand sells insanely affordable fashion as well. South Korea is equally fashionable, selling hair pins, bracelets, and necklaces in the underground shopping streets. You can even haggle for a barrette with mounted stones for exactly one dollar. So who says that a dollar can’t be stretched?
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