Expenses

Following is a rather detailed list of all the money that Brica and I spent during our six weeks together. We thought it would be interesting to keep track of our expenses so we could see where we were wasting money. It should also be useful in planning our next trip. Hopefully it will be helpful to other people planning similar trips. You can see that some places we spent more money on souvenirs and McDonald's, but in general we were pretty thrifty. All of the prices are listed in local currency as well as a rough equivalent in USDollars at the time. Please check the latest exchange rate for the respective currencies, because these currencies can change quickly. Generally all food and lodging items are for two people, so a US$10 meal was really five dollars each. Enjoy.


JAPAN

Date LocationStore Item YenUS$
TOKYO
2/26,Wed Narita Keisei Line train ride from airport to city 1960 15.6
Asakusa Eidan Subway subway pass for three days use 2000 16.00
2/27,Thur Shibuya Bik Camera Kyocera P3 35mm camera for Brica 7000 56.00
Pronto Cafe bean donut, pastry, 2 coffees 700 5.60
Surprise entertainment 5000 40.00
Big Echo 1 hour in a karaoke box 1500 12.00
Nishi-kasai Okonomiyaki dinner: okono and monja 1800 14.40
2/28,Fri Waseda Tenya Tendon lunch: 2 vegetable tempuras with miso soup 1000 8.00
Game Center print club pictures taken 300 2.40
Takadanobaba Utahiroba 1 hour in a karaoke box 600 4.80
3/1,Sat Sumida-ku Keisei Line train ride from city to airport 1900 15.20
Narita Convenie Store boxed lunch and water 750 6.00
Subtotal Japan 3 Days, two people 24510 196.08
Tips on expenses in Japan | Return to Japan

KOREA

Date LocationStore Item WonUS$
SEOUL
3/1,Sat Seoul Korean Air Flight #703 Tokyo to Seoul (Aaron only, not included in totals) 300.00
Hongik Univ Yogwan 4 nights sleep with bath and nice manager 80000 94.12
Java ginseng tea, coffee, toast 7000 8.24
3/2,Sun Pizza Hut bread sticks, veg. pizza, Pepsi, 7-Up 18000 21.18
Seoul subway Many subway rides at 400/each plus Cokes 20000 23.53
City Hall Toksugung entrance to a palace in middle of town 600 0.71
Underground Shop 2 World Cup 2002 T-shirts 8000 9.41
Lotte Japanese Rest 2 udons with rice, tempura, and kimchi 13000 15.29
Lots of Dots 1 peanut butter, 1 banana split ice cream 7000 8.24
3/3,Mon Hongik Univ Korean Rest rice omelette, kimbab 5100 6.00
Chongmyo Shrine entrance to royal shrine and palace 6000 7.06
Itaewon Street vendors socks, wallet, slippers, magnets 20000 23.53
Pizza Hut garlic bread, cheese pizza, Nex beer, Pepsi 17500 20.59
Hongik Univ Convenie Store sweet bread, fruitopia, cheese balls 6000 7.06
3/4,TuesPanmunjom USO Tour half-day tour of UN base on the DMZ 42000 49.41
Yongsam USO Canteen lunch: grilled cheese, fries, 3 Snapples, apple 6500 7.65
War Memorial Museum entrance to huge museum with great grounds 4000 4.71
Apkujong Village Restaurant dinner: great food picked out by my friend Soo 0 0.00
Karaoke 30min of Korean noreban with Soo 0 0.00
3/5,Wed Hongik Univ Convenie Store lunch: kimbab, Snickers, ramen, pineapple drink 4500 5.29
Express Bus Terminal 2 one-way tickets from Seoul to Kyongju 21400 25.18
Post Office post cards and a package for the USA 16000 18.82
KYONGJU
Kyongju Hanjin Jang Yogwan 3 nights with bath 75000 88.24
3/6,Thur Grand Restaurant lunch: we're not sure what it was 8000 9.41
Chomsongdae Observ. strange star viewing tower built long ago 200 0.24
Kyongju Nat'l Museum entrance into the greatest museum in Korea 800 0.94
England Bakery pastry pizza, coffee, Coke, sweets 12700 14.94
My Store CD-White III 10000 11.76
Convenie Store orange juice, onion rings, Doritos 4000 4.71
3/7,Fri McDonald's lunch: 2 Filet-O-Fish specials 5400 6.35
Post Office mailed more presents home (Brica) 12000 14.12
Pulguksa Temple entrance to a nice Buddhist temple on a hill4000 4.71
Sokuram Grotto impressive statue of Buddha in a small cave 4000 4.71
DaeSung Chinese Res dinner 8000 9.41
Hanjin Jang Yogwan laundry 4000 4.71
3/8, Sat Express Bus Terminal Kyongju to Seoul 21400 25.18
SEOUL
World Trade CenterCoco's California Rest that great California cuisine with my friend0 0.00
Friendly Cafe coffees and beers with IL-HAK 0 0.00
Yogwan 1 night stay with bath 20000 23.53
3/9,Sun Kimpo Airport International Terminal departure tax 18000 21.18
Subtotal Korea 9 Days, two people 510100 600.12
Korea: | Seoul | Panmunjom | Kyongju | Expenses | Pictures | Summary
Asia Directory

