My wife and I will be traveling to Madrid in a couple of weeks. We have, of course, already secured plane tickets and we have an apartment in Madrid to stay in. My question is: given the current economic conditions, how much - in Euros - do we need to expect to spend per person/day to cover a moderate traveling "lifestyle", i.e., food, local transportation, admission fees (exclude shopping or expensive restaurants).
Posted by
Lexington, SC, USA
3 posts
Well, whatever you decide, don't come back with any cash. No one told me this, but when you come back home and want to exchange your leftover money, apparently banks only do it if you have at least $200. We had around $50 and didn't want to just "thow that away." The bank told us the cloest place to exchange is 4 hours away and charges $6 per currency (we have euros and swiss francs).
Does anyone have any ideas of a better place to exchange???
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Shelly you asked that question earlier and received an adequate answer. You sound almost angry about not being able to exchange your money. Save it for the next trip. It is only $75,00. At the rate the dollar is declining it is probably a better investment than a saving account. Save it for a going away gift for a friend or relative. Or sell it locally to someone else traveling abroad.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19283 posts
I went to Europe for the first time (this century) in 2000. When I came home I had about €200 (equivalent, it was Mark then). That €200 cost me about $180 then. Since then every trip I take it with me so I am not dependent on the ATM the minute I arrive. That same €200 is now worth over $300, more than if I had just put it in a bank.
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
Phil, I would think that given you are happy to be on a budget and will have an apartment, about Euro 100 will be more than ample per day. That should get you to a paying attraction each day, breakfast at home and either lunch or dinner at home. The markets are not expensive for fresh food. I'd make a sandwich for lunch, have some fruit and water and snacky bits if desired. I generaly eat out only once a week for dinner, because frankly, after a long day of tramping the sites, I am happy to put my feet up. Eat in with a great bottle of wine, then have a late evening walk to see the city at night. Have a fabulous experience.