What the World Costs- Sweden

 Free: 10 minute lift from the border to the train station (I don’t know if it was a circular or a favor, I think the latter); Norbottens Museum in Luleå; Västerbottens museum in Umeå; Sundsvall Museum Kulturmagasinet; Moderna Museet Stockholm (on Fridays after 5pm)

5 krona ($.49) : seedy, brown roll at Coop supermarket in Luleå 

8kr ($.78): seedy, brown roll at ICA supermarket in Sundsvall 

11kr ($1.07): 200g strawberry yogurt at the grocery store; marabout pigall chocolate bar at grocery store 

14 kr ($1.36): small chocolate-covered marzipan candy bar at the grocery store in Luleå 

15kr ($1.46): Demi-baguette at Coop in Luleå

16kr ($1.55): 500 ml Swedish lager beer at liquor store 

18kr ($1.75): 200gr potato salad at Coop supermarket in Luleå; ditto for beet salad 

20 krona ($1.94): small coffee on the train (plus one refill)

28 kr ($2.72): 200gr tofu skagenöra (tofu ‘shrimp’ salad with dill)

29kr ($2.81): 200gr humus at Coop supermarket in Luleå 

32kr ($3.10): coffee at Ullas cafe in Gamelstad

35kr ($3.40): coffee and fikabrod (chocolate ball) on train from Luleå to Umeå; scoop of rum raisin ice cream in a cone in Sundsvall 

36kr ($3.49): 15 bus ride from Luleå to Gamelstad; falafel and hummus wrap at ICA grocery store

39kr ($3.78): 20 min bus ride in Umeå; Stockholm metro ticket (good for 75 minutes on all forms of transit)

40 kr ($3.88): fika chocolate ball at Nya Konditoret

50 kr ($4.85): audio guide for tour of Gamelstad church town (UNESCO); cappuccino at Nya Konditoret

68 kr ($6.60): 500ml bottle of Mariestad beer (month’s special) at Bishops Arms pub in Sundsvall 

76 kr ($7.37): 500ml bottle of Norrlunds Guild beer (special) at Bishops Arms pub in Umeå

78 kr ($7.57): vegan Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes (microwave) meal from grocery store (surprisingly good)

79kr ($7.66): 400ml Krusovice beer in Gamlastan Stockholm

89kr ($8.63): 500ml Budvar beer at Bishops Arms pub in Luleå 

90kr ($8.73): 500ml Krusovice beer at Friends, Fika and Food restaurant in Luleå

98 kr ($9.51): 400ml Brooklyn Defender IPA at Nur roof bar in Umeå 

99 kr ($9.60): 500ml Norrland Guild ljus lager on river boat bar in Umeå 

100kr ($9.70): Margherita pizza in Sundsvall  

105 kr ($10.19): falafel platter at Kebabnkajse in Umeå 

109 kr ($10.57): faux chicken parmesan supreme meal (w/ fries and drink) at Max in Umeå

134kr ($13): Flatbread pizza with sundried tomatoes at Friends, Fika and Food restaurant in Luleå 

140kr ($13.58): entrance to Nobel Museum in Stockholm 

150kr ($14.55): entrance to National Museum

159kr ($15.42): bowl of veggie ramen (lucky last bowl) at Ramen Cafe in Umeå

165kr ($16.01): seat reservation for high speed train from Sundsvall to Stockholm (in one of the more fakakta train exchanges)

170kr ($16.49): entrance to the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm plus audio guide 

185 kr ($17.95): Pineapple Express vegan burger, with sweet potato fries and seltzer at Bastard Burgers in Luleå 

190kr ($18.43): entrance to the Vasa Museum

304kr ($29.49): 5 pinchos (vegan Swedish meatballs; crispy cauliflower; pimientos de Padron; loaded fries and regular fries) and a 400ml Kronenberg beer at Pinchos in Sundsvall

320kr ($31.04): Arlanda express train to the Stockholm airport (max speeds 190kmh, trip took 20mim)

835 kr ($81): one night hotel at Hotel Naran in Luleå, with breakfast

1083kr ($105.05): one night hotel at Clarion Hotel Umeå, with breakfast 

1,143kr ($110.87): one night hotel at First Stran Hotel in Sundsvall, with breakfast 

1,360kr ($131.92): one night hotel at Clarion Hotel Amerenth in Stockholm, with breakfast

 

 

What the World Costs- Finland

 Free: Sompasauna (speakeasy sauna); Werstas (Finnish Labor Museum) in Tampere

.40 euros ($.44): Piirak (rice pastry)

.45eu ($.49): triangle seeded roll at K Supermarket 

.75 ($.82): cheese croissant at K Market

.85 euros ($.93): kismet chocolate wafer at K Supermarket 

1.19 euros ($1.30): baguette at K Supermarket 

1.50 euros ($1.64): medium coffee at K Market

1.99 euros ($2.17): 120 gr of kerma cheese at K Supermarket 

2.20 euros ($2.39): blueberry pastry at Rkiosco

2.69 ($2.93): 150gr of hummus at K Supermarket 

3 euros ($3.27): cup of coffee at Puijo Tower cafe (view included)

3.10 euros ($3.38): single ticket on Helsinki metro

3.60 euros ($3.92): 25 minute bus ride from Rovaniemi to the Arctic Circle 

3.65 euros ($3.98): flat white at McDonalds (only thing open at 5am); 500ml Erkois beer at Kmarket Helsinki

3.80 euros ($4.14): Helsinki metro rush hour

4 euros ($4.36): 400ml Koff beer for Happy Hour (“After Work”) at Ale Pupi in Kuopio 

4.10 euros ($4.47): train from airport to Helsinki central terminal; medium coffee & pastry breakfast special at Rkiosco

4.35 euros ($4.74): 500 ml Sandels beer at K Market; 500 ml Erikois NE IPA in Tampere

4.50 euros ($4.91): flat white at Robert’s coffee in Helsinki; flat white at Pella’s Cafe in Tampere

5 euros ($5.45): HSL card (metro, tram, bus for Finland); playing with reindeer at Arctic Circle 

5.49 euros ($5.98): bag of dried fruits and nuts at K Supermarket 

6.80 euros ($7.41): 500ml Karhu IV beer at Ale Puppi in Kuopio 

7.25 euros ($7.90): tofu japchae at K Market

7.50 euros ($8.16): 500ml Karhu lager beer at Pizzeria Putte

7.70 euros ($8.39): 500ml Karajal beer at Jumpru Pub and Patio (awesome 80s cover band included)

7.80 euros ($8.50): 400ml Torinino IPA at Hemingway's Bar in Rovaniemi

8 euros ($8.72): Lenin Museum in Tampere; entrance to Puijo Tower in Kuopio; 35 min bus ride from Kemi to Tornio on the Finnish-Swedish border 

8.60 euros ($9.37): towel rental at sauna

9.80 euros ($10.68): 500ml King of California beer as a thanks to the girl who saved me from sleeping in the streets of Helsinki when I arrived and the hotel reception was closed (she let me in, and I found the key box)

9.90 euros ($10.79): 500ml Staropromen beer at Prince of Hamlet bar in Tampere

10euros ($10.90): 400 ml Brooklyn East IPA at Paapan Kapakka jazz club in Tampere; 500ml NEIPA at Terenpilli Brewery in Oulu

 11 euros ($11.99): blue gin and tonic (with blueberries rather than lime) at Cafe 21 in Rovaniemi

 12.20 euros ($13.30): 500ml beer at Lekinen pub in Oulu (I didn't know the price when I ordered it, I almost cried)

13 euros ($14.17) : lunch buffet at Pella’s Cafe in Tampere

13.20 euros ($14.39: (veggie) Burger lunch buffet at Rooster Cafe in Oulu 

13.50 euros ($14.72): lunch buffet at the Puijo Tower restaurant at the base

15 euros ($16.35): entrance to the Design Museum in Helsinki 

16 euros ($17.44): cauliflower and tofu bowl at Cafe 21 in Rovaniemi

16.50 euros ($17.99): Chèvre and eggplant pizza at Pizzeria Putte in Helsinki; grilled goat cheese salad at Harju8

17.80 euros ($19.40): Nasi goreng at Street Market (Malay) in Helsinki

17.90 euros ($19.51): vegan bbq pulled pork sandwich and fries on Suomenlinna

18 euros ($19.62): three hour entry at Allas sauna

19 euros ($20.71): r/t ferry to Villisaari and Suomenlinna

22 euros ($23.98): two hour cruise around the canals in Kuopio

29.10 euros ($31.72): 1.5 hr train from Helsinki to Tampere 

29.80 euros ($32.48): 2 hr train from Oulu to Rovaniemi

69 euros ($75.21): one night in apartment in Kuopio (AirBnB)

87 euros ($94.83): one night at Forenom Aparthotel in Tampere

112 euros ($122.08): one night in AirBnB apartment in Oulu

124 euros ($135.16): one night hotel, with breakfast,in Rovaniemi

128 euros ($139.52): one night at Hotel Finn in Helsink, w/o breakfast 

 

WWTC-Japan (II)

 Free: imperial gardens in Tokyo 

58yen [¥] ($.45): piece of chocolate at convenience story

98¥ ($.75): bottle of water at convenience store

113¥ ($.87): onigiri (seaweed rice triangle) at convenience store

130¥ ($1USD): 500ml bottle of Evian water from vending machine 

137¥ ($1.05): curry bun from Family Mart
150¥ ($1.15): hard seltzer at convenience store

186¥ ($1.43): 200ml sake at convenience store 

216¥ ($1.66): matcha mochi on a stick

230¥ ($1.77): curry bun at the train station

290¥ ($2.23): counter breakfast: miso soup, soft-boiled egg, rice and grated taro pudding
300¥ ($2.31): medium coffee to go at smoky local cafe in Shimbashi

350¥ ($2.69): 300ml beer at ramen spot

430¥ ($3.31): medium cafe latte to go from cafe de crié

460¥ ($3.54): cold soba noodles wi/veggie tempura and soft-boiled egg at Kamya in Shinjuku

500¥ ($3.85): designer mochi strawberry; Morning service (boiled egg, buttered bun, coffee) at Komeda coffee in Nagoya; ticket to the roof of the Mori Building overlooking Tokyo

550¥ ($4.23): boiled egg curry rice for lunch in Hiroshima

570¥ ($4.38): flat white at QOL in Nagoya

591¥ ($4.55): 500 ml draft Asahi super dry beer

600¥ ($4.62): entrance to treasure hall and sword museum at Atsuta shrine in Nagoya; laundry (wash & dry) at B Hotel Nagoya (+ extra 100 for additional drying)

650¥ ($5): hot chocolate at Viennese-style coffee house

700¥ ($5.38): Leffe Blond at Umeda Sky Bar

830¥ ($6.38): entrance to local sento (bath house) w/ towel, amenities and sauna access in Osaka

887¥ ($6.82): tsetukamen Hiroshima noodles

980¥ ($7.54): ramen at local spot in Tokyo 

985¥ ($7.58): Veggie curry with eggplant and rice at CoCo Curry House in Shinjuku

1,000¥ ($7.69): New Years blessing at Sumiyoshi (Shinto) shrine

1,100¥ ($8.46): breakfast buffet at The B Hotel in Nagoya

1,180¥ ($9.08): ramen noodle lunch in Osaka

1,260¥ ($9.69): vegan fried chicken set meal with salad and side (potato salad) at Plant Based Tokyo 

1,300¥ ($10): fried soy set meal (with rice, salad, slaw and miso soup) at Neu Cat Cafe

1,310¥ ($10.08): Yebisu dark beer plus cover at Dug jazz bar in Shinjuku

1,340¥ ($10.31): tofu set at tofueria in Nagoya

1,350¥ ($10.38): okonomiyaki, Hiroshima-style (with extra serving of veggies) at okona-miru market in Hiroshima

1,360¥ ($10.46): bowl of tantammen ramen with soy-boiled egg and seaweed at Nakiryu in Tokyo (Michelin-starred)

1,400¥ ($10.77): breakfast buffet at Nishitetsu inn in Tokyo 

1,470¥ ($11.31): bus from Hiroshima airport to Hiroshima station

1,500¥ ($11.54): entrance to SpaWorld onsen; entrance to Omeda Sky Tower viewing deck 

1,600¥ ($12.31): entrance to Nakonoshima Museum of Art Osaka, “Toulouse-Lautrec and Mucha” exhibit

1,760¥ ($13.54): thirty minutes at micro pig cafe (coffee included)

1,800¥ ($13.85): eleven pieces of assorted tempura veggies at a tempura spot

2,000¥ ($15.31): entrance to the Mori Museum

2,200¥ ($16.92): Veggie appetizer sampler at Kobiko in Tokyo

2,370¥ ($18.23): skyline train from Narita Airport to Shimbashi Station

2,600¥ ($20): entrance to the Thermae spa/onsen in Shinjuku

4,340¥ ($33.38): reserved seat on the Kintetsu rapid train from Osaka to Nagoya (2hrs)

