How much would you recommend?

[chelle84]

Hey Guys, now it looks like I am going to have somewhere between $9,000 and $10,000 AUD for my 46 days in Europe.

My question is what are your personal recommendations for

1. How many Euro per day? (Approx 26 days in Countries that use the Euro)

2. Switzerland for 4 days?

3. Prague for 4 days?

4. Budapest for 4 days?

5. Croatia for 1 week?

I have alreayd paid for flight to Europe and pretty much all transport, give or take a bus trip to the other side of town or something like that.

I am not a big drinker at all and not a big spender for shopping either.

Thanks!!

Only 7 weeks till I go now!!!

[pointofnoreturn]

Not sure of the exchange rate, but I think that's more than plenty for your trip. Switzerland's expensive but I think your budget sounds VERY reasonable.

Australian dollars are almost on the same par as Canadian dollar although the AUS dollar has a poorer exchange rate but not so much to make a difference.

[lia]

I'm not sure about the exchange rate of an AUD, but if it's something like the US, then I think you'll be a Queen! Switzerland is a bit expensive, but the other countries and cities you named are rather cheap, so... HAVE FUN!!!!!! ;D

[me]

AU$ and US$ are not the same.

per xe.com, AU$9,000 - AU$10,000 would be €5,410.91 - €6,011.53 . which should be plenty, given that you only plan to be in Switzerland for 4 days. [CHF, the swiss money, is more dear - given how much each of these Franks will buy]

lia said:

I'm not sure about the exchange rate of an AUD, but if it's something like the US, then I think you'll be a Queen! Switzerland is a bit expensive, but the other countries and cities you named are rather cheap, so... HAVE FUN!!!!!! ;D

[Eagle]

chelle84, with your budget of AUD$9K-10K, you should have more than adequate funds for your trip (of course, depending on your travel style?). The usual "benchmark" is to allow US$75-100 per day for lodging, meals & incidentals. Using the "high" value of US$100 per day means you would require about AUD$125 per day, or AUD$5750 for 46 days (hope my calculations are accurate - it's getting late!).

One comment regarding Switzerland. Yes, it can be expensive but you're only going to be there four days, so it shouldn't be a problem. The Swiss Franc is actually worth less than the Canadian dollar, and according to XE.com it's only worth a bit more than the Australian dollar (for all intents and purposes, I would consider it "at par"). However, that's not the whole story and you'll probably find that the prices in Switzerland will be a bit on the "high" side!

I haven't read all of your previous posts, but was curious on whether you plan on managing your travel funds using ATM machines / Cash points? I find that it's a good idea to carry more than one ATM card, and at least one credit card (for "emergencices").

With only seven weeks to go, I can appreciate how you must be feeling.

Happy travels!!!

[chelle84]

Hey guys..

First I am aware how unfortunate I am coming from Aust! The exchange rate is horrible, but its Europe so it will be worth it.

Thanks Eagle I am really liking your calculations lol so am hoping that they are correct. I haven't decided on how I am going to take my money yet but am leaning towards a travelex cashpassport.. IT seems that the bank fees would probably be about the same as using that anyway and the benefit of the cash passport is that I can load it with euro and it will be at the exchange rate it is on the particular day that I exchange it. And it shows my balance in Euro! But I have not really decided yet. My friend used one last year and says it was really good.
Has anyone used the cash passport? Is it worth it?

As you said though we are only in Switzerland for 4 days so I am not to worried about it being expensive.

Only 39 days to go now lol!! I am getting pretty excited!

Anyway I worked it out that I am going to have at least 100 euro per day and I suppose some days I will spend heaps more and other days no where near that! I am just glad that I am not a drinker/smoker!

Thanks for all your replies.