THAILAND

Date LocationStore Item BahtUS$
BANGKOK
3/9,Sun Bangkok Korean Air Flight #633 Seoul to Bangkok (Aaron only, not included in totals) 400.00
Don Muan Int'lPizza Hut/DQ slice, bread big pepsi, Peanut Buster Parfait125 5.00
Public Taxi Don Muan Int'l to Peachy Guest House 250 10.00
3/10,MonPhra Athit Peachy Guest House 3 nights in AC double, shared bath 1050 42.00
Khaosan Rd. Hello GH & Restaurant noodles, rice deal, banana, lemon shakes 145 5.80
Transit Convenie Store water and cokes 32 1.28
Rama I Tokyu MacDonalds pineapple juice, Toddy Palm Sundae 32 1.28
Jim Thompson House tour of a beautiful Teak-wood Thai house 80 3.20
Chinatown street vendor/artist oil painting on canvas 250 10.00
Oriental Pier boat ride from downtown to our GH 14 0.56
Phra Athit Boat Dock raisin bread 20 0.80
Welcome Overseas rice&veggie, prawns curry w/rice, 2 shakes 165 6.60
Khaosan Rd. Some shops postcards, 3wallets 152 6.08
3/11,TuesPhra Athit New Merry V's sweet sour veg, grilled cheese, tomato soup 147 5.88
Dusit Tuk Tuk three-wheeled taxi Phra Athit-Vimanmek Pal 70 2.80
Vimanmek Palace admission to grounds and museum 70 2.80
Dusit Zoo admission to a nice city zoo 40 1.60
Dusit Zoo Rest pink & green Fanta, Paprika chips 45 1.80
Khaosan Rd. Market Birkenstock-style sandals for Brica 250 10.00
Some shop cool pants and a Thai Coke T-shirt for Aaron220 8.80
Hello Internet Cafe email for Brica(25min) and Aaron(45min) 244 9.76
Mam's GH & Rest crispy tofu&veg,tofu&rice, muesli&yogurt,juice 150 6.00
Wholesale/Retail gorgeous green skort, ugly shorts for Aaron 300 12.00
3/12,WedPhra Athit National Museum admission and free English tour 40 1.60
Silpakorn Univrestaurant drink and raisin roll, great art display 45 1.80
Wat Phra Kaew PierSome Rest lunch?:fried peanuts, fried cashews, 2lemon 140 5.60
Wat Phra Kaew admission w/free English tour of temple&pal 250 10.00
Tuk Tuk taxi ride back to Khaosan Rd. 30 1.20
Khaosan Rd. Some Guest House garlic fried rice, fried noodle, 2 shakes 180 7.20
Mom&Pop store 2 pairs of sandals new fanny pack 410 16.40
Travel Agent AC? bus to Krabi(2 tickets) 640 25.60
RAI LAY BEACH
3/13,ThurKrabi Long Tail Boat one hour ride out to the beautiful Rai Lay 80 3.20
Rai Lay BeachRai Lay Village 2 nights in a private bungalow w/bath&fan 900 36.00
Ya-Ya Rest fried rice&veg,fish&chips, 4 shakes, coffee.etc325 13.00
3/14,Fri Ya-Ya Rest mueslix, french toast, fruit, yogurt 110 4.40
Sun,Sea,Sand&Rock Half-day(9am-1) rock climbing lesson with eqmt1000 40,00
Sand Sea Rest pat thai, fried potato, veg curry, shakes, etc210 8.40
Convenie Store 11postcards, chocolate, water 115 4.60
Convenie Store 2 waters, mocha cone, ice cream bar,BBQchips100 4.00
Rentals 2 person kayak for one hour 100 4.00
3/15,Sat Sun,Sea,Sand&Rock Half-day(9am-1) rock climbing lesson with eqmt1000 40.00
Rai Lay Village Rest fried rice in pineapple, coconut curry, pot soup215 8.60
Rai Lay Village Rest late dinner:2 fried veg, rice,shakes, coffee,etc250 10.00
