Asia can be one of the most affordable places in the world to travel, if you plan well. These are the tips we use ourselves.
Choose your countries wisely
- Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, India and Nepal offer outstanding value.
- Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong are pricier; balance them with cheaper neighbours.
- Travel in the shoulder season for lower hotel prices.
Transport
- Compare flights on flexible dates; midweek departures are often cheaper.
- Use regional budget airlines but check baggage fees.
- Overnight trains and buses save a night of accommodation.
- Book trains and buses online to lock in fares and seats.
- Use ride-hailing apps to avoid taxi haggling.
- Get a local transport card in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Accommodation
- Guesthouses and family-run homestays are cheap and often the most memorable stays.
- Pick free-cancellation rates so you can switch if prices drop.
- Stay slightly outside the centre near a metro station.
- Look for breakfast-included rates in expensive cities.
Food
- Eat where locals queue: hawker centres, night markets and street stalls.
- Set lunch menus are much cheaper than dinner in Japan and Korea.
- Convenience stores in East Asia sell excellent, cheap meals.
- Carry a refillable bottle where tap water is safe, or use filtered refill stations.
Money
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Decline dynamic currency conversion and pay in local currency.
- Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce ATM fees.
- Carry some cash for rural areas and markets.
Connectivity and extras
- An eSIM is often cheaper than roaming.
- Many temples, parks and markets are free.
- Book popular tours in advance to avoid inflated walk-up prices.
- Travel slower: fewer moves means lower transport costs.
Prices, entry rules and opening hours change; always check official sources before you travel. This article contains affiliate links, see our disclosure.
