Daily Expense Planning Guide for Indians Traveling Abroad (Country-Wise)

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Posted on | by pritesh

Traveling abroad is an exciting opportunity for Indian travelers to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. However, managing expenses is critical to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip. This guide provides a detailed, country-wise breakdown of daily expenses for Indian travelers in 2025, covering popular destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, Vietnam, and Switzerland. It includes costs for accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and miscellaneous expenses, along with practical budgeting tips to maximize your travel experience.

General Budgeting Tips for Indian Travelers

Before diving into country-specific details, here are some universal tips to manage expenses abroad:

  • Set a Realistic Budget: Research destination-specific costs for accommodation, food, and activities. Allocate 10-15% of your budget for emergencies.
  • Use Local Currency: Exchange money at government-approved exchanges or ATMs for better rates. Avoid airport exchanges due to high fees.
  • Book in Advance: Early bookings for flights, trains, and accommodations can save 20-30% on costs. Use platforms like 12GoAsia for train bookings in Asia or Europe.
  • Opt for Local Food: Street food and local eateries are often cheaper and authentic compared to Western-style restaurants.
  • Leverage Visa-Free or E-Visa Destinations: Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka offer visa-on-arrival or e-visas, reducing pre-travel costs.
  • Travel Insurance: Invest in comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
  • Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks abroad.
  • Use Budget Airlines: Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, or AirAsia offer affordable flights to nearby destinations.
  • Track Expenses: Use apps like Trabee Pocket or Trail Wallet to monitor daily spending.

Country-Wise Daily Expense Breakdown

1. Thailand: The Land of Smiles

Thailand is a top destination for Indian travelers due to its proximity, affordability, and diverse attractions, from Bangkok’s vibrant streets to Phuket’s beaches.

  • Visa Costs: Indian passport holders can avail a visa-on-arrival for stays up to 15 days (₹2,000-3,000). Longer stays require a pre-applied visa (₹4,000-6,000).
  • Flights: Round-trip flights from major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore) to Bangkok or Phuket cost ₹15,000-25,000, with peak season (Dec-Feb) increasing by ₹5,000-8,000.
  • Accommodation:
    • Budget: Hostels or budget guesthouses cost ₹800-1,500 per night (e.g., dorms in Bangkok or Chiang Mai).
    • Mid-Range: 3-star hotels or homestays range from ₹2,000-4,000 per night.
    • Luxury: 5-star hotels in Bangkok or Phuket start at ₹8,000-15,000 per night.
  • Food:
    • Street Food: Meals like pad Thai or mango sticky rice cost ₹100-200 per meal.
    • Local Restaurants: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs ₹200-500 per person.
    • Fine Dining: Upscale restaurants in Bangkok charge ₹1,500-3,000 per meal.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹400-1,200 for budget travelers; ₹800-2,000 for mid-range.
  • Transportation:
    • Local: Tuk-tuks or Grab bikes cost ₹50-150 per ride. Public buses or BTS/MRT in Bangkok cost ₹20-50 per trip.
    • Inter-City: Overnight trains (e.g., Bangkok to Chiang Mai) cost ₹800-2,000 (AC 2nd class). Budget flights start at ₹2,000.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹500-1,500 depending on travel style.
  • Activities:
    • Cultural Sites: Entry to temples like Wat Arun or Wat Pho costs ₹100-300.
    • Tours: Island-hopping tours in Phuket or Krabi cost ₹2,000-5,000 per day.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹1,000-3,000 for activities and entry fees.
  • Miscellaneous: SIM cards (1GB/day) cost ₹400 for 30 days. Souvenirs like handicrafts cost ₹200-1,000.
  • Total Daily Cost:
    • Budget: ₹2,000-3,500
    • Mid-Range: ₹4,000-7,000
    • Luxury: ₹10,000-20,000
  • Tips: Bargain at markets, book trains early, and eat at busy street food stalls for hygiene.

2. Singapore: The Lion City

Singapore is a modern, vibrant destination known for its cleanliness, attractions like Marina Bay Sands, and diverse food scene.