Rai Lay Village another night in the bungalow 450 18.00
3/16,Sun Ya-Ya Rest cont.break, pancake w/banana brunch 140 5.60
Convenie Store water, green Fanta 28 1.12
Long Tail Boat one hour trip back to the real world 80 3.20
Krabi Convenie Store banana fruit strips, raisin bread, newspaper80 3.20
Krabi Songtherm AC night bus from Krabi to Bangkok 700 28.00
BANGKOK
3/17,MonKhaosan Rd. Hello GH Rest veg omelette, porridge, orange shake, fanta 140 5.60
Tuk Tuk taxi ride to Wat Pho 50 2.00
Wat Pho Wat Pho admission to temple grounds and Reclining Buddha40 1.60
Silk Screen Guy bought 4 paintings from one guy,6 from other1100 44.00
S&P lunch:coconut soup, tuna sand, miso soup 240 9.60
Post Office 10 16baht stamps and 10 9baht ones 250 10.00
Hello Internet Cafe email for Brica(54min) and Aaron(107min) 540 21.60
Greek? Rest veg samosa, veg spring roll, veg potato 70 2.80
Sawana Travel one-way bus for two to Chiang Mai 320 12.80
Highway Rest Area chiclets, Pocky, Juicy Fruit, Pepsi,Snickers92 3.68
CHIANG MAI
3/18,TuesChiang Mai Johnny Boy GH muesli, scrambled eggs on toast, coffee 75 3.00
Johnny Boy Treks 4 day trek in country with all food guide 3300 132.00
Highway Market game, water, fruit 160 6.40
3/19,WedKaren VillageOur house waters, Sprites 70 2.80
3/20,ThurCamp Raft Place waters, Sprites 70 2.80
3/21,FriChiang Mai Tuk Tuk taxi to Central Mall 50 2.00
Central Pizza Hut veg pizza, garlic bread, 7up float, Pepsi 183 7.32
Vista Theaters Star Wars Special Edition 120 4.80
Tuk Tuk taxi ride back to Johnny Boy Guest House 40 1.60
Downtown Johnny B GH 1 night with private bath 100 4.00
3/22,Sat JB GH Rest 2 french toast, fruit salad, banana shake 160 6.40
JB GH postcards 25 1.00
Tuk Tuk taxi to DK Campus Book Store 40 1.60
Convenie Store shampoo, water 60 2.40
DK Campus Thailand map 85 3.40
Pizza Hut veg pizza,salad bar, onion rings,Pepsi water231 9.24
Mall toilet for Brica 6 0.24
JB GH Travel 2 AC night bus tickets to Bangkok 460 18.4
Highway Rest Stop coffee peanuts, Coke, water 50 2.00
Somewhere Para Services Aaron's bag was stolen from the night bus 2700
BANGKOK
3/23,SunPhra Athit New Merry Vs fruit salad, breakfast set, cheese sand 140 5.60
New Merry Vs one night in AC w/bath room; view of river 380 15.20
Khaosan Rd. Kodak Place film developing for 9 rolls, single print 1000 40.00
GPO mail sea package to America 610 24.40
GPO call Nepal for 1min 18sec 80 3.20
GPO stamps, Cokes 60 2.40
Mam's GH Rest dinner: fried veg, veg/tofu/rice, fanta,etc 140 5.60
Wholesale/Retail 2 pants and a shirt for clothes-less Aaron 400 16.00
3/24,MonPhra Athit New Merry Vs early morn bus to airport 140 5.60
Don Muan Int'lPizza Hut Hawaiian pizza, slice, garlic bread, Pepsi 175 7.00
post office mail brother's B-day present to US 130 5.20
Thai Govt departure tax 500 20.00
Subtotal Thailand 15 Days, two people 23351 934.04
Thailand: | Bangkok | Rai Lay Beach | Chiang Mai | Expenses | Pictures | Summary
Asia Directory

