What the World Costs
a summary of what a few bucks will buy you all over the world.
Thursday, July 4, 2024
What the World Costs- Denmark
Saturday, September 16, 2023
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
Monday, December 26, 2022
WWTC-Japan (II)
150¥ ($1.15): hard seltzer at convenience store
300¥ ($2.31): medium coffee to go at smoky local cafe in Shimbashi
Sunday, August 14, 2022
What the World Costs- South Korea
1,000 won ($.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
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
Monday, January 8, 2018
What the World Costs-Canada (Vancouver)
$.29 CAD ($.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
Thursday, January 19, 2017
What The World Costs- Morocco
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 ($65): 2 night stay at the Riad Taryana for my bday, w/ breakfast and hot shower
Thursday, November 17, 2016
What the World Costs--Germany
12 centimes ($.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 ($27.90): dorm room at 5 Reasons hostel w/o breakfast for weekend nights.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
What the World Costs-Guatemala II
1 quetzal ($.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 ($547): roundtrip flight to Guatemala
Friday, January 29, 2016
What the World Costs-Honduras
10 Lempiras ($.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 ($141): 1 night stay at Hotel Real Intercontental w/ breakfast included
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
What The World Costs-Colombia
200 Colombian Pesos ($.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
Friday, September 4, 2015
What the World Costs- Ethiopia
Monday, June 1, 2015
What the World Costs- Europa (Milano, Italy & Zurich, Switzerland)
1 euro ($1.09): espresso; 30 minutes internet
1.20e ($1.31): cappuccino; brioche
1.50 euros ($1.64): metro ticket
3 euros ($3.28): pizza fritti at Milano Centrale
4.40e ($4.81): roundtrip train to Milano Expo
6 euros ($6.55) doner kebap, fries and a drink
6.50 e ($7.10): spicy chicken wrap at Chicken Cottage
Zurich:
Free: 1.5 hour free walking tour; public transit (trams, buses and ferries) on May 31, 2015
60 centimes ($.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 ($82.44): room for 1 night at Hotel Krone, shared bathroom and no breakfast
Sunday, May 24, 2015
What the World Costs- Tanzania
100 Tanzanian shillings ($.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
10,000 shillings ($5): veg thali at Radha
30,000 shillings ($15): 45 min taxi from Paje to Stone Town
40,000 shillings ($20): single bungalow with breakfast at Teddy's Place in Paje
80,000 shillings ($40): transfer from airport to Hotel Slipaway
82,000 shillings ($41): VIP ticket for fast ferry from Zanzibar to Dar
Monday, May 11, 2015
What The World Costs- South Africa
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 ($273.40): 1 week's stay at one-bedroom apartment in Sea Point
What the World Costs- Uganda
800 shilling ($.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 ($120) : 1 night at Hotel Africana, breakfast included
What the World Costs--Venezuela (2014)
5 Bolivares ($.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
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
What the World Costs- Bosnia; What the World Costs- Serbia
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
Sunday, December 29, 2013
What the World Costs- Mexico (III)
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)
Saturday, September 21, 2013
What the World Costs- Belgium
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
Sunday, September 1, 2013
What the World Costs- France
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
Sunday, June 2, 2013
What The World Costs-Brazil
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
Monday, February 18, 2013
What the World Costs- Holland
.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
2.40eu ($3.21): small extra cold Heineken at Holland Casino
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
10.60eu: Train from Amsterdam to The Hague
19 eu ($25.27): bife de lomo and fries at an Argentine steak house
66.50eu ($88.96): weekend hotel rate at the Quinten Hotel
Saturday, November 10, 2012
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
Thursday, July 26, 2012
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
Thursday, June 21, 2012
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 ($1,300): compensation for being involuntarily bumped
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
What the World Costs- India (II)
1 rupee ($.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 ($186.42): AirAsia Flight from New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur
Monday, January 10, 2011
What the World Costs- Thailand (II)
1 baht ($.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 ($164.41): Flight from Bangkok to New Delhi, India
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
What the World Costs- Malaysia
20 sen ($.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 ($17.78): double room with a/c in Penang
Sunday, November 28, 2010
What the World Costs- Indonesia
1,000 rupiah ($.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 ($41.57): flight from Medan to Penang, Malaysia (Aka possible stupidity tax)
Friday, October 29, 2010
What the World Costs- The Philippines
2 pesos ($.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 ($93): 2 hr flight from Taipei to Manila
Thursday, July 1, 2010
What the World Costs- Taiwan
8 New Taiwan Dollars: ($.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