6,175¥ ($47.50): One night stay at B Hotel Nagoya, without breakfast

7,150¥ ($55): One night stay at Fresa Inn Shimbashi, Tokyo, without breakfast

8,482¥ ($65): One night stay at Shintetsu Inn Shinjuku, Tokyo, without breakfast

9,750¥ ($75): One night stay at Hearton Shinsaibashi Osaka, with breakfast

10,530¥ ($81): One night stay in Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, with breakfast (4 star) 

10,870¥ ($83.62): reserved Nozomi Shinkansen (bullet train) seat from Hiroshima to Osaka (1.5hrs)

11,290¥ ($86.85): reserved Kodama Shinkansen (bullet train) seat from Nagoya to Tokyo

267,679¥ ($2,059): R/t flight on JAL from Phoenix to Tokyo, including one-way from Tokyo to Hiroshima

What the World Costs- South Korea

Free: National Museum of Korea; Leeum (Samsung) Museum of Art
1,000 won ($.77): Bottle of water at 7-11, Korean chocolate candy bar
1,250 won ($.96): ride on Seoul metro w/TMoney pass
1,800 won ($1.38): bottle of soju at convenience store
2,000 won ($1.53): 500ml can of coke at a restaurant; iced coffee at Paik Coffee
2,500 won ($1.92): americano at The Cup
3,000 won ($2.30): entry into Chandeokgung Palace
4000 won ($3.07): entrance to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art; vegan kimchi dumplings at Osegye Hyang; croffle (Croissant-waffle) covered in maple and cinnamon.
4,500 won ($3.45): Americano at twosome
4,700 won ($3.60): 15 min taxi from Myeongdong to Seoul station
4,750 won ($3.64): Arex train from Incheon Airport to Hangik University
5, 000 won ($3.83): 500ml bottle of Hanmac beer at a local spot; bottle of soju at a local spot; tour of the Secret Gardens; vegan fried dumplings at Maru
5,500 won ($4.22): Soft tofu ramen at corner breakfast spot
6,000 won ($4.60): kimchi udon
7,000 won ($5.36): cold noodle soup in Busan; breakfast mushroom porridge at corner breakfast spot
8000 won ($6.13): veggie bibimbap; vegan Korean fried chicken at Osegye Hyang
9,000 won ($6.90): vegan bulgogi at Osegye Hyang
9,500 won ($7.28): express train from Seoul station to Incheon Airport
10,000 won ($7.66): k-eta visa (don’t leave home without it….)
11,000 won ($8.43): cold soba noodles; entry to Gold Spa jjimbang (Korean bath house)
12,000 won ($9.20): hotstone bibimbap

14,000 won ($10.72) R/T cable car trip up Namsan Mountain
35,000 won ($26.82): meal of avocado gimpap (Korean sushi), deep-fried oyster mushroom and plumade at Veganrang in Busan
59,800 won ($45.83): KTX high speed rail from Seoul to Busan
80,000 won ($61.31): Covid PCR test
90,0000 won ($68.97): one night deluxe queen at Metro Hotel in Myeongdong, Seoul (no breakfast)
105,000 won ($80.47): one night queen room at Ocean 2 Heaven Hotel in Gwangalli Beach, Busan (w/ breakfast)
1,432,000 won ($1,094): economy premium flight r/t on Delta, with a Covid discount

What the World Costs-Canada (Vancouver)

Free: Letter writing at the Regional Assembly of Text
$.29 CAD ($.23USD): a Timbit donut hole at Tim Horton's
$.45 CAD ($.35USD): .140g zucchini at No Frills Market
$.57 CAD ($.45USD): yellow onion at H-Mart

$.74 CAD ($.58USD): 1 russet potato

$.97 CAD ($.76USD): a field cucumber

$1 CAD ($.77USD): small discounted cup of coffee at Pedro's (normally $2.25CAD but discounted with a receipt from Tony's Fish and Oysters

$1.05 CAD ($.82USD): an old-fashioned glazed donut at Tim Horton's

$1.25 CAD ($.98USD): negotiated mushrooms in Chinatown; sesame ball in Chinatown

$1.37 CAD ($1.07USD): small can of tuna in olive oil

$1.49 CAD ($1.17USD): small coffee at Tim Horton's

$1.68 CAD ($1.31USD): loaf of Old Mill Whole Wheat bread

$1.88 CAD ($1.47USD): box of "No Name" peppermint tea

$1.95 CAD ($1.52USD): multigrain baguette at Nesters Market (since up to $2.48)

$1.98 CAD ($1.55USD): French bread loaf at Nesters Market

$2 CAD ($1.56USD): Ziggy's potato salad at No Frills; small cup of coffee at Gene's coffee bar

$2.20 CAD ($1.72USD): Compass card ride on mass transit

$2.25 CAD ($1.76USD): small coffee at JJBean

$2.50 CAD ($1.96USD): 500gr Jasmine Rice at Shoppers Market

$2.59 CAD ($2.03USD): 1 liter of Whole Milk at Shoppers Market

$2.79 CAD ($2.18USD): a dozen eggs at Shoppers Market

$2.99 CAD ($2.34USD): box of granola at Shoppers Market

$3.50 CAD ($2.74USD): Hot Chocolate at New Amsterdam Cafe

$3.65 CAD ($2.85USD): 500ml can of Steamworks Red Ale

$3.99 CAD ($3.12USD): Liberte Yogurt (with Choices Card discount); 680gr of red lentils at HMart

$4.63 CAD ($3.62USD(: 160gr of Armstrong Old Fort Cheddar

$5 CAD ($3.91USD): Entry by donation to VAG; 340gr whole bean La Choix du President medium roast coffee

$6.50 CAD ($5.08USD): Pint of Blanche de Chambly at Frenchie's

$6.75 CAD ($5.28USD) Happy hour glass of house red wine at The Flying Pig

$7 CAD ($5.47USD): 10 minutes cab ride

$7.30 CAD ($5.71USD: 650ml bottle of Steamworks Jasmin IPA

$7.40 CAD ($5.79USD): pint of IPA at the New Oxford Pub

$8 CAD ($6.26 USD): 12oz of Lush medium roast coffee beans

$9.29 CAD ($7.27USD): 1 piece fried pacific cod and chips at Tony's Fish and Oyster Cafe

$10 CAD ($7.82 USD): Discounted entry to MOA; Putine at Frenchie's

$10.30 CAD ($8.06USD): a bottle of Bodacious Red Wine (it was terrible, sadly the among the cheapest but still expensive and not good)

$12 CAD ($9.38USD): Cobra Fang tiki cocktail at Shameful Tiki Bar

$16 CAD ($12.51USD): Classic pub burger at New Oxford Pub (it was good, albeit a little small)

$18.50 CAD ($14.47USD): Ticket to Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 3D

$20 CAD ($15.64USD): per person price for a lot of delicious sushi at Aria Sushi

$30 CAD ($23.46USD): per person price for a ton of delicious dim sum at Western Lake

What The World Costs- Morocco

1 dirham (10cents): one triangle of la vache qui rit style cheese; a large onion
1.25 dirham (12.5 cents): an egg
1.5 dirham (15 cents): fresh-baked Moroccan bread
2 dirham (20c): three shbeki (my fav Moroccan sweets); cone of spiced chickpeas
2.5 dirham (25c): 500 go of nougat (mixed variety)
3 dirham (30c): bowl of harira in Djema al-Fena in Marrakesh
4 dirham (40c): cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice in Marrakesh
4.5 dirham (45c): cup of fresh-squeezed orange/grapefruit juice in Rabat
5 dirham (50c): bottle of sparkling water; chickpea-offal stew sandwich (pas bon)
6 dirham (60c): tram ride and ticket in Casablanca
7 dirham (70c): 10 min taxi in Rabat; 1 hour Internet at cyber cafe; pair of socks
8 dirham (80c): cafe au lait at local café; almond paste cookie at kasbah tea spot; fried fish sandwich
10 dirham ($1): grilled kefta sandwich on the street; large cafe au lait to go; 200gr pepper; 150 gr golden raisins; cup of mint tea in kasbah tea house
12 dirham ($1.20): 15 min taxi ride from Marrakesh train station to center
13 dirham ($1.30): omelette panini, fries and salad in medina
15 dirham ($1.50): pot of mint tea at local cafe; bottle of Stork beer at local bar
16 dirham ($1.60): bottle of Flag Especiale beer at local bar
17 dirham ($1.70): cafe au lait at mo v airport cafe,
18 dirham ($1.80): cafe au lait w/ bottle of water incl at Marina Bay cafe
20 dirham ($2): SIM card; entrance to Mo VI Modern Art Museum (student); amount of dirham stolen from me by the ticket machine at the CasaPort railway, but ended up saving me 17 dirham in the long run.
22 dirham ($2.20): merguez sandwich and plate of fries at local cafe; shawarma and fries
25 dirham ($2.50): 1/4 poulet roti w/ fries and salad
30 dirham ($3): Used French comic book "Tristan"; pair of sweatpants bought on the street
32 dirham ($3.20): 20 min cab ride from Medina to Soussi
37 dirham ($3.70): 1.15hr train from Rabat to Casablanca
40 dirham ($4): sweatshirt bought on the street
45 dirham ($4.50): multi outlet extension chord
50 dirham ($5): train from Casa to Rabat--ticket bought on the train
85 dirham ($8.50): 3.5 hour second class train ticket from Rabat to Fez
90 dirham ($9): tajine poulet w/ citron confit at Le Petite Beur
100 dirham ($10): 1 night stay in Marrakesh at Hotel De La Paix w/o bathroom/shower/breakfast; 3-course lamb tajine w/carmelized onions, raisin and almonds.
120 dirham ($12): economic room at hotel Berlin w/o bathroom/shower, w/breakfast
127 dirham ($12.70): 4.5 hour train ride from Rabat to Marrakesh
130 dirham ($13): Fish tagine at the Ruined Gardens in Fez
150 dirham ($15): Thai green curry w/ chicken and rice at Chew Moi Annan (excellent)
180 dirham ($18): a small portable heater
230 dirham ($23): room at hotel Berlin w/bathroom, shower and breakfast
279 dirham ($27.90): pair of shoes at Carly
400 dirham ($40): ornate berber hamza
650 dirham ($65): 2 night stay at the Riad Taryana for my bday, w/ breakfast and hot shower

What the World Costs--Germany

Free: Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Museum on Post-War Germany) in Bonn; Zeitgeschictliches Forum Leipzig (Museum on GDR and FDR)
12 centimes ($.13): small bread roll at Penny grocery store in Leipzig
25 centimes ($.27): bread roll at Rewe grocery store in Nuremberg
39 centimes ($.42): 500g spaghetti
50 centimes ($.54): quarkballin; dominostein pastry
55 centimes ($.59): pretzel-bread roll at Rewe Go in Koln
60 centimes ($.64): grain roll at Rewe in Nuremberg
75 centimes ($.80): .5L Kleines Schwarzes can of beer from Leipzig grocery store; coffee to go in Dresden
89 centimes ($.96): box of tomato sauce
98 centimes ($1.05): .5L Kriesch Porter bottle of beer from grocery store in Leipzig
99 centimes ($1.06): 250g of pepper cheese
1 euro ($1.07): coffee at the Nuremberg train station; a towel at the Nuremberg hostel; cost for towels at some German hostels
1.07 euros ($1.15): .5L landsbier at the grocery store in Nuremberg
1.20 euros ($1.29): small espresso at Nuremberg hostel
1.29 euros ($1.38): can of lentils at the grocery store
1.50 euros ($1.61): box of peppermint tea
1.80 euros ($1.93): big espresso at Nuremberg hostel
1.90 euros ($2.04): short journey (4 stop) Cologne tram ticket
1.99 euros ($2.14): boiled egg and cheese sandwich in pretzel roll in Weimar
2 euros ($2.15): sheets at Labyrinth Hostel in Weimar; bus ride in Weimar; .5L bottle of Radeger beer in Dresden
2.10 euros ($2.25): .5L beer at the Nuremberg hostel
2.30 euros ($2,47): tram ride in Dresden
2.40 euros ($2.58): tram ride in Stuttgart
2.50 euros $2.68): Veggie pita sandwich in Nuremberg; cost for sheets at German hostels
2.80 euros ($3.01): Cologne regular tram ticket; Frankfurt tram ticket
2.99 euros ($3.21): small fried fish sandwich on a baguette at Nordsee
3 euros ($3.22): admission to Cologne panorama building viewing deck; student admission to Nuremberg Process Museum; student admission to Nuremberg Museum; student admission to Bauhaus museum in Weimar; doner kebab in Dresden
3.10 euros ($3.33): Cappuccino at Coffee Baum--Leipzig's oldest coffee house
3.60 euros ($3.86): 33ml pils beer in downtown Stuttgart; glass of Kessler champagne in Eissenberg
4 euros ($4.29): 2 hours locker fee in Cologne train station; stupidity tax for not understanding how the locker worked; ride from Stuttgart airport terminal to the Deans, including an SBhan, bus and Ubahn.
4.50 euros ($4.83): gondola ride over the Rhine in Cologne; .5L Radebger Pils at brewery restaurant
5 euros ($5.37): student entrance into German-Roman Museum in Cologne; bus daypas in Weimar
5.50 euros ($5.90): best kebabs in Stuttgart
6 euros ($6.44): 2hr Weimar to Leipzig Flixbus
7 euro ($7.51): 1.5 hr Leipzig to Dresden Flixbus
7.70 euros ($8.26): 30 min local train from Cologne to Bonn; day pass for Nuremberg transit system
8 euros ($8.59): student admission to German National Museum in Nuremberg for permanent collection and exhibit on King Charles IV
8.50 euros ($9.12): student entrance to Goethe Museum and House
9 euros ($9.66): bottle of champagne bought to celebrate Hillary's victory :(
11 euros ($11.81): 20 min intercity train from Bonn to Cologne/stupidity tax for getting on the wrong train; 3 hour Eurolines bus from Cologne to Frankfurt; 1 night stay at hostel in Leipzig w/o breakfast or sheets.
14 euros ($15.03): one night stay at Labyrinth Hostel in Weimar (w/o breakfast or sheets)
15 euros ($16.10): one night stay at Mondpalast in Dresden (w/o breakfast or sheet)
16.90 euros ($18.90): Plate of Sächsischer Sauerbraten at Redeberger
19 euros ($20.39):  Flixbus from Frankfurt to Stuttgart (3.5hrs); train from Stuttgart to Nuremberg (2hr); train from Nuremberg to Weimar (3.5hrs)
19.90 euros ($21.36): Train from Dresden to Prague (2.5hrs)
24 euros ($25.76): dorm room at 5 Reasons hostel w/o breakfast for Thursday night.
26 euros ($27.90): dorm room at 5 Reasons hostel w/o breakfast for weekend nights.

