Hard-won knowledge from years on the road.
Match accommodation to your needs, not your aspirations. Budget travellers: hostels deliver the best social environment and local knowledge. Mid-range: small family-run guesthouses consistently outperform branded hotels at the same price. Top end: boutique properties in heritage buildings beat chain hotels everywhere.
Withdraw large amounts infrequently to minimise ATM fees. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees for purchases. Keep a small emergency cash reserve in USD or EUR separate from your main wallet. Never exchange money at airports.
Local SIM cards are almost always better value than international roaming. Buy at the airport or main mobile stores, not tourist kiosks. An unlocked phone is essential. For extended trips, eSIM services like Airalo simplify multi-country coverage.