Who doesn’t want to travel abroad? Unique destinations, diverse food, and meeting people from different cultures are all part of the appeal. But let’s face it, traveling internationally can be costly.

But hey, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it budget-friendly! Here are Honest’s top tips for traveling abroad without breaking the bank!

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1. Choose visa-free countries

Just like entering someone’s house, visiting another country requires permission, known as a visa. To get this permit, you’ll usually need to apply at the country’s representative office in Indonesia and pay a fee.

To save on this expense, consider countries that offer free visas to Indonesian citizens, like ASEAN nations or Japan.

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2. Book flights and accommodation in advance

Typically, flights and accommodations get pricier during peak holiday seasons. If you’re planning an international trip, try booking flights and hotels well in advance. Prices are lower before peak season, and many travel platforms offer attractive discounts.

If you’re an Honest Card user, you can unlock various travel deals through the Honest Promo Everyday! Enjoy cashback and discounts for both domestic and international trips.

For extra savings, try booking flights and accommodation together in one app—some apps offer package deals or additional promotions. You might also consider platforms like Airbnb for a more affordable and local experience.

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3. Know the average daily costs

Each country has a different cost of living, so before traveling, make sure you understand the average daily expenses in your destination. This will help you prepare a realistic budget.

For instance, if you’re planning a trip to South Australia, a meal in Adelaide costs around $20 per person, including drinks. This means you’ll need at least $60 per person daily for food alone in this region. And don’t forget to budget for transport, entrance fees, and souvenirs!

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4. Make a list of attractions to visit

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A good tip for budget travel is to create a list of attractions you want to visit. This way, you’ll know each spot's entry fees and transportation costs.

Many attractions have their own websites where you can check ticket prices and find other useful tips. But before buying tickets, remember to compare prices across travel platforms like Traveloka, TripAdvisor, and Klook. Prices can vary significantly, so you can pick the best deal!

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5. Use public transportation

Want to explore different countries more affordably? Use public transport! In advanced countries like Japan, Singapore, or Australia, public transportation is usually comfortable and far cheaper than renting a car or using taxis.

Avoid rush hours to skip the crowds, and use mapping apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or Waze to check traffic and public transport schedules. These apps are generally accurate in developed countries.

While using public transportation, avoid keeping valuables like your phone or wallet in the front of your bag to prevent theft. As a precaution, keep your cash in separate spots

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6. Offer shopping services for friends

Another way to save on your trip is by offering to buy things for friends (known as “jastip” or shopping services). You could offer to bring international items back for friends in Indonesia or help Indonesians abroad by bringing local Indonesian products.

Though the profit might not be large, this can help offset baggage fees, especially if you need to add extra luggage. Just be sure that whatever you bring is allowed by both local and Indonesian customs.

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7. Use credit cards for international transactions

Credit cards offer several advantages for international transactions. First, you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash or worry about bank account balances. As long as your credit card limit is sufficient, you’re good to go.

Second, credit cards make payment easy, especially if they support NFC. Just tap your phone on the EDC machine, and the payment’s done.

Third, you can earn extra points, miles, and discounts for foreign transactions, making your annual fee free thanks to these rewards.

Shopping abroad with a credit card is super convenient, but make sure to pay off your balance on time to avoid interest charges and keep your credit score high in SLIK OJK.

Honest credit card is perfect for traveling internationally. It uses the Mastercard network, so it’s accepted worldwide. Plus, you won’t be charged extra fees for foreign transactions with Honest. There’s just one simple fee based on your usage. This means you save more and can keep track of your spending in real-time with the Honest app throughout your trip.

Budget-friendly international travel is definitely appealing. But remember to respect the local rules and customs while you’re there.