What the World Costs-Guatemala II

Free: tea and coffee at the International Mochilero Hostal from 8am-10am, 5pm-7pm; a month trial of Netflix
1 quetzal ($.13): one brown egg at the store; 4 tortillas bought on the street
1.5 quetzales ($.19): fifteen min of internet
2.25 quetzales ($.29): 5 oz refried beans
3 quetzales ($.39): a baby snickers; 30 min of internet
5 quetzales ($.65): 1 lb of rice; a cup of tamarind juice; mangoes with chili, lime and salt; 12 oz cocal cola in a glass bottle; empanda de pina;
6 quetzales ($.77): gansito (Central American Hostess-style cake); oatmeal-raisin cookie at Dona Luisa
7 quetzales ($.90): 250ml bottle of Venado Aguardiente
8 quetzales ($1.03): a tube of Colgate toothpaste
8.5 quetzales ($1.10): mississippi mud ice cream in a cone, covered in chocolate sauce and cookie crumbs
9 quetzales ($1.16): 1 piece of fried chicken (breast)
10 quetzales ($1.30): 1 hour chicken bus ride from Guate City to Antigua; can of tuna at the grocery store
11q ($1.43): 225ml of crema pura
12q ($1.56): jar of Cafe Quetzal instant coffee; 1 litre whole milk; espresso macchiato at Cafe Refuge
14q ($1.81): Traditional Guatemalan Hot Chocolate with milk; Espresso Cortado Doble at &Cafe
15q ($1.94): large fresh-squeezed carrot-orange juice; entry to Museo del Libro Antiguo (5q for Nationals; 30 q for foreigners; 15 q for me); 350ml Gallo beer
20q ($2.58): large lemonade with soda; pipian de pollo w/ rice and avocado at La Canache; caldo de rez in the market
21q ($2.71): Huevos Rancheros at Dona Luisa
22q ($2.84): Bottle of Gallo at Cafe No Se; Bottle of Dorada Draft at Restaurante Calle al Fondo, Desayuno Chapin
23q ($2.97): 2 pieces of Guate Fried Chicken, fries and spicy coleslaw.
25q ($3,23): 15 minute taxi ride from Zona 10 to Trebol; a pina colada at El Viejo Cafe; a shave
30q ($3.87): entrance (for foreigners) to Museo de Santiago de Caballeros (nationals is only 5 q--I'm not sure even that would have been worth the entry); Pollo Asado, salad and potato salad at Rincon Tipico
33q ($4.26): Mezcal Mule at Cafe No Se
35q ($4.52): a glass of Malbec at the wine bar (5 quetzales discount on each subsequent glass); chille rellenos with rice, beets and soup
40q ($5.16): 375ml bottle of Ron Botran 12 year Rum; whole fried fish w/ rice, guacamole and salad on Lago de Atitlan; entrance to Las Capuchinas convent
50q ($6.46): dorm in Antigua, no breakfast
55q ($7.10): a 2cl glass of Mezcal Anejo at Cafe No Se
56q ($7.23): two caldo de gallina and two Negro Modelo
58q ($7.49) Kaq-ik--Mayan turkey soup at Restaurante Fondo Calle Real
60q ($7.75): a bottle of Argentine Merlot at the store
72q ($9.30): A plate of Pipian de Pollo, rice and tortillas at Restaurante Calle al Fondo
80q ($10.33): 3 hour tourist van from Antigua to Lago de Atitlan; shuttle from Antigua to airport
100q ($12.91): room at Hospaje de Santo Domingo in Lago de Atitlan, no bathroom, no breakfast;scuba gear
2,500q ($322): 25 days stay at an apartment with a kitchen and private bathroom (with hot water)
3,829q ($547): roundtrip flight to Guatemala

What the World Costs-Honduras

1 Lempira ($.04): 500ml bag of water
10 Lempiras ($.44): a can of Link grapefruit soda; bag of pralines
12 Lempiras ($.53): 750ml bottle of water
16 Lempiras ($.71): a bottle of Cerveza Barena at Las Cebollinas; 1 liter bottle of water at pharmacy; 1 hour long chicken bus ride from Vale de Angeles to Tegucigalpa (no idea why it was cheaper for the return journey)
17 Lempiras ($.75): 6 oz Macchiatto at Espresso Americano
18 Lempiras ($.80): 8 oz Americanao at Espresso Americano
21 Lempiras ($.93): entry into snake museum
24 Lempiras ($1.06): 45 min chicken bus ride from Tegucigalpa to Vale de Angeles
26 Lempireas ($1.15): double espresso at Espresso Americano
30 Lempiras ($1.33): chocolate cake ball at a cafe
31 Lempiras ($1.38): 2L of Coca Cola at the grocery store
34 Lempiras ($1.51): a double espresso at hotel cafe
37 Lempiras ($1.64): packet of nuts and raisins at convenience store
48 Lempiras ($2.13): Bottle of SalvaVida beer at Casa Don Juan
50 Lempiras ($2.22): a shot of turtle egg mixed with lemon and tomato juice
55 Lempiras ($2.44): plate of Pollo a la coca cola, arroz, frijoles y platanos
60 Lempiras ($2.66): 20 minute cab ride from Hotel Interncontinental to city center
62 Lempiras ($2.75): Baleada (Honduran burrito) w/ pollo, guacemole, frijoles, chismol at Coco Baleada
65 Lempiras ($2.88): 20 minute cab ride from Novacentro to Hotel Intercontinental
70 Lempiras ($3.11): entrance to Museo para la Identidad Nacional incl virtual tour of Copan
80 Lempiras: giant plate of pollo chilaquiles
90 Lempiras ($3.99): Family size plate of Tajadas
100 Lempiras ($4.44): glass of wine in Hotel Intercontinental
105 Lempiras ($4.66): double Flor de Cana 7 year rum at Nu; Falafel sandwich at KebabExpress
120 Lempiras ($5.32): 15 min Reynaldo taxi ride
145 Lempiras: Sopa de Tortilla at The Market
149 Lempiras ($6.61): 1 liter of 4 year old Flor de Cana rum at the grocery store
154 Lempiras ($6.83): A plate of carne de res, arroz, frijoles, aguacate y chismol in Valle
160 Lempiras ($7.10): two Sake handrolls (salmon, sesame oil-filled)
165 Lempiras ($7.32): Ceviche de Corvino at The Market
220 Lempiras ($9.76): 20 min taxi van ride to El Patio
258 Lempiras ($11.45): 1 liter of 7 year old Flor de Cana rum at the grocery store.
455 Lempiras ($20.19): Sr. Conquistador steak at El Patio (literally 1.5lbs of meat)
788 Lempiras ($35): 1 hour massage (including eye ball massage--good for after long bouts looking at the computer screen, the masseuse explained.
4,000 Lempiras ($177.48): Graffiti mural
855 Lempiras ($38): first-class 6hr Pullmantur bus ticket from Teguc to San Salvador
1,425 Lempiras ($63.23): 72 piece sushi plate for 4 at Nau Lounge
2700 Lempiras ($120):  1 night stay at Hotel Real Intercontental w/ breakfast included (long-stay rate)
3,180 Lempiras ($141): 1 night stay at Hotel Real Intercontental w/ breakfast included

What The World Costs-Colombia

Free: Museo Botero; Museo de la Independcia; 30 minutes for a bicycle on bike day; Museo Nacional
200 Colombian Pesos ($.06): small plantano bread roll
500 pesos ($.15): 15 min internet
800 pesos ($.24): Arepa de maiz
900 pesos ($.28): packet of spaghetti
1,200 pesos ($.37): buñuelo (fried cheese dough ball)
1,500 pesos ($,46): glass of fresh-squeezed OJ on the street
1,600 pesos ($.49): empanada de carne
1,800 pesos ($.55): BRT bus ticket
2,000 ($.61) BRT card; obrea (thin waffle w/ dulce de leche, queso and passion fruit sauce inside)
2,150 ($.66): a bottle of Cerveza Club Colombia at the store; 1 ride on Medellin metro
2,500 ($.76): a bottle of Aguila beer at a local restaurant
3,000 ($.92) entrance to Museo del Oro; bottle of Club Colombia at Wandering Paisa
3,200 ($.98): a half-dozen eggs at the grocery store
3,300 ($1.01): cappuccino; glass of passion fruit juice
4,000 ($1.22): cold bottle of Aguila beer at a bar in Cartagena; can of Aguila beer at Parque Tayrona
4,100 ($1.25); a piece of temptation of chocolate cake
5,000 ($1.53): 1/4 pollo asado (roasted chicken) with roasted potatoes and arepa
6,500 ($1.99): Limonada de coco (Lemonade with coconut); sopa de mondongo (Colombian beef tripe soup)
7,000: ($2.14): Oscar's curry egg breakfast special
8,000 ($2.45): 20 minute taxi ride from Tayrona to Buritaca
8:500 ($2.60): Rum and coke in Cartagena
9,500 ($2.91): Indian buffet lunch including soup, salad and drink at Govinda's in Medellin
10,000 ($3.06): plate del dia: fried whole fish, fried banana chips, salad and coco rice; entrance to Museo de Antioco
10,200 ($3.12): ticket to Star Wars 3D; 20 min cab ride from Cartagena airport to city center
10,900 ($3.33): stuffed chicken arepa
11,900 ($3.63): Desayuno completo (eggs, rice & beans, arepa, cheese and a cup of hot chocolate)
12,000 ($3.67): bus from Santa Marta to Parque Tayrona; Fixer-Upper cocktail (rum, lime and honey)
13,500 ($4.13): Sancocho--giant pot of Colombian chicken soup
13,900 ($4.25): Big Mac combo meal
15,000 ($4.59): Tanqueray and Tonic; 1 night stay in a hammock in Palomino (no sheet)
17,000 ($5.20): Funicular ride to the top of Monserrate and back down;
17,700 ($5.41): A pollo terriyaki sub with fries and coke combo at Qbano
20,000 ($6.12): Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; 1 night hammock stay in Parque Tayrona w/ sheet
21,000 ($6.42): Rum and Coke overlooking the ocean; 1 night hostel stay at Wandering Paisa in Medellin
24,000 ($7.34): mini Spanish-English dictionary
25,000($7.65): whole fried red snapper at Bukaru in Parque Tayrona; 4 hour bus ride from Santa Marta to Cartagena (took 6 hours)
30,000 ($9.18): 25 min taxi from airport to Chapinero
33,000 ($10.09): ceviche de pescado at famous La Cevicecheria in Cartagena
38,000 ($11.62): 1 night hostel dorm in Santa Marta, no breakfast
40,000 ($12.23): puerta-a-puerta bus service for 4 hr trip from Cartagena to Santa Marta; entrance into Parque Tayrona
50,000 ($15.29): Argentine bife de lomo in Cartagena
55,000 ($16.82): One night hostal bed in a 12-person dorm in Cartagena (with breakfast)
60,000 ($18.35): One night hostal bed in a 4 person dorm in Cartagena (with breakfast); 35 min taxi ride from Medellin airport to city
65,000 ($19.88): per person dinner at Andres D.C.; 9 hour bus from Medellin to Bogota
96,000 ($29.36): bungalow for two at Oskar's Place in Minca
216,990 ($66.37): Flight from Bogota to Cartagena
245,615 ($75.12): Fancy traditional Colombia dinner for two incl bottle of wine at Club Colombia
271,374 ($83): 1 night stay at Hotel Balcones de Badillo in Cartagena w/ breakfast
331,190 ($101.29) 1 hr 15 min flight from Cartagena to Medellin
817,375 ($245): 1 week studio apartment in Bogota