NEPAL

Date LocationStore Item RupeesUS$
KATHMANDU
3/24,MonKathmandu Thai Airlines Flight #311 Bangkok to Kathmandu(Aaron only, not included in totals) 362
Kathmandu Int'lNepal govt 15-day tourist visa for Aaron 900 15.00
Thamel street vendor Kathmandu and Solu-Khumbu maps, 2 postcards 150 2.50
KCs veg tofu burger, fries, lasagna, water, coke340 5.67
Clothes store maroon hiking pants, socks, stocking cap 1050 17.50
Bookstore 3 used books for the trail (great selection 200 3.33
Taxi ride home from Thamel to Tripureswar 70 1.17
3/25,TuesTripureswarFAX/STD Shop One 3min phone call to USA about lost bag 525 8.75
Thamel KEEP 2 T-shirts, hat, bio-soap, Langtang area 1075 17.92
KEEP coffee, orange&apple juice, banana lassi 140 2.33
Bistro on Roof spaghetti, spinach lasagna, fries,Coke,water340 5.67
Rickshaw 20min ride to the bus station to check tickets70 1.17
Taxi return to Thamel, shared with a nice couple 30 0.50
3/16,SunThamel Gear Shop Merril boots,socks,NorthFace/Patagonia fleece3264 54.40
Gear Shop 2 NorthFace(fake)GoreTex shells, flashlight 2100 35.00
Rations 5candy bars,shave cream,sunblock,raisins,nuts1200 20.00
Northfield Cafe bean burrito, waffle, cheesecake, coffee 360 6.00
Rickshaw bike offered 35,but Aaron peddled some so paid extra?100 1.67
3/26,WedTripureswar FAX/STD Shop another call to USA: insurance is ok for bag500 8.33
Thamel Immigration Office 2 trekking permits for the Everest region 1135 18.92
next door passport photos for Brica 125 2.08
BusinessDistCafe & Pub veg sizzler,fish&chips, coffee, orange juice390 6.50
Kodak place 17stamps, 19postcards, 2candy bars 350 5.83
Thamel British Store flashlight,lighter,fleece gloves,umbrella 2200 36.67
Convenie Store candy bars,cheese,nuts,TP,candles,mix,honey,PB750 12.50
Namaste Trekking rent down bag for 10days 750 12.50
Fire & Ice pepperoni verdi pizza (no pepperoni) 260 4.33
3/27,ThurBus Park Local Bus 3 seats on a crowded one-way, 10hr bus to Jiri360 6.00
WALKIN
Transit Roadside Stop lunch: 2 Dal Bhats(rice with lentil soup) 60 1.00
Jiri Sagarmatha Mt. Everest Lodge dinner,two 10rupee beds, breakfast,nice kids440 7.33
3/28,FriBhandar Shobha Lodge dinner, hot shower, bed&breakfast 535 8.92
3/29,SatSete Sunrise dinner, two 10rupee beds, breakfast,nice kids330 5.50
3/30,SunLamjura PassSherpa House lunch:hot lemon, fried potatoes, etc (slow) 130 2.17
Junbesi Junbesi GH dinner, two beds in dorm room, breakfast 600 10.00
3/31,MonNuntala Sherpa House Fanta,milk,malt cookies,Mars bar(expensive) 235 3.92
Jubing Quiet Place dinner,two 10rupee beds,breakfast,nice kids 400 6.67
4/1,TuesPoiyan Apple Pie GH dinner,two 10rupee beds,no breakfast or kids230 3.83
4/2,Wed Choklung Cheese Factory cheese and crackers 120 2.00
Phakding Int'l Trekkers GH dinner,two 20rupee beds,lots of coffee 390 6.50
4/3,ThurSagarmatha ParkPark Entrance permit to enter the Everest National Park 1300 21.67
NAMCHE
Namche Khumbu Lodge 2 nights in the Jimmy Carter room, plus food1190 19.83
4/4,Fri Khumjung Khumjung Bakery rolls&coffee at worlds highest(3790m)bakery 100 1.67
4/5,Sat Lukla Sherpa Lodge dinner,two 50rupee beds,breakfast,nice Germans390 6.50
4/6,Sun Royal Nepal Air Two tickets, Lukla to Kathmandu w/earplugs 9960 166.00
KATHMANDU
Kathmandu Int'lRickshaw ride from airport back to Tripureswar 100 1.67
Pizza Hut veg pizza,salad bar, onion rings,Pepsi water231 3.85
Thamel Helena's lunch: good food and atmosphere 360 6.00
Namaste Trekking returned sleeping bag, paid for fleece hat 250 4.17
Helena's coffees and strudel 125 2.08
Rickshaw roundtrip in rain to bus. dist for pictures 150 2.50
Business DistYeti Film Shop 4 rolls of single prints developed 670 11.17
Thamel Helena's dinner: cheese pizza, chips 260 4.33
Clothes Shop personalized embroidered shirt, cool side bag650 10.83
Rickshaw another ride from Thamel to Tripureswar 50 0.83
4/7,Mon Durbar SquareBag Guy side bag, big bag, pen bags, coin purses 420 7.00
Wool Guy 4 pair wool socks 260 4.33
Paradise Vegetarian veg spring roll,potato soup,s&s veg, drinks 216 3.60
Rickshaw ride from Durbar Sq to Airport 80 1.33
Kathmandu Int'lNepali govt departure tax for Aaron only 660 11.00
Subtotal Nepal 15 Days, two people 39626 660.43
Nepal: | Kathmandu | Walkin | Dudh Kosi | Namche | Expenses | Pictures | Summary
Asia Directory

Prologue | Korea | Thailand | Nepal | Indonesia | Expenses | Photos