5 Overseas Spending Tips We Wish We Knew Sooner

Travel influencers make it look like a breeze to explore the world without burning through cash. But let’s be real—whether it’s splurging on a private dinner under the stars in the Maldives, taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, or indulging in a shopping spree along the Champs-Élysées, the thrill of a new adventure can easily send your budget flying out the window. It’s all fun and games until your wallet starts feeling the heat.

No worries—we’ve got you covered with smart, practical tips to help you make the most of your trip without wrecking your finances. And if you’re looking to stretch your dollar even further, there are a few travel cards out there, like the Mari Credit Card, that could sweeten the deal with perks worth checking out. 

 

1. Avoid the ‘Tourist Tax’

Instead of dining at the popular izakayas of Golden Gai in the heart of Shinjuku, where many require you to pay a cover charge of ¥800 to ¥1,000 yen per person, which can amount to a lot if you’re going bar hopping—take the train a few stations west to Koenji. 

Here, you’ll see a row of humble izakayas below the train tracks packed with locals as evening approaches. These down-to-earth traditional izakayas offer a lively atmosphere and the same great pub fare. Although some may have cover charges, they are only around ¥300. 

It takes a bit of research, but online forums and Google reviews can help locate hidden gems away from tourist traps, based on local reviews.

Pro tip: When you dine at these local favorites, consider paying with a travel-friendly card like the Mari Credit Card. Not only do you get to enjoy the local cuisine, but you also earn 3% unlimited cashback on overseas spends, no minimum spend required and no caps on cashback.

 

2. Currency Swap: Local is Better

When traveling to Japan, it’s wise to keep an eye on your foreign currency spending. Instead of exchanging money at Narita Airport—where rates can be 5% to 10% worse than those offered by local banks—consider checking a local bank for better rates. Currency conversion websites can provide real-time exchange rates to help you compare options before making any swaps.

You can also use a multi-currency card with low foreign currency fees. The Mari Credit Card’s foreign currency charges are currently one of the lowest compared to local banks. This means you don’t get a shock when you check your bank statement next month and save more money.

 

3. Use Price Comparison Apps

If you’re as auntie as I am, you’re always on the hunt for the best deal—no shame in that! Take Japan, for example: even drugstore items can vary wildly in price depending on where you shop. Here’s a tip—apps like Google Shopping let you scan barcodes and instantly compare prices across different stores. Just scan your item in-store and see if you can score a better deal online or nearby.

And if you realize that you can find a better deal (or a perfect dupe) on online retailers like Taobao or Amazon, consider how you’re paying. Using a travel-friendly credit card like the Mari Credit Card might just earn you 3% unlimited cashback on those big-ticket items. Just remember to pay in foreign currency to unlock those extra savings.

 

4. Join Loyalty Programmes

If you love a good deal, loyalty programs are your best friend, especially at the places you shop most often. For example, Sephora members can rack up Beauty Pass Points when they shop overseas, allowing them to redeem those points for rewards at Sephora stores in countries like Australia, Malaysia, and South Korea.

And if you’re the type to leave your shopping until the last minute—especially at airports—joining the DFS rewards program could be a game changer, letting you earn points wherever you shop. It’s always worth checking the websites of your favourite international brands to see if they offer similar rewards programs.

Plus, if you use a savvy credit card for your purchases, you can stack your rewards and earn cashback in foreign currency. It’s all about maximising those savings while you enjoy your shopping spree!

 

5. Embrace the Art of Negotiation

In places like Thailand and Vietnam—or even further afield in China and Turkey—haggling is part of the adventure. If you don’t haggle, you might end up paying way more than necessary, and savvy locals are experts at spotting unsuspecting tourists. A good rule of thumb is to start your offer at around 50% to 60% of the asking price and negotiate from there. For example, if a vendor quotes you 200 baht ($6), aim to pay around 100 to 120 baht instead.

Just remember to keep the haggling respectful—after all, you’re a guest in another country. If you want to brush up on your negotiating skills, guides like Lonely Planet offer great insights into the best practices for various cultures. Or you could always take notes from your mum or auntie, who seem to haggle like pros!

Once you and the stall owner settle on a price, using the Mari Credit Card can be a smart move. It helps you avoid extra markups on exchange rates, ensuring you get the best deal for your hard-earned cash. 

 

Just for MoneySmart readers

From now until 30 Nov 2024, sign up for the Mari Credit Card and enjoy some sweet rewards:

• Get $10 cash when you sign up with promo code <MSSSMART> and make your first Shopee purchase with a linked Mari Savings Account within 14 days of account opening.
• Receive an $8 Shopee voucher with no minimum spend required.

With 11.11 and other year-end sales just around the corner, it’s a great time to take advantage of this promo. If you’re thinking about a new card, consider the Mari Credit Card and see what benefits it can bring to your shopping experience!

*Terms and conditions apply

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This post was written in collaboration with MariBank. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective lens. We are committed to providing the best information in order for you to make personal financial decisions with confidence.