What the World Costs- Ethiopia

Free: entrance to the Red Terror Museum

1 Birr (5 cents): money given to roving groups of singing girls in Aksum to make them go away

2 Birrr (10 cents): chai at cafe on Lake Tana; chai at internet cafe in Aksum; banana

3 Birr (15 cents): entrance to boat restaurant on Lake Tana

5 Birr (25 cents): traditional coffee at Addis Abbaba University cafe; traditional Aksum coffee

6 Birr (30 cents): locally-made chocolate bar; 30 min of internet

10 Birr (50 cents): entrance to Ethiopian National Museum; 30 minute minibus Wokro to Dinglet; 30 minute minibus Aksum to Adwa

11 Birr (55 cents): bambolino (donut); Macchiatto at Cafe Oslo

12 Birr (60 cents): St. George Beer at local bar in Bahir Dar

15 Bir (75 cents): 10 minute bajaji ride in Gonder

17 Birr (85 cents): St. George Beer at local restaurant in Addis; 1 hr minibus Wokro to Mekele

20 Birr ($1): pasta in injera in Debark; omelet; 2 hour minibus ride Alamata to Woldiya

21 Birr ($1.05): St. George Beer at Teitu Hotel

22 Birr ($1.10): toothpaste; special ful breakfast of fava bean paste, eggs and yogurt

24 Birr ($1.20): 1.5 hour mini bus from Shire to Aksum

29 Birr ($1.45): Fata breakfast of crusty bread broken up into little pieces, then covered in spicy sauce, yogurt, onions tomatoes and peppers

30 Birr ($1.50): double Teachers whiskey at Africa Hotel Aksum

35 Birr ($1.75): pasta with meat at Hotel Zenawi

37 Birr ($1.85): plate of “fasting” (ie veggie) food

40 Birr ($2): 10 pill packet of paracetemol

45 Birr: tibs (sauteed beef, peppers and onions) at butcher shop/restaurant

50 Birr ($2.50): 15 min taxi from Piazza to Addis Abbaba University; entrance to sites of Aksum

60 Birr ($3): tibs at bar/restaurant; 1 night stay at Hotel Zenawi, w/cold shower, no bathroom

65 Birr ($3.25): vegan buffet at Taitu Hotel

70 Birr ($3.50): 4 hour minibus ride Mekele to Alamata; 7.5 hour public bus ride from Woldiya to Lalibela

71 Birr ($3.55): Doro watt (chicken stew) at Taitu Hotel

73 Birr ($3.65): Kitfo (Ethiopian steak tartar) at Desset Resort on Lake Tana

90 Birr ($4.50): Large Alla Tuna Pizza at L-Shape Hotel; Ethiopian Shepherd's Pie at Ben Abeba Lalibela

100 Birr ($5): foreigner entrance to Ethnological museum; entrance to Holy Trinity Cathedral; entrance to Lake Tana monasteries

123 Birr ($6.15): 2^nd level public bus from Gonder to Shire

150 Birr ($7.50): 25 minute taxi ride from Bole Rd to Piazza; entrance to each rock-hewn church in Tigray

200 Birr ($10): 1 hour full body Swedish massage at Dib Anbess Hotel; 1 night stay at L-Shape Hotel Gonder w/ hot shower, no breakfast; Ditto at the Africa Hotel Aksum; entrance into St. Mary's Church in Aksum (which holds the Ark of the Covenant)

250 Birr ($12.50): Shitty double room w/ bathroom and shower at the shitty Yordanos Hotel in the shitty city of Woldiya; Single room at Hotel Asheten w/hot shower, no breakfast

297 Birr ($14.85): One night stay at Taitu Hotel (Addis) with hot shower, no breakfast

300 Birr ($15): half-day trip on Lake Tana to visit monasteries (discount from 350 Birr—don't tell other people on the tour, the tour group leader said); Tour guide for a day to Aksum's site; bottle of Rift Valley Ethiopian Syrah

340 Birr ($17): 10 hour bus ride from Addis to Bahar Dir on air con bus

350 Birr ($17.50): One night stay at Dib Anbess Hotel (Bahir Dar) w/ hot shower, breakfast

600 Birr ($30): Guide for a day around Lalibela's churches (split with an Aussie)

1000 Birr ($50): visa on arrival at Bole International Airport; Entrance to the 11 rock-hewn churches in Lalibela

1300 Birr ($65): One night stay at Trinity Hotel near airport with hot shower & breakfast; 2 hr flight on Ethiopian Air from Lalibela to Addis via Gonder

2900 Birr ($145): multi-entry 3-year visa bought prior (I wanted the option of coming up through Kenya, and they don't issue visas at the border—I didn't come that way in the end)

What the World Costs- Europa (Milano, Italy & Zurich, Switzerland)

Milano:
1 euro ($1.09): espresso; 30 minutes internet
1.20e ($1.31): cappuccino; brioche
1.50 euros ($1.64): metro ticket

2 euros ($2.18): cappuccino; scoop of gelato
3 euros ($3.28): pizza fritti at Milano Centrale

4 euros ($4.37): tiramisu at Restaurante Delicado; bottle of cabernet sauvignon at grocery store
4.40e ($4.81): roundtrip train to Milano Expo
6 euros ($6.55) doner kebap, fries and a drink
6.50 e ($7.10): spicy chicken wrap at Chicken Cottage

7 euros ($7.65): plate of Spaghetti al Pomodoro

12 euros ($13.11): fast train from airport to city center

23 euros ($25.13): computer charger

38.25euros ($41.80): 1 night stay at Hotel Del Sud, w/o breakfast

57 euros ($62.28) : 2-day pass to the Milano Expo

Zurich:
Free: 1.5 hour free walking tour; public transit (trams, buses and ferries) on May 31, 2015
60 centimes ($.63): banana at grocery store
85 centimes ($.90): economical Swiss chocolate bar with hazelenuts
1 CH Franc ($1.06): bottle of sparkling water at grocery store
1.80CHf ($1.80): 500ml beer at kiosk
2 CHf ($2.11): mars bar; knoblauch baguette at grocery store
2.25 CHF ($2.38): Frey Swiss dark chocolate bar
2.70 CHf ($2.85): coffee and croissant at McDonalds (don't judge, it was the cheapest coffee I could find AND it came with a croissant)
3 CHF ($3.18): cappuccino at grocery store
4.40 CHF ($4.65): small beer at Tidbits restaurant
4.50 CHF ($4.77): bottle of coke at store that I laughed when I saw
5 CH francs ($5.28): Tip for guide for free walking tour
5.5 CHf ($5.81) glass of house white wine
6.5 CHF ($6.90) cappuccino at Starbucks that I wouldn't dream of buying
6.60 CHF ($6.98): train from airport to city center
8.5 CHF ($8.98): Falafel; large 500ml beer at fondue restaurant
9.5 CHf ($10.04): best Lebanese shwarma ever
9.80 CHF ($10.36): chicken schnitzel in a baguette
12 CHF ($12.68): Kirsch (cherry brandy)
12.5 CHF ($13.26): hamburger at a outdoor cafe that was far too rich for me
15 CHF ($15.85): breakfast at the hotel [no thanks!]
17.5 CHF ($18.56): fajita wrap at cafe that I couldn't afford
18 CHF ($19.06): Swiss Army knife
23.10 CHF ($24.41): normal sized plate of veggie food at Tidbits restaurant
26.50 CHF ($28.01): Fondue at local restaurant
78 CHF ($82.44): room for 1 night at Hotel Krone, shared bathroom and no breakfast

What the World Costs- Tanzania

Free: Beit al-Ajaib (The Palace of Wonders)
100 Tanzanian shillings ($.05): hot ginger tea outside the mosque
200 Tanzanian shillings ($.10): small coffee outside the mosque; mishakaki (small beef skewers) on street
500 shillings ($.25) hand-press sugar cane juice; Zanzibar chai on the street; spiced coffee; chicken skewer
700 shillings ($.35): young green coconut
800 shillings ($.40): bottle of coke
1,000 shillings ($.50): cone of soft serve ice cream; laundry per piece at Haven Guest House
1,200 shillings ($.60): beef soup on the side of the road
1,500 shillings ($.75): bottle of Kresta bitter lemons at Forodhani; shot of Konyagi (local gin)
2,000 shillings ($1): biryani; skewer of chicken at Forodhani Gardens market; nutella and banana Zanzibari pizza; 2.5 hour dalla-dalla from Stone Town to Paje
3,000 shillings ($1.50): skewer of tuna at Forodhani Gardens market; beef, egg and veggie Zanzibari pizza
4,000 shillings ($2): 500ml bottle of Tusker in Zanzibar; cone of gelato; cappuccino at Boboo Cafe Zanzibar
5,000 shillings ($2.50): 500ml bottle of Kilimanjaro Beer at the Waterfront; Palace Museum
7,500 shillings ($3.75): king fish in coconut curry sauce

8,000 shillings ($4): gin and tonic at pub in Zanzibar
10,000 shillings ($5): veg thali at Radha

17,000 shillings ($8.50): veggie pizza at The Waterfront

20,000 shillings ($10): vegetable curry at The Waterfront

22,000 shillings ($11): Spice Tour on Zanzibar
30,000 shillings ($15): 45 min taxi from Paje to Stone Town

35,000 shillings ($17.50): single room at Haven, no bathroom, incl breakfast in Zanzibar
40,000 shillings ($20): single bungalow with breakfast at Teddy's Place in Paje

70,000 shillings ($35): fast ferry from Dar to Zanzibar
80,000 shillings ($40):  transfer from airport to Hotel Slipaway
82,000 shillings ($41): VIP ticket for fast ferry from Zanzibar to Dar

200,000 shillings ($100): Tanzanian visa

240,000 shillings ($120): One night at Hotel Slipaway, incl breakfast

What The World Costs- South Africa

2 rand: peri peri packet
7 rand: combi ride in Cape Town
12 rand: combi ride in Pretoria
13 rand ($1.08): Gautrain card
14 rand ($1.16): single espresso
15 rand ($1.24): box of peppermint tea
16 rand ($1.32): caramel-dipped ice cream cone
18 rand ($1.48): double espresso
20 rand ($1.64): 10 minute cab ride
25 rand ($2.07): beet, apple and carrot juice
28 rand ($2.32): double brandy and coke
30 rand ($2.48): beet, carrot, apple and orange juice at Ta-Dat in Muizenberg
32 rand ($2.64): boerwoers and chips
35 rand ($2.90): hake fish medallions and chips
40 rand ($3.31): Falafel at Yofi Falafel in Muizenberg
42 rand ($3.48): 1/2 steak curry gatsby and chips
45 rand ($3.62): room service grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches
46 rand ($3.70): Bottle of Cape Red at the grocery store
49 rand ($4.06): 3 kudu babootie samoosas at Kirstenbosch; snoek and chips at Lucky's
50 rand ($4.14): entrance to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
57 rand ($4.22): 1/2 carafe of Chardonnay at Kirstenbosch
135 rand ($11.18): Gautrain ride from OR Tambo airport to Pretoria
150 rand ($12.43): 1 GB of Data for wifi
200 rand ($16.57): 25 minute cab ride from Seapoint to Kirstenbosch
232 rand ($19.22): 1 night stay in Muizenburg flatlet from AirBnB
250 rand ($20.71): price for fetching from the airport for Muizenberg stay
300 rand ($24.85): cab ride from airport to Seapoint
500 rand ($41.42): transfer from downtown Joburg to airport
1,470 rand ($121.79): one night at Faircity Apt hotels & transfer to airport
3,300 rand ($273.40): 1 week's stay at one-bedroom apartment in Sea Point

What the World Costs- Uganda

500 Ugandan shilling ($.16): 2 bananas
800 shilling ($.27): 500ml water at convenience store
1000 shilling ($.33): 15 minutes internet
1,500 shilling ($.50): 500 ml water at hostel; matate (shared van taxi) ride
2,000 shilling ($.67): 300 ml bottle of Coke
3,000 shilling ($1): 15 minute boda boda (moto taxi) ride from central Kampala to Lunguja; shot of Crazy Cock Whisky; SIM card
4,000 shilling ($1.33): cold Nile Beer at Blue River bar; beef pilau
4,500 shilling ($1.50): 2 boiled eggs and 2 pieces of toast at the hostel
5,000 shilling ($1.67): Fish tail stew w/ rice, yams & matoke at market restaurant; entrance to Uganda Museum; peanut paste (butter) and honey sandwich at hostel
6,000 shilling ($2): 25 minute boda boda ride from Kabagala to Lunguja
7,000 shilling ($2.33): double espresso
8,000 shilling ($2.67): Pot of milky, gingery African Tea at Cafe Juras; 40 minute boda ride
10,000 shilling ($3.33): glass of red wine at the hostel
12,000 shilling ($4): Daily Lunch Special (Chicken Curry w/ rice and a banana)
14,000 shilling ($4.67): Chicken Mochocho and chops
15,000 shilling ($5): Curry goat and matoke at Highlands restaurant; Entebbe airport transfer
19,000 shilling ($6.33): Ginger Love (pineapple, ginger, orange and rum) at Lake Victoria
20,000 shilling ($6.67): single room w/ shared bathroom at Entebbe Backpackers hostel
30,000 shilling ($10): single room w/shared bathroom at Kampala Backpackers Hostel; ticket for Ndere Cultural Center show
70,000 shilling ($23.33): 1 hour taxi ride from Kampala to Entebbe
360,000 shilling ($120) : 1 night at Hotel Africana, breakfast included