  • Visa Costs: Indian travelers need a tourist visa (₹2,500-3,500), processed in 3-5 days.
  • Flights: Round-trip flights from India cost ₹20,000-30,000.
  • Accommodation:
    • Budget: Hostels in areas like Little India cost ₹1,500-2,500 per night.
    • Mid-Range: 3-4 star hotels cost ₹4,000-8,000 per night.
    • Luxury: 5-star hotels like Marina Bay Sands start at ₹15,000-25,000 per night.
  • Food:
    • Hawker Centres: Meals at places like Lau Pa Sat cost ₹300-600 per person.
    • Mid-Range Restaurants: Meals cost ₹800-1,500 per person.
    • Fine Dining: Restaurants like Odette charge ₹3,000-5,000 per meal.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹800-2,500 for budget to mid-range travelers.
  • Transportation:
    • Local: MRT and buses cost ₹100-200 per day. Taxis or Grab rides cost ₹500-1,000 per day.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹500-1,500.
  • Activities:
    • Attractions: Entry to Gardens by the Bay or Sentosa Island costs ₹800-2,000.
    • Tours: Guided city tours cost ₹2,000-4,000 per day.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹1,500-4,000.
  • Miscellaneous: SIM cards (2GB/day) cost ₹1,000 for 10 days. Shopping at Orchard Road can range from ₹1,000-5,000.
  • Total Daily Cost:
    • Budget: ₹3,500-5,000
    • Mid-Range: ₹6,000-10,000
    • Luxury: ₹15,000-30,000
  • Tips: Use EZ-Link cards for public transport, eat at hawker centres, and visit free attractions like Merlion Park.

3. Dubai, UAE: The City of Gold

Dubai is a luxurious destination with iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and vibrant shopping experiences, popular among Indian travelers.

  • Visa Costs: A 14-day tourist visa costs ₹3,500-5,000, with e-visa options available.
  • Flights: Round-trip flights from India cost ₹18,000-28,000.
  • Accommodation:
    • Budget: Budget hotels or hostels in Deira cost ₹2,000-4,000 per night.
    • Mid-Range: 3-4 star hotels cost ₹5,000-10,000 per night.
    • Luxury: 5-star hotels like Atlantis The Palm start at ₹15,000-30,000 per night.
  • Food:
    • Street Food: Shawarma or falafel costs ₹200-400 per meal.
    • Mid-Range Restaurants: Meals cost ₹800-1,500 per person.
    • Fine Dining: Restaurants at Burj Al Arab charge ₹3,000-6,000 per meal.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹800-3,000.
  • Transportation:
    • Local: Metro or buses cost ₹100-300 per day. Taxis cost ₹500-1,500 per day.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹500-2,000.
  • Activities:
    • Attractions: Entry to Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall costs ₹1,000-2,500. Desert safaris cost ₹2,000-5,000.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹2,000-5,000.
  • Miscellaneous: SIM cards cost ₹1,000-2,000 for 10 days. Shopping at souks or malls can range from ₹1,000-10,000.
  • Total Daily Cost:
    • Budget: ₹4,000-6,000
    • Mid-Range: ₹7,000-12,000
    • Luxury: ₹20,000-40,000
  • Tips: Use the Dubai Metro, bargain at souks, and book attraction tickets online for discounts.

4. Vietnam: The Emerging Favorite

Vietnam is gaining popularity among Indian travelers for its affordability, scenic beauty, and cultural richness.

  • Visa Costs: E-visa for 30 days costs ₹1,500-2,500.
  • Flights: Round-trip flights from India to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City cost ₹15,000-25,000.
  • Accommodation:
    • Budget: Hostels or guesthouses cost ₹500-1,500 per night.
    • Mid-Range: 3-star hotels cost ₹2,000-4,000 per night.
    • Luxury: 5-star hotels in Hanoi or Hoi An start at ₹8,000-15,000 per night.
  • Food:
    • Street Food: Pho or banh mi costs ₹100-200 per meal.
    • Local Restaurants: Meals cost ₹200-500 per person.
    • Fine Dining: Upscale restaurants charge ₹1,000-2,000 per meal.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹400-1,500.
  • Transportation:
    • Local: Motorbike taxis or buses cost ₹50-150 per trip.
    • Inter-City: Overnight buses or trains cost ₹500-1,500. Budget flights start at ₹2,000.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹500-1,500.
  • Activities:
    • Cultural Sites: Entry to sites like Halong Bay or Cu Chi Tunnels costs ₹500-1,500.
    • Tours: Halong Bay cruises cost ₹2,000-5,000 per day.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹1,000-3,000.
  • Miscellaneous: SIM cards (1GB/day) cost ₹500 for 30 days. Souvenirs like conical hats cost ₹200-1,000.
  • Total Daily Cost:
    • Budget: ₹2,000-3,500
    • Mid-Range: ₹4,000-7,000
    • Luxury: ₹10,000-20,000
  • Tips: Book Halong Bay tours in advance, eat at local pho stalls, and use Grab for affordable rides.