What the World Costs--Venezuela (2014)

3 Bolivares (official $.25/blackmarket $.025): 1 metro ticket
5 Bolivares ($.42/$.042): A full tank of gas
9 Bolivares ($.75/$.075): small espresso at local cafe
25 Bolivares ($2.08/ $.21): cafe con leche
30 Bolivares ($2.59/ $.26): bottle of sparkling water; double espresso
40 Bolivares ($3.33/$.33): 500ml bottle of agua de coco; cafe marron oscuro to go
54 Bolivares ($4.50/$.45): Batido de melon (melon shake)
70 Bolivares ($5.83/$.58): hamburger with grilled egg on the sife of the road
78 Bolivares ($6.50/ $.65): Arepa Reina Pepeida
84 Bolivares ($7/$.70): Turkey ham and cheese sandwich
95 Bolivares ($7.92/ $.79): 100 Grand candy bar
118 Bolivares ($9.83/ $.98): Cachapa de Carne Mechada
125 Bolivares ($10.42/ $1.04): glass of Chilean red wine
150 Bolivares ($12.50/ $1.25): 15 min taxi ride in Caracas; shot of flaming sambuca
180 Bolivares ($15/ $1.50): full breakfast criollo
200 Bolivares ($16.67/ $1.66): plate of carne salomo and rice
240 Bolivares ($20/ $2.00): Ceviche at a beach restaurant
265 Bolivares ($22.08/ $2.20): charge for 40 kilos (88 pounds) extra luggage; small bottle of diplomatico rum
450 Bolivares ($37.50/ $3.75): 15 min taxi from airport to hotel
500 Bolivares ($41.67/ $4.16): glass of chivas whiskey on the rocks
580 ($48.33/ $4.83): Cazuela de Corvina [shark stew]
1400 Bolivares ($116.67/ $11.66): per person meal at Monte Grill for way too much grilled meat, appetizers wine, whiskey and dessert
2,000 Bolivares ($166.67/ $16.66): per person meal at Leal Resturante- Venezuelan fusion restaurant for apps, dinner, dessert and drinks
3,710 ($309.16/ $30.91): 2 extra suitcases on return trip
4,400 ($366.67/ $36.67): Bottle of Diplomatico Reserve for a good friend

What the World Costs- Bosnia; What the World Costs- Serbia

Bosnia
Free: 90 minute walking tour around the city
1 konvertable mark (km) (71cents) : potato borek pastry; bottle of water
1.5 kmarks ($1.06): espresso at Cafe Giovanni; bottle of sparkling water
2 km ($1.41): a can of Uludag gazoz Turkish soda; 5ml glass of slivovic (plum brandy)
2.5km ($1.77): a 200ml bottle of coke
3 km ($2.12): a shot of vilijamovka (pear brandy); a small chicken doner kebab; large carrot-orange juice
4km ($2.82): portion of meat borek; a shot of travarica rakija; bowl of begoga corba (Bosnian chicken soup)
4.5 km ($3.18): a plate of Ćevapčić (small Balkan beef sausages) in lepenja (Bosnian pita) w/ onions & ajvar
5 km ($3.53): a bowl of gulash; ticket to National History Museum
6km ($4.24): a plate of Ćevapi (larger Balkan beef sausages) w/ accouterments; 10 minute cab ride in Sarejevo
10km ($7.06): entrance into the Galareji 11/07/1995
20km ($14.12): a dish of Bosnian comfort foods including dolma, meatballs, stewed lamb & mashed potatoes, mixed salad and a glass of wine
30km ($21.18): taxi from airport to the city; one night private room at Hostal Tito
163 km ($115.09): one night at Hotel Europe, including breakfast

Serbia
40 Serbian Dinars (48 cents): bus card
50 dinars (60 cents): Yugoslavia button; pack of gum; portion of mixed salted nuts
60 dinars (72 cents): bottle of still water
70 dinars (84 cents): bottle of sparkling water; bus ride
73 dinars (87 cents): trolley bus ride
100 dinars ($1.20): small order of french fries
110 dinars ($1.32): espresso
120 dinars ($143): bottle of Sommersby hard cider at fastfood joint
130 dinars ($1.55): 100 grams of lil fried fish
150 dinars ($1.79): 40 minute bus ride to Tesla Airport
190 dinars ($2.27): shot of slivovic
200 dinars ($2.39): entry to Tito Mausoleum & Museum of Yugoslavia; pljeskavica (Balkan burger)
230 dinars ($2.75): dunja cocktail at Ok, no bar
270 dinars ($3.23): grilled chicken breast
290 dinars ($3.47): glass of dunja- quince brandy
360 dinars ($4.30): mojito
400 dinars ($4.78): laundry to wash a purple sweatshirt
450 dinars ($5.38): journal at Tito Mausoleum gift shop; take-out box of stir-fried veggies at Asian restaurant
990 dinars ($11.84): chicken and pepper casserole at ? Kafana
1170 dinars ($14): 1 night at 360 Hostel
1950 dinars ($23.31): 3 course dinner in Skadarlije including drinks
11,616 dinars ($138): one night at hotel, breakfast included 

What the World Costs- Mexico (III)

2 pesos (15cents): one egg in the market
3 pesos (23cents): ticket for the metro (when I arrived); 1 large yellow onion
4 pesos (31cents): 10 fresh tortillas
5 pesos (39 cents): avocado; 1 taco guisado; ticket for the metro (after price increase while I was here)
6 pesos (48cents): DF bus fare
7 pesos (56cents): small can of salsa verde
8 pesos (61cents): cup of coffee on the street
9 pesos (69 cents): taco de lengua (cow tongue taco); vampiro (beet, carrot and orange juice in a baggy)
10 pesos (77 cents): taco de cabeza de rez (cow face taco)
11.5 pesos (88cents):  bottle of Indio beer at the store
12 pesos (92cents) : tlacoyo (blue corn quesadilla); taco de bistek
13 pesos (one dollar): cup of coffee at Oxxo convenience store
14.5 pesos ($1.12): 16 onzas can of Tecate
18 pesos ($1.38): glass of pulque (fermented maguay cactus)
20 pesos ($1.54): entrance to Museo de Arte Virreal Casa Humbolt; beer at a street bar in DF; sope on the street
24 pesos ($1.85): small cup of coffee at Starbucks
25 pesos ($1,92): michelada (beer with spices); entrance to the Museuo de la Revolucion
26 pesos: (2 dollars) double espresso at Cafe de Carlo
30 pesos ($2.31): torta; cappuccino at Cafe Toscano
35 pesos ($2.69): Bohemia beer at the top-floor bar at the Centro Cultural de Espana
36 pesos ($2.77): mandarin-strawberry juice in fancy Polanco taquieria
37 pesos ($2.85): bag of granola
50 pesos ($3.85): birria (spicy goat soup); ticket to the Mirador (lookout) at the Monument Revolucion Mexicano, and subterranean explanation exhibit
55 pesos ($4.23): six-pack of Pacifico at the grocery store; One shot of mezcal (for sipping) at Mezcalaria Vulgar
57 pesos ($4.38): movie ticket to The Hobbit
60 pesos ($4.62): a tumbler of Calzadores Reposado tequila at Opera bar
135 pesos ($10.38): silver necklace
154 pesos ($11.85): an artisanal pint at Fiebre de Malta
170 pesos ($13.08): one night at Mexico City Hostel, including breakfast
185 pesos ($14.23): 3 hour bus to Taxco
210 pesos ($16.15): statue of Don Quixote
700 pesos $53.85): stupidity tax and bribe for losing my emigration card
2,860 pesos ($220): 3 weeks rent in Colonia Juarez
8,762 pesos ($674): roundtrip flight to Mexico City (6,500 pesos covered in voucher)

What the World Costs- Belgium

free: 3 hour walking tour through Brussels; 2 hour walking tour through Bruges
70centimes (95cents): bottle of water
1 euro ($1.32): cup of coffee at Boomerang hostel
1.40e ($1.89):  Antwerp tram ticket when bought in advance (2 euros if purchased on board)
1.8e ($2.43): 25ml Jupiler at the hostel bar
1.9e ($2.57): bus in Waterloo to battliefield
2 euros ($2.64): can of Maes pils at the convenience store; Antwerp tram
2.2e ($2.98): bottle of greuze sour apricot beer at hostel bar; bottle of Westmalle Duble
2.5e ($3.38): emanada at Bar Buenos Aires in Antwerp-best empanadas this side of Buenos Aires
3.2e ($4.33): small fries with samurai sauce
3.3e ($4.46): glass of Delerium Tremens at its brewery
3.4 ($4.6): bottle of the best beer I have ever had in my life: Straffe Hendrix
3.6e ($4.87): train from Brussels Central to Waterloo (25 min)
3.70e ($5): 25 minute train from Ghent to Bruges
3.8e ($5.14): Belgian waffle covered in caramel and chatilly cream
3.9e ($5.27): frites, lightly dusted in salt and covered with gobs of mayo, curry ketchup and grilled onions
3.95e ($5.34): lahmcun (Turkish meat pizza) with salad inside
4 euros ($5.41): glass of Garre beer (12.5 percent alcohol)
4.2e: ($5.68) 33cl goblet of Karmelit Triple
4.5e ($6.09): Doner Kebap
4.8e ($6.49): spinach and brie quiche in Ghent
5.5e ($7.44): chicken doner durum
7 euros ($9.47): entrance to Lion monument, 2 films, panorama and wax museum at Waterloo (unemployed discount)
7.1e ($9.60): train from Brussels to Antwerp (45min)
7.5e ($10.14): feta, grilled zuchinni, grilled eggplant and grilled pepper open-faced pesto sandwich at Goudblomme
8 euros ($10.82) entrance to Peter Paul Rueben's House
9.20e ($12.44): 1 hour train from Antwerp to Ghent
10 euro ($13.20): Carbonade (beer-beef stew) at C'est Bon, C'est Belge
14.50e ($19.61): Boomerang hostel in Antwerp
19.5e ($26.37): the average price of two nights in the Meininger Hostel (w/o breakfast)
24 euros ($32.46): hostel in Ghent with breakfast included

What the World Costs- France

free: entrance into Petit Palace (Musee des Belle Artes); a mini-croissant from the kind bakers at Paul
50 centimes (66 cents): 15 minutes of internet; un demi-baguette
63c (83 c): 500ml Dagsbier (7% Dutch beer)
88c ($1.16):  500ml Konenburg beer (Fr) bought at the store
99c ($1.31): 250g of mushrooms; 2 peppers (one red, one green)
1 euro ($1.32): a croissant
1.18e ($1.51): can of Thon a la Catalan
1.20e ($1.58) : pan au chocolat at bakery in 5th
1.32e: ($1.74): 500ml Davelghem beer (Belgium) bought at the store
1.50e ($1.98): espresso at Palais du Tokyo
1.70e ($2.25): one metro ticket
2e ($2.64): bus ticket (bought on the bus)
2.25e ($2.97): 750ml bottle of Merlot Syrah at the store
2.35e ($3.10): one Hermes macaroon
3 euros ($3.96): crepe avec confiture framboises (rasberry jam)
3.45e ($4.56): bottle of bordeaux at grocery store
4.50e ($5.94): nutella and banana crepa on Rue Sant Denis; une Ricard
5 euros ($6.60): pint of Gothic beer at Happy Hour; shwarma et frittes en La Marais
5.20e ($6.87): small round stinky goat cheese
5:50e ($7.26): falafel at L'as de Falafel (darn good falafel) in La Marais
6 euros ($7.92): entrance to the dome of Sacre Coer
6.20e ($8.19): 25cl glass of Rosé at Les Ondes
7.30e ($9.64): McRoyal, fries and a coke at LeMicky Ds
7.5e ($9.91): snifter of Armagnac
8 euros ($10.57): 1 day rental of electric bike
9 euros ($11.89): entrance to Rodin Museum
9.50e ($12.55): RER train from Charles deGaulle Airport to downtown; entrance to Monet's house at Giverny
10 euros ($13.21): glass of Chardonay at Cafe Flandrin; entrance to Musee Marmottan Monet
13.30e ($17.58): packet of 10 tickets for Paris metro/bus/RER;
13.5e ($17.83): poulet roti (roasted chicken w/ mashed potatoes) at Cafe des Duex Moulines
14 euros ($18.49): steak frittes et salade at a restaurant in Poitiers; steak tartare at Les Ondes
14.5e ($19.15): ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower
14.7e ($19.42): 1 night hostel in Poitiers
15 euros ($19.81): entrance to Pinacotheque art noueveau/art deco exhibitions (two exhibits), student price
19 euros ($25.10): bus to Poitiers; cheap stand-up fan
20.23e ($26.72): grocerries from local supermarket for the week
22 euros ($29.06): bus from Paris to Brussels, Belgium (3 hrs)
25 euros ($33.06): steak tartare et frittes at Cafe Flandrin- chichi cafe next to my apt
27 euros ($35.66): roundtrip train ticket to Vernon (for Giverny) about an hour outside of Paris
28 euros ($36.98): ticket to John Batiste & the Stay Human band at Duc de Lombards Jazz club (afterhours jam included)
40 euros ($52.83): bottle of Petit Chablis at Bel Canto
45 euros ($60.76): stupidity tax for not having a metro ticket (but I had 3!) that worked when Controle came
49 euros ($64.72): mezze for two at Restaurant Loubnane
81 euros ($106.98): prifixe dinner at Bel Canto for one person (opera included)
467.90 euros ($618): one-way flight to Paris on Iceland Airlines
650 euros ($858.52): servant-quarters-turned-studio in 16th

What The World Costs-Brazil

free: Musea do Inconfidencia during museum week
1 real (50cents): one clove
2 reals ($1): churasco on the beach (grilled meat on a stick)
2.5 reals ($1.25): cafe carioca
2.80 reals ($1.40): Rio bus ride
3 reals ($1.50): can of guarana soda; churrasco (grilled meat on a stick) in Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo metro ride
3.5 reals ($1.75): coxinha at a cafe; 1 kilo of laundry
4 reals ($2) : can of Brahma beer at Sao Paulo cafe; fried pastel de palmito; stupidity tax for a bus ticket return
5 reals ($2.50): caprinha on the beach in Natal
6 reals ($3): cover charge for a beach umbrella
7 reals ($3.5): gelato popsicle
7.5 reals ($3.75): liter of Skol beer on the beach
8 reals ($4): getting jeans washed in a posh laundry place (had to be done)
9 reals (148 New Taiwanese Dollars): authentic bubble tea (!) in Belo Horizonte
10 reals ($5): sim card for cell phone
14 reals ($7): contrafile (steak) with fries, rice and beans at local lonchette (lunchenette) in Sao Paulo
16 reals ($8): 1.5 hour bus from Belo Horizonte to Inhotim
20 reals ($10): entrance to Inhotim
25 reals ($12.50): 20 min cab ride through Brasilia
26 reals ($13): 2 hour bus from Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto
32 reals ($16): cheap cotton sweatshirt
35 reals ($17.50): buffet per person at Mormaii in Brasilia
43 reals ($21.50): one night at Walk on the Beach Hostel, breakfast included
50 reals ($25): all you can eat meat rodizio at Potencia do Sul
76 reals ($38): 6 hour bus from Rio to Sao Paulo
77 reals ($38.50): 7 hour bus from Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro
91 reals ($45.50): 8 hours bus from Sao Paulo to Belo Horizonte
240 reals ($120): 1 night at hotel in Porto Alegre
350 reals ($175): 1 night at hotel in Sao Paulo

What the World Costs- Holland

priceless: all the things in Amsterdam with a price.
.40 euro (54cents): a squirt of satay peanut sauce or a squirt of curry ketchup
1eu ($1.33): a side of chili sauce
2eu ($2.66): live sex peep show (said the neon sign); espresso

2.25eu ($2.99): kaffie verkeerd (café latte)
2.40eu ($3.21): small extra cold Heineken at Holland Casino

2.80 eu ($3.72): small Heineken; pickled herring sandwich; a ride on the tram

2.90 eu ($3.86): small frittes with curry ketchup & peanut sauce

3 eu ($4): glass of gluwein (hot spiced wine)
3.90eu ($5.22): train from Amsterdam to Schipol Airport
4eu ($5.35) pint of beer at a bar in the red light district
5eu ($6.69) entrance to Holland Casino (I was not pleased with an entrance fee at a casino)
7.40eu ($9.90): apple pancakes

7.50eu ($9.98): student entrance to Maritime Museum

10 eu ($13.30): entrance to Konnijks Palace; entrance to Medag Panorama in The Hague
10.60eu: Train from Amsterdam to The Hague

13.70eu ($18.22): 40 min train from Utrecht to Eindhoven

15 eu ($19.95): entrance to Van Gogh Museum at Hermitage; entrance to the rijksmuseum

18 eu ($23.94): hostel in Utrecht

18.40EU ($24.47) 1.5hr train from Eindhoven to Amsterdam
19 eu ($25.27): bife de lomo and fries at an Argentine steak house

40 eu ($53.20): single room w/o shower in Amsterdam

50 eu ($66.50): single room w/ shower in Amsterdam

54eu ($72.24): off peak hotel rate at the Quinten Hotel
66.50eu ($88.96): weekend hotel rate at the Quinten Hotel

654.16eu ($884): RT flight to Amsterdam including 10 percent discount

What the World Costs- New York City

free: paan, for my enthusiasm; internet cafe at the Apple Store
$.50 (4,500 Indonesian rupaih) : loosey
$1.00 (33 New Taiwanese Dollars): small cup of coffee around the city; a slice of NY-style cheese pizza
$1.25 (10 Guatemalan quetzal): Barley-eye drink with honey
$1.50 (15 Mexican pesos): ginger beer at Carib grocery store
$2 (9 Peruvian soles): Chinese noodle soup with sour vegetables; sweet paan; egg and cheese on a roll
$2.10 (250 Japanese yen): veggie patty
$2.50 (14 Egyptian pounds) : one ride on the subway; falafel from the famous Mamoun's
$3 (16 shekels): bubble tea in Chinatown; a bowl of borscht at Krolewkie Jadlo in Green Point
$3.50 (2.5 Jordanian dinars): Onion rings on the Coney Island boardwalk
$4 (245 Pakistani rupees): Happy Hour beer at the Bearded Lady; a knish at Paul's daughter in Coney Island
$5 (20 UAE Dirham) : Student ticket for Asia Society Museum; pair of sunglasses
$6 (270 Indian rupees) : a plate of fried spinach & mushroom and potato &a cheese pierogies at Krolewkie Jadlo
$6.50 (60,000 Lao kip): 500ml Heineken in Central Park
$8 (98,000 Vietnamese dong): Curry Vegetables and rice and peas
$10 (12,500 Iraqi Dinar): Student ticket for the Frick Museum
$12.50: pack of cigarettes (not that I am buying, just noticing the astronomical price)
$16 (26 Turkish Lira): ricotta fritters, oven-baked eggs w/ polenta, ricotta and tomato & bottomless bloody marys at Giovanni's
$17 (55 Malaysian Ringit): One-way Bolt bus from New York to DC's Union Station
$19 (800 Philippine Pesos): 20 minute taxi from Williamsburg to Prospect Heights, including tip; ticket to Mets game
$22 (12,000 Chilean pesos): Chinese foot massage
$27.50 (20,000 Jamaican Dollars): One-way tripper bus from Bethesda to New York
$1,080 (17,820,000 Vietnamese Dong): one month sublet for one bedroom apt in Prospect Heights
$1,100 (A gazillion Zimbabewean Dollars): one month sublet for a room in a 3 bedroom apt in Park Slope

What the World Costs- Kurdistan

250 dinar (20cents): cup of sweet black tea; bottle of water; public bus in Suli
500 dinar (40cents): bottle of carrot-orange juice; piece of baklava
750 dinar (60cents): falafel in Erbil
1,000 dinar (80cents): shwarma in a triangle pita; kebab on the street; 500ml can of Tuborg beer
1,500 dinar ($1.20): street kebab in Erbil
2,000 dinar ($1.60): large fresh-squeezed orange and grapefruit juice; 15 minute cab ride in Duhok
3,000 dinar ($2.40): 15 minute taxi in Erbil; 330ml bottle of arak; 250ml bottle of Johnny Walker Bl Label
5,000 dinar ($4): 500 ml beer at Sun Palace restaurant; headphones
6,000 dinar ($5.20): stupidity tax for round trip taxi from Univ of Duhok to hotel for a forgotten office key
6,750 dinar ($5.40): two-piece chicken dinner at Texas Chicken
8,000 dinar ($6.40): veggie pizza at King Foods; shave and a haircut
9,000 dinar: ($7.20): Turkish veggie pide in Ein Kawa
12,500 dinar ($10): laundry at the Hallal Hotel
15,000 dinar ($12): stupidity tax for taxi delivery of  my Kurdistan ID card from Suli to Erbil
20,000 dinar ($16): 1 kilo of baklava for the pesh mergas guarding our convoy to Kirkuk
22,000 dinar ($17.60): a kilo of fish, charcoal broiled at "The Fish Restaurant"
40,000 dinar ($32): nice shoes in the bazaar
55,000 dinar ($44): dinner for 4 at the Sultan Restaurant in Erbil
64,000 dinar ($51.20): 1 night stay at Mondeal Hotel in Erbil w/ breakfast included
75,000 dinar: ($60) 1 night stay at Alborz Hotel in Suli w/ breakfast included
87,500 dinar ($70) 1 night stay at Hakar Hotel w/ breakfast included
159,900 dinar ($130): 1 night suite at Amenuel Hotel as per my commitment to media and public diplomacy
28,000,000 dinar ($22,400): bag money from the ministry

What the World Costs- Turkey

.5 lira (27cents): 330 ml bottle of water
1 lira (56cents): cup of fresh squeezed oj
1.5 lira (83 cents): cup of fresh pressed carrot juice; cup of ayran (yogurt milk); piece of chocolate baklava
2.50 lira ($1.39): pair of boxers
3 lira ($1.67): cup of nescafe; 20 min ferry from Eminonunu to Uskudar (from Europe to Asia)
3.85 lira ($2.14): 500ml can of Efes from a corner store
4 lira ($2.22): cup of Turkish coffee
5 lira ($2.78): fish sandwich on the quay; 4 piece variety of baklava
5.5 lira ($3.06): french fry and cheese sandwich
6 lira ($3.33): homemade lunch of sauteed tomato stringbeans, rice, bread and yogurt soup at hostel
7 lira: ($3.89) potato kumpir (baked potato with all the trimmings)
8 lira ($4.44): student ticket to Istanbul Modern
10 lira ($5.56): entrance to the Byzantine Cistern; entrance to Istanbul Archaeological Museum
11 lira: ($6.12) efes dark at Aenoman Galata terrace restaurant
12 lira ($6.68): lamb and tomato kebabs at terrace restaurant
15 lira ($7.24): full mezze; melon nargile; leather wallet
34 lira ($18.89): 1 night at the World House Hostel for an 8-person dorm, breakfast included
60 lira ($33.33): hamam with massage
158 lira ($87.78): 1 night for a suite at St. Sofia hotel, breakfast and airport transport included
2,340 lira ($1,300): compensation for being involuntarily bumped

What the World Costs- India (II)

free: Jaipur Literary Festival; executive suite at the Eddessery Mansion (Venkat's Clubhouse special)
1 rupee ($.02): student ticket for Indian National Museum; centerfresh gum
2 rupees ($.04): paan
3 rupees ($.07): Times of India newspaper
4 rupees ($.09): small cup of chai; 20 minute commuter train in Chennai
5 rupees ($.11) : delhi bus; jolibi in Paharganj; piece of barfi
8 rupees ($.18): tobacco paan; djarum clove
9 rupees ($.20): 30 min bus from Ajmer to Pushkar
10 rupees ($.22): kachori (lentils and potato stew and fry bread); red onion-omelette on the street corner; chili pakora; one-egg omelette with red onions and chili on toast
10.8 rupees ($.22): Delhi metro- Chhartrapur to Hauz Kauz
12 rupees ($.27): deep-fried bread with chilies and veg stew
13 rupees ($.29): glass bottle of limca or thumsup
15 rupees ($.33): 1l bottle of water; sweet paan; coke in a glass bottle; glass of fresh squeezed oj
20 rupees ($.45): can of thums up; aloo tikki; streetside straight-razor shave; kulfi ice cream
25 rupees ($.56): 604bus from Vasant Kunj to downtown Delhi; butter omelette
26.60 rupees ($.59): 30ml glass of Black Night whiskey in Paharganj
30 rupees ($.67): Veg Surprise at McDonalds
33 rupees: ($.74) small fries at McDonalds
40 rupees ($.89): egg curry, dhal, rice and two chappatis on the train
41 rupees ($.92): baksheesh to get into Beatles Ashram
50 rupees ($1.12): winter hat; 20 minute rickshaw from Jaipur lit fest to bus station
60 rupees ($1.34): the best falafel sandwich in India, found in Pushkar
67 rupees ($1.50): general class unreserved train ticket from Hardiwar to Delhi (7.5 hrs)
70 rupees ($1.56): veg thali in Rishikesh
72 rupees ($1.61): pint of Kingfisher in Paharganj
75 rupees ($1.67): poster from Indian National Museum of Modern Art
88 rupees ($1.97): 2 hr bus from Jaipur to Ajmer
100 rupees ($2.23): 1.5 hour beginners yoga class at Sri Swaninarayan ashram in Rishikesh; entrance into Purana Qila; 650ml bottle of Black Label beer in Paharganj
120 rupees ($2.68): 500ml can of Kingfisher in "dry" Pushkar ("apple juice" on the bill)
150 rupees ($3.35): sweater; 1 night stay at Shiva Cottage in Rishikesh (w/bathroom), Mahesh Guesthouse in Pushkar
168 rupees ($3.75): public bus from Delhi to Rishikesh (7.5hrs)
175 rupees ($3.91): Indian whiskey on the rocks at Cafe Oz
200 rupees ($4.47) one night stay in dorm in Jaipur; lens cap for my camera; 1 night stay at Bhanderi Swiss Cottage in Rishikesh (w/bathroom)
255 rupees: 7hr non A/C bus from Jaipur to Delhi
260 rupees ($5.69): 10 hr non A/C bus from Ajmer to Delhi
400 rupees ($8.93): single room w/ shower and mini tv in Jaipur
425 rupees ($9.49): 7 hr A/C bus from Delhi to Jaipur
528 rupees ($11.79): 36hr train (2nd class sleeper) from Delhi to Chennai (2,100km)
595 rupees ($13.29): pitcher of Kingfisher (5 glasses) at Cafe Oz
600 rupees ($13.40): non AC taxi to Cochin Airport (1hr)
1,114 rupees ($24.77): change fee for switching an IndiGo flight
2,995 rupees ($67.03): Nehru Suit
5,084 rupees ($113.53): 3hr IndiGo flight from Cochin to Delhi (half the flight price was just taxes added on)
8,348 rupees ($186.42): AirAsia Flight from New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur

What the World Costs- Thailand (II)

free: the Thai National Museum (not sure why for the day I visited)
1 baht ($.03): per minute charge for internet
5 baht ($.17): cheap bottle of water
6 baht ($.20): red bean-filled bread bun
7 baht ($.23): bus ticket for non aircon bus in Bangkok
10 baht ($.33): a veggie springroll on the street; thai coffee on the street of Ayutthaya; bottle of Red Bull
14 baht ($.46): aircon bus in Bangkok
15 baht ($.50): nescafe at hostel in Bangkok
20 baht ($.66): iced thai coffee in a bag in Bangkok; bottle of coca cola; papaya salad in Ayuthaya; ride on the BTS Sky Train in Bangkok
25 baht ($.83): pad thai with egg on Khosan Road; can of archa beer at 7/11
30 baht ($1): green chicken curry and eggplant with rice off Khosan road; 3-fruit shake in Koh Phangan
39 baht ($1.29): 500ml Chang Beer at 7/11
40 baht ($1.32): thai coffee at Sea Sun Resort
45 baht ($1.49): 650ml bottle of Leo Beer in Ayutthaya
50 baht ($1.65): 2 hr bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
70 baht ($2.31): 600ml beer at a bar on Khosan road
100 baht ($3.30): Full Moon Party entrance in Koh Phangan; 30min foot massage on Khosan Road
130 baht ($4.29): minibus to BKK airport
150 baht ($4.95): room for one in Ayutthaya w/o hot water
160 baht ($5.28): room for one at guest house off Khosan Road w/ hot showers; 1 hr thai massage
320 baht ($10.56): 3hr ferry from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani
400 baht ($13.20): room for 3 at Sunsea Resort in Koh Phangan
488 baht ($16.11): night bus from Surat Thani to Bangkok
500 baht ($16.50): minivan and ferry from Hat Yai to Koh Phangan
3,617 baht ($119.37): Indian visa in Bangkok
4,981 baht ($164.41): Flight from Bangkok to New Delhi, India

What the World Costs- Malaysia

Free: Merdeka (independence) museum in Melaka; National Art Gallery in KL; Batu Caves in KL
20 sen ($.06): paan
60 sen ($.19): chocolate cream roti
1 ringgit ($.32): coffee with condensed milk in Melaka; 2 pieces of kaya toast; 5 limes in the market; pineapple with chili
1.20 ringgit ($.39): dosa in KL; sugarcane juice in Melaka
1.50 ringgit ($.49): melaka local bus; KL local bus
1.60 ringgit ($.52): KL monorail
2 ringgit ($.65): KL shuttle bus; 2 roti canai with dhal; white coffee
2.50 ringgit ($.81): cendol; bus to Batu caves, 13 km outside KL
3 ringgit ($.97): nonya laksa curry noodle soup in Melaka; entrance to Maritime Museum in Melaka; rent-a-speedo
3.50 ringgit ($1.13): veg thali in Melaka; peking duck with rice
3.90 ringgit ($1.26): adapter plug
4 ringgit ($1.29): Bobanonya curry chicken rice; curry laksa (noodle soup); 45minute bus from Putrajaya to KL
4.50 ringgit ($1,46): halal chicken sausage McMuffin and coffee
4.60 ringgit ($1.49): roasted chicken and chicken rice balls
5 ringgit ($1.62): 5 museum pass in Melaka
6 ringgit ($1.94): flipflops; chicken shwarma
8 ringgit ($2.59): entrance to Bobanonya Heritage Museum in Melaka
9 ringgit ($2.91): movie ticket to see The Social Network; whole large white tuna in KL market
9.50 ringgit ($3.07): 20 minute highspeed rail from KL to Putrajaya
10 ringgit ($3.23): ticket to Petronas skybridge
12 ringgit ($3.88): Dorm at the Oasis Hostel in KL (w/ wifi and free coffee)
12.20 ringgit ($3.95): 2 hr bus from Melaka to KL
12.90 ringgit ($4.17): McProsperity burger, twisty fries and a coke at McDonalds
13 ringgit ($4.20): 640ml bottle of Skol Beer at 7-11; large Tiger Beer in Chinatown-KL; small beer at Reggae Bar
15 ringgit ($4.85): dungeon dorm in Melaka (w/ wifi)
16 ringgit ($5.17): single room in Melaka (bargained down from 20r)
18.90 ringgit ($6.11): liter of Myanmar beer (xmas special) in Melaka
20 ringgit ($6.47): A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway; dorm in Penang (w/ hot shower and bfast)
26 ringgit ($8.41): Moroccan lamb tagine in KL
30 ringgit ($9.70): 5 hour bus ride from KL to Penang; stupidity tax for flicking a butt in KL
35 ringgit ($11.32): 5 hour bus ride from Cameron to KL
38 ringgit ($12.29): entrance to KL Tower observation deck
40 ringgit ($12.93): 4 hour minibus from Penang to Cameron Highlands
45 ringgit ($14.55): night bus from KL to Hat Yai, Thailand
50 ringgit ($16.17): a liter jar of beer at the Reggae bar
55 ringgit ($17.78): double room with a/c in Penang

What the World Costs- Indonesia

500 rupiah ($.06): a single mentos candy; one piece of deep-fried tempe
1,000 rupiah ($.11): student ticket to Jakarta museum; ten minutes internet in Bali; a bag of tofu and chillies
1,500 rupiah ($.17): cup of green tea in Bandung
2,000 rupiah ($.22): cup of cafe bali on the street; slice of watermelon or papaya from street vendors
3,000 rupiah ($.33): 1.5 liters of water; transyogya bus service
3,500 rupiah ($.39): transjakarta bus service; elevator to the top of Manas tower
4,500 rupaih ($.50): deep-fried tofu; student ticket to the Indonesian National Museum
5,000 rupiah ($.56): nasi goreng (fried rice) in Jakarta; sweet rice breakfast in Ubud; 3in1 nescafe
6,000 rupiah ($.69): babak ayam (chicken soup) in Jakarta
7,000 rupiah ($.78): fresh-squeezed oj; mango smoothie
8,00 rupiah ($.89): a shave at a barber shop
9,000 rupiah ($1.00): udap udap (Balinese noodles); 1 hr train from Solo to Yogja
10,000 rupiah ($1.11): the best chicken soup with rice in Jakarta; entrance to Kebun Raya botanical garden
11,000 rupiah ($1.22): martabak in Yogya
12,000 rupiah ($1.33): chicken sate with thick peanut sauce and rice; stupidity tax for 2hr bus from Probolingo to Malang
15,000 rupiah ($1.67): mie goreng (fried noodles) in Kuta
16,400 rupiah ($1.83): 250ml bottle of listerine
17,000 rupiah ($1.89): fish in yellow curry, spinach and rice in Jakarta
20,000 rupiah ($2.23): matinée movie ticket; ticket to see monkey sanctuary in Ubud; 1 hr bemo (minibus) to Ubud
22,000 rupiah ($2.45): banana split in Jakarta
25,000 rupiah ($2.79): large bottle of Bintang beer in a corner store; arak and pineapple in Kuta (2 for 1 happy hour)
27,000 rupiah ($3.01): large bottle of Bintang beer in a restaurant
32,000 rupiah ($3.57): tenderloin steak, potato wedges and veggies for thanksgiving dinner
34,000 rupiah ($3.79): halal Big mac, fries and a coke
35,000 rupiah ($3.90): half a double room with breakfast in Yogya; dorm in Jakarta
40,000 rupiah ($4.46): per person for a double room at Nick's hostel in Jakarta; 3 hr bus Bogor to Bandung
50,000 rupiah ($5.57): 2 for 1 vodka tonics in Kuta; single room w/ bathroom and cold shower in Ubud
55,000 rupiah ($6.13): room with fan in Solo
60,000 rupiah ($6.69): single room in Jakarta, no bathroom
70,000 rupiah ($7.80): single room w/ bathroom in Kuta (Bali)
75,000 rupiah ($8.36): capirinhas at nice bar in Jakarta; room in Bogor, no bathroom
105,000 rupiah ($11.70): new copy of "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving in Bandung
120,000 rupiah ($13.37): 12 hour bus from Denpasar to Probolingo
130,000 rupiah ($14.49): 10 hr "bisnis" train from Yogya to Jakarta
150,000 rupiah ($16.72): cup of kopi luwak (civet shit coffee); 16 hr bus Bandung to Surabaya; 12 hr bus Surabaya to Denpasar
230,000 rupiah ($25.63): 54 hr bus from Jakarta to Bukittinggi
270,000 rupiah ($30.09): fast ferry from Dumai to Malacca, Malaysia
373,000 rupiah ($41.57): flight from Medan to Penang, Malaysia (Aka possible stupidity tax)

What the World Costs- The Philippines

Free: National Art Museum, Philippines Nation Museum- during Museum month
2 pesos ($.05): one fried chicken nugget on the street
5 pesos ($.11): bathroom at D’mall in Boracay; mango on the street
7 pesos ($.16): jeepney ride in Iloilo, Bacalod; instant coffee (although cup, spoon and water doubles the price)
10 pesos ($.23): 200 ml bottle of water
15 pesos ($.34): grilled eggplant in back alley bbq in Manila
20 pesos ($.45): ferry terminal fee in San Carlos; tricycle in Romblon per person
22 pesos ($.50): bag of cinnamon sugar breadsticks in Bacalod
25 pesos ($.57): loaf of bread for shabbat
30 pesos ($.68): cockfight in Romblon; Red Horse beer in Romblon
34 pesos ($.77): San Miguel draft beer
35 pesos ($.80): whole grilled fish in back alley bbq in Manila
40 pesos ($.91): brewed coffee at Coffee Break in Iloilo (wifi included)
50 pesos ($1.14): expensive San Miguels in Boracay; ferry terminal fee in Boracay
53 pesos ($1.20): beef stew with potatoes and peas, with rice in Bacolod
60 pesos ($1.36): 3 whole uncooked fish at Romblon market
72 pesos ($1.64): bbq chicken, veggies, soup and rice
80 pesos ($1.82): 20 min taxi to bus station in Manila
90 pesos ($2.05): 1.5 hr jeepney from Odiongan to San Agustin; Gin Tonic in Boracay
98 pesos ($2.28): pancakes at Café de France in Cebu
100 pesos ($2.28): 1 night stay in Looc; pair of Foakleys in Boracay; 30 min massage
120 pesos ($2.73): cab from Noynoy airport to Manila (or 450p for “special taxi”)
140 pesos ($3.18): grilled tangui fish steak, rice and veggies at Republica in Romblon
160 pesos ($3.64): whole rotisserie chicken
166 pesos ($3.77): 2 hr bus from Manila to Batangas
170 pesos ($3.86): ferry from San Carlos to Cebu
200 pesos ($4.55): Single room in Odiongan sans bathroom
250 pesos ($5.68): ferry from Looc to Caticlan (the Minnow special)
275 pesos ($6.25): bamboo bungalow dorm at Nuts Huts in Bohol
290 pesos ($6.59): 3 hr bus from Bacolod to San Carlos (w/AC)
300 pesos ($6.82): dorm suite at Tree House in Boracay
303 pesos ($6.89): 5 hr bus from Caticlan to Iloilo (w/ AC and a slew of Pacino movies)
320 pesos ($7.27): Single room in Iloilo w/ toilet & cold shower, plus bfast; dorm in Cebu
350 pesos ($7.95): dorm in Manila Bay Hostel
440 pesos ($10): stupidity tax for missing ferry to Manila
400 pesos ($9.09): 2hr fast ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaron; single room in Tagbilaron w/bfast
450 pesos ($10.23): 9hr ferry from Batangas to Odiongan
536 pesos ($12.18): 4 chx kebabs, tumeric rice, humus, pita, mango shake and beer at Terra in Iloilo (I splurged, it was Friday night. I still felt guilty)
1,036 pesos ($23.55): 22hr ferry from Cebu to Manila
1,100 pesos ($25): 1.5 hr flight from Cebu to Manila
4,092 pesos ($93): 2 hr flight from Taipei to Manila