5. Switzerland: The Luxury Destination

Switzerland is a long-haul destination popular for its scenic Alps and Bollywood-inspired tourism, though it’s pricier.

  • Visa Costs: Schengen visa costs ₹6,500-8,000.
  • Flights: Round-trip flights from India cost ₹50,000-80,000.
  • Accommodation:
    • Budget: Hostels in Zurich or Interlaken cost ₹3,000-5,000 per night.
    • Mid-Range: 3-4 star hotels cost ₹8,000-15,000 per night.
    • Luxury: 5-star hotels or chalets cost ₹20,000-40,000 per night.
  • Food:
    • Street Food: Snacks like pretzels cost ₹300-600.
    • Mid-Range Restaurants: Meals cost ₹1,500-3,000 per person.
    • Fine Dining: Restaurants in Zurich charge ₹5,000-10,000 per meal.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹2,000-5,000.
  • Transportation:
    • Local: Trains or buses cost ₹500-1,500 per day.
    • Inter-City: Swiss Travel Pass (3 days) costs ₹20,000, covering trains and buses.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹1,500-3,000.
  • Activities:
    • Attractions: Entry to Jungfraujoch or Matterhorn costs ₹2,000-5,000. Bollywood tours cost ₹3,000-6,000.
    • Daily Estimate: ₹2,000-6,000.
  • Miscellaneous: SIM cards cost ₹2,000-3,000 for 10 days. Souvenirs like Swiss chocolates cost ₹1,000-3,000.
  • Total Daily Cost:
    • Budget: ₹8,000-12,000
    • Mid-Range: ₹15,000-25,000
    • Luxury: ₹30,000-60,000
  • Tips: Use a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited transport, eat at local bakeries, and book activities online for deals.

Additional Considerations

  • Currency Fluctuations: The Indian Rupee can fluctuate, impacting costs. Check exchange rates closer to your travel date.
  • Seasonal Variations: Peak seasons (e.g., Dec-Feb for Thailand, Dubai; Apr-Jun for Europe) increase costs by 20-30%. Off-season travel (e.g., Apr for Thailand, Sep for Europe) saves money.
  • Cultural Nuances: Bargaining is common in markets in Thailand, Vietnam, and Dubai but not in Singapore or Switzerland. Respect local customs to avoid overpaying.
  • Payment Methods: Carry some cash for small vendors, but use cards for larger transactions. Ensure your card has no foreign transaction fees.
  • Taxes and Fees: Some countries charge higher entry fees for foreigners (e.g., India’s monuments charge 10-20x more). Budget for these.

Sample Daily Budget Table (Per Person, INR)

CountryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Thailand2,000-3,5004,000-7,00010,000-20,000
Singapore3,500-5,0006,000-10,00015,000-30,000
Dubai4,000-6,0007,000-12,00020,000-40,000
Vietnam2,000-3,5004,000-7,00010,000-20,000
Switzerland8,000-12,00015,000-25,00030,000-60,000

Conclusion

Planning daily expenses for international travel requires careful research and flexibility. By prioritizing local experiences, booking in advance, and leveraging budget-friendly options like public transport and street food, Indian travelers can enjoy a fulfilling trip without breaking the bank. Tailor your budget to your travel style—whether backpacking, mid-range, or luxury—and always keep a buffer for unexpected costs. For the latest visa and cost details, check official websites like the Indian Visa portal (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in) or travel platforms like Pickyourtrail.com. Happy travels!