What the World Costs- Taiwan

Free: one betel nut to try
8 New Taiwan Dollars: ($.24): ramen packet at 7-11 (surprisingly more expensive than US!)
10 NTD ($.30): grilled mushroom or tofu skewer on the street
15 NTF ($.45): gushan ferry to Cijin Island
16 NTD ($.48): metro ride on the MRT
18 NTD ($.55): bottle of water
20 NTD ($.61): ring of jasmine flowers
25 NTD ($.76): can of Mr. Brown's iced coffee; oodles of noodles
30 NTD ($.91): pearl milk (boba) tea
35 NTD ($1.06): medium Cafe Americano at 7-11; 1.5 kilos of rice
40 NTD ($1.21): order of stinky tofu; sea salt iced latte
45 NTD ($1.36): Noodle soup at a roadside noodle stand
46 NTD ($1.39): 500ml can of Taiwan Gold Medal beer
49 NTD ($1.48): 600ml bottle of Taiwan beer
50 NTD ($1.52): drycleaning for 1 dress shirt (gee, I pay that in the US)
70 NTD ($2.12): starting price for a cab
75 NTD ($2.27): medium Cafe Americano at Starbucks
80 NTD ($2.42): student entrance into the National Palace Museum
85 NTD ($2.58): 6 inch turkey sub at Subway; bowl of beef noodle soup
90 NTD ($2.73): bus from airport to Taipei
100 NTD ($3.03): bag of coffee; cake set at 85 sky tower
110 NTD ($3.33): Big Mac extra value meal at McDonalds (I couldn't eat any more noodles)
150 NTD ($4.55) pint of Warsteiner beer at Taipei Artists Village
180 NTD ($5.45): student ticket to Taipei Museum of Fine Arts; chicken burrito at Pancho's
200 NTD ($6.06): large Carlsburg at Tavern Premiere
280 NTD ($8.48): regular priced movie ticket for Prince of Persia (awful!)
315 NTD ($9.55): one night at Camels Island hostel
350 NTD ($10.61): shoe recobbling
400 NTD ($12.12): ride to the top of Taipei 101, the second-tallest building in the world
465 NTD ($14.09): whole fresh fish, bbq'ed in Cijin
500 NTD ($15.15): one month of Wifi around the city
885 NTD ($26.81): one night in studio apt in Kaohsiung 202 hostel
1,265 NTD ($38.33): Taipei to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) bullet train
6,400 NTD ($193.94): Beginners Mandarin, two days a week for 2 hrs.
7,500 NTD ($227.27): monthly rent for one room in a Taipei apartment
40,491 NTD (1,227): roundtrip, open-ended flight to Taiwan

What the World Costs- Panama

Poor Panama, I almost forgot you. Like El Salvador, Panama is on the dollar. Unlike El Salvador, Panama maintains its own coins, the "balboa."

The balboa is the same size and shape as quarters, nickels and dimes, but with a conquistador rather than American prez. They are worth the same in coinage as American centavos.


20 balboas: cup of coffee on the street with sweet milk
25 balboas: bus ride in town
30 balboas: cup of pineapple juice and pineapple chunks
35 balboas: cup of coconut milk and meat
40 balboas: 30 minutes of internet
70 balboas: empanada de polla at panama canal
80 balboas: 1 liter of beer at local shop
$1: stamp at the border
$1.60: eggs, bread, rice and beans and coffee
$2: corvina sandwich and fries
$2.25: fancy cappuccino at artsy cafe in Casco Viejo
$3: student entry to Panama Canal; mojito sunsetter
$4: shave and a haircut...2 bits
$5: regular entry to Panama Canal; tourist card to visit Panama
$6: fine Panamanian cigar
$8: cab to Miraflores lock from Casco Viejo
$12.60: 5 hr bus from David to Panama City
$12.80: 1 night in Luna's Castle hostel dorm
$16: 1 night in an apartment in Casco Viejo
$17: Mero a la brasa en salsa romesco (grilled grouper) at swanky S'cena for a Hemingway lunch
$18: Panama hat as gift from Lina Fina
$24: Hostel room for two with A/C
$25: cab to the airport

What the World Costs- El Salvador

This one almost feel like cheating.  I debated converting it to pesos, limps and other assorted currencies, but thought otherwise.  My enduring thought while spending money in El Salvador was that this must have been what it was like buying stuff maybe in the 1960s or 1970s.  Oh, the value of a "cora" (a quarter).

15c: 500 ml bag of water; cup of coffee
20 c: bus ride in San Salvador, Santa Ana
25c: pickup truck ride to Perquin
30c: pupusas on the street
43c: 1.5 hour bus to Lago Chapeque
50c: fried plantains; jugo de pina
60c: 1.25 hour bus from San Salv to Libertad
80c: giant creme filled donut at Mister Donut
$1: pilsener beer; necklace at the beach; huge stein of coffee at El Trunco
$1.20: breakfast completo with eggs, tortillas, frijoles and plaintains
$1.25 1.5 hr bus from Santa Ana to San Salvador
$1.50: expensive beer on the lake
$2.25: bagel with cream cheese for my bday
$3: huevos rancheros El Trunco with frijoles, plaintains and white cheese; 3 hour bus from San Salv to San Miguel
$4: red puma hat
$5: Big burger and fries on the Lake
$6: per person for 4 bed room at Hotel libertad in Santa Ana
$7: dorm in Ximena (San Salv), dorm at Papaya Lodge (El Trunco); whole fried fish
$9: per person for 2 bed room at Hotel Libertad in Santa Ana
$10: surfing lessons; surf board rental

What the World Costs- Guatemala

1 quetzal (12.5c): cup of coffee on the street; school bus ride in Guate City
2.5 quetzal (31c): stick bought to hike up Pacaya volcano
3 quetzal (37.5c): a bunch of baby bananas
4 quetzal (50c): bottle of water; bottle of Spur cola in Guate City
5 quetzal (62.5c): greatest fried chicken drumstick ever in Coban
6 quetzal (75c): 1 hour internet in Antigua
8 quetzal ($1): 1 hour fast internet in Coban; chicken bus ride from Antigua to Guate City
10 quetzal ($1.25): tuktuk ride from Flores to St. Elena; can of gallo
12 quetzal ($1.50): bottle of Moza black beer- only good grog in Guate
15 quetzal ($1.87): a used copy of "Lincoln" by Gore Vidal
16 quetzal ($2): charon`s ferry to cross the watery Mexican-Guatemalan border
20 quetzal ($2.50): 2 hour stuffed full combi ride from St. Elena to Sayaxche
22 quetzal ($2.75): plate of carne guisada, frijoles & platanos- Comedor Santa Rita
25 quetzal ($3.12): 2.5 hour stuffed combi ride from Sayaxche to Ruxruja
30 quetzal (3.75): 1 night at Doña Goya hostel in Flores; shave from the Barberess of Antigua
35 quetzal ($4.37): 1 night hostel in Lanquin
39 quetzal ($3.87) 2 piece combo meal at Pollo Campero
40 quetal ($5): baksheesh paid to Guatemalan border official to let me in
45 quetzal ($5.62): 1 night at Casa Amarilla in Antigua, breakfast included; 5 hr bus from Coban to Guate City
50 quetzal ($6.25): ride and guided tour of Pacaya volcano; 1 night in Purgatory in Guate City
55 quetzal ($6.87): all you can eat buffet in El Retiro Hostal in Lanquin
60 quetzal ($7.50): round trip ride to Tikal from Flores
80 quetzal ($10): Bolivar cigar
120 quetzal ($15): bus from Guate to El Salvador
150 quetzal ($18.75) entrance to Tikal; xmas day taxi "special"

What the World Costs- Mexico I & II

gratis: Museo Incografico de Don Quixote (with student card);Harry being hit on by a 50-year old gay Mexican
2 pesos ($.15): D.F. metro pass
4.5 pesos ($.35): Monterrey metro pass; bus to Guadalupe from Zacatecas
5 pesos($.38): chunk of dulce de batata
7 pesos ($.54): small glass of horchata; 1 hour internet at cyber cafe
9 pesos ($.69): one gordita; a bottle of Sol cerveza
10 pesos($.77): glass bottle of coke; entrance to Casa de Diego Rivera
12 pesos ($.92): four tacos on the street
15 pesos($1.15): student entrance to Museo Rafael Coronel
20 pesos($1.54): entrance to Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)
22 pesos($1.69): 1.2L Cevesa Indio
23 pesos($1.77): bowl of birria (goat soup)
25 pesos($1.92): ticket for cable car ride in Zacatecas
30 pesos($2.31): student entrance at MARCO in Monterrey, which by not wearing I was hounded by security
31 pesos($2.38): rickety hour bus ride to Teotihucan
35 pesos($2.69): four huge pastries and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice
40 pesos($3.07): cancion at Plaza Garibaldi; lucha libre ticket
45 pesos($3.46): student entrance to Museo de Mummias in Guanajuato
48 pesos($3.69): entrance to Museo Nacional de Antroplogio
50 pesos($3.85): entrance to lookout at the Torre Latinoamerica
53 pesos($4.08): Partagas cuban cigar
90 pesos($6.92): hostel bed in Zacatecas
100 pesos($7.70): hostel bed at hippy haven in Guanajuato
140 pesos($10.77): hostel bed in Mexico City; cubierto (ice bucket) of seven cervesas in Zona Rosa- D.F. luxury area
180 pesos($13.85): Fine Bolivar and Sancho Panza cigars, enjoyed on the roof in Guanajuato (finest I`ve ever had)
197 pesos($15.15): 8 hr bus from Zaca to Mexico City
269 pesos($20.69): 11 hr bus from Nuevo Laredo to Zacatecas
273 pesos($21): worst, most overprice meal in Mexico (Damn Yuppies!)
302 pesos($23.23): 11 hour bus from Guanajuato to Monterrey
310 pesos($23.08): breakfast for two at posh Sanborns
455 pesos ($35): 6 hr greyhound bus from Houston to the border
610 pesos ($46.92): lavish last supper at El Rey de Cabrito, the king of baby goats in Monterrey

Free: Student Entrance to Chapultapec Castle, ditto for Museo Rufino Tamayo
2 pesos($.15): DF Metro
5 pesos ($.38): Macrobus ride in Guadalajara; Metro ride in Guadalajara
6 pesos($.45): taco de cabeza de res in Guadalajara
8 pesos ($.60): tamale in D.F., cup of atole or leche con arroz
9.5 ($.79) pesos: bumpy bus to from Guad city center to central bus station
15 pesos($1.15): 1 hour internet connection at a place faster than my connection at home
20 pesos($1.54): a saucer of the greatest hot chocolate ever plus pan de yema at Comedor Maria Teresa in Oaxaca
25 pesos: huevos rancheros in D.F.
30 pesos($2.31): entrance Museo Robert Brady
35 pesos($2.69): student entrance at Hospicio Cabañas
40 pesos($3.07): enamoladas de polla smothered in mole coloradito at Comedor Maria Teresa in Oaxaca; roundtrip ticket to Monte Alban
51 pesos ($3.92): entrance to Monte Alban
70 pesos ($5.60): one night in Mi Casa in San Cristobal
75 pesos ($6): bus ticket D.F. to Cuernavaca (1 hr)
80 pesos ($6.40): new cap for my camera
84 pesos ($6.72): cloroquin malaria meds (damn prescriptions are cheap in Mex!)
100 pesos ($8): new shades
120 pesos($9.60): one night at La Casa de Don Pablo in Oaxaca
145 pesos($12.60): student price one night in Hostel Guadalajara Centro; Hostel Mexico City
146 pesos($12.67): bus ticket San Cristobal to Palenque (5 hrs)
299 pesos($23.92): a spiffy new pair of Nitros
360 pesos ($28.80): impuesto boludo (stupity tax) for forgetting my camera charger
410 pesos ($32.80): bus ticket Guadalajara to D.F. (9hrs)
428 pesos ($34.24): bus ticket Oaxaca to San Cristobal (11 hrs)
577 pesos ($46.16); bus ticket Cuernavaca to Oaxaca (7 hrs)
600 pesos ($48): bus ticket Mexicali to Guaymas (18 hours)
785 pesos($62.80): bus ticket Guaymas to Guadalajara (22hrs)