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Hey Globetrotter! How Much Is Your Money Worth Around The World?

Has your strong desire to travel been itching you these past several weeks? Is your schedule free enough for you to travel at least 3 days away? If all your answers point to “YES” then, it is time to give in to your wanderlust!

As you let your heart decide which country you shall go next, it is paramount to understand the value of your money and the cost of living dynamics. These said information would help you build the travel fund that is suited best for your trip. Furthermore, you can carry a little more pocket cash in case an emergency rises.

Looking into the globe through a microscope, a few of the countries you may visit are Australia (Continent: Australia), Italy (Europe), China (Asia), South Africa (Africa), Canada (North America), and Peru (South America). Hooked to the globetrotter idea already?

Then, browse through the things that you can buy with S$2.50, S$52.50, and S$1,500…

S$2.50

In Australia, or Commonwealth of Australia, you can buy 1 liter of milk for S$1.53 or a 1.5-liter of water for S$2.48.

Are you a salad enthusiast? Try the lettuce (1 head) from Italy for S$1.35. The 1.5-liter of water there costs S$0.76 only!

If you love imported beer, get a 0.33 liter bottle for S$1.59 in China. Otherwise, conquer your thirst with the very affordable S$0.65 1.5 liter of water.

Image Credits: takuki via Flickr

In South Africa, you can purchase 500 grams of white bread loaf for S$1.31. And, their 1.5-liter of water retails for S$1.47.

Going up to Canada, you may purchase a kilo of tomato for S$1.90 that is otherwise S$2.66 in Singapore. The 1.5-liter of water? It costs about S$2.43.

Lastly, Peru offers friendly priced domestic beers (0.5 liter bottle) for S$1.84 while their 1.5-liter of water is priced at S$1.16.

S$52.50

You can ride a cab (normal tariff) with an hour of waiting for S$51.31 in Brisbane, Australia.

And, if you are a sucker for cheese, get 2 kilos for S$46.14 in Milan, Italy.

There is nothing but pure regard for your money at Zhuhai, China where a three-course meal at a restaurant can cost about S$43.38 for 4 people!

However, in Johannesburg, South Africa it is a tad pricier as the three-course meal at a restaurant can cost about S$48.74 for 2 people.

In Cold Lake, Canada, chain store (e.g., Zara) dresses are priced cheaper at S$43.78 whereas it retails for S$63.60 in Singapore. That is saving you S$19.82!

In the capital of Peru called Lima, you can enjoy 3 hours of playing tennis on a weekend (S$35.94) plus catching a flick on its international release (2 seats for S$15.76). Talk about an ideal date!

S$1,500

With this larger amount, you can rent an apartment for a month (inclusive of Internet services) at all these countries discussed. For instance, in Australia, you can rent a 1-bedroom apartment on the outskirts for S$1,187.62.

While in the world’s eight largest economy, an Italian 1 bedroom apartment outside the city costs S$1,034.54.

Image Credits: Julia via Flickr

For an incredibly cheaper price, visit China where you can rent a 3-bedroom apartment at the city for S$1,030.15.

Or go to South Africa where a 3-bedroom apartment at the city is about S$1,409.27.

And, if you have a month long business trip in Canada, consider renting the 1 bedroom apartment in the city for S$1,340.63.

Finally, Peru’s 3-bedroom apartment at the city will cost you approximately S$1,107.23.

Image Credits: blog.absolutvision.com

Oh! By the way…all these data were collected from Numbeo. It is a website that stores the world’s largest database of user contributed information about global living conditions. It has been mentioned in internationally renowned newspapers and magazines such as BBC, Forbes, The Economist, and New York Times among others. See for yourself! 🙂

Singapore Zoo: Four Koalas from Australia Coming to Singapore

We have Kai Kai and Jia Jia, the cute giant pandas at River Safari.

Soon, we are going to add 4 more Koalas named Paddle, Pellita, Chan and Idalia into our Singapore Zoo.

According to the original article on Channelsnewasia, this four Koalas will be on loan from Australia’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary as part of the SG50 celebration and the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and Australia.

They will arrive here as soon as next week with the official handover on the 20 May 2015.

Check out the video below:

And now there is another reason to visit the Singapore Zoo.

Read the original article here: http://bit.ly/1GPaB6B

Singapore Airlines: Promo Fares to Australia from $538 (Limited Time Offer)

Recharge yourself with a getaway to the land Down Under with the latest promo fares from Singapore Airlines.

Fare starts from $538 to Perth where you can take part in water activities such as a boat tour by the Fremantle Harbour and shop around the Fremantle Markets.

Like theme parks and beaches? Get adventurous and head over to Gold Coast which is just an hour drive from Brisbane. Let your hairs down with a trip to the Movie World or learn how to surf at the beaches along Surfers Paradise.

Visit the Sydney Opera House to watch different kind of performances and scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge to catch a breathtaking view of the entire city.

If you are heading to Melbourne, take a scenic drive down Great Ocean Road and don’t leave without taking a selfie/wefie with the 12 Apostles as your backdrop! Did i not say that Melbourne is also voted as the world’s most liveable city for the fourth year running by the Economist Intelligence Unit?

Let’s not forget Adelaide which is famous for its festivals, food and wine.

Check out the discounted fares below.

Sales from now to 30 June 2015 or when fares are fully purchased

Destination	Min/Max Stay	Fares from
Perth	3 Days/1 Month	$538	Search Availability
Brisbane	3 Days/1 Month	$648	Search Availability
Melbourne	3 Days/1 Month	$748	Search Availability
Sydney	3 Days/1 Month	$748	Search Availability
Adelaide	3 Days/1 Month	$768	Search Availability

Sales from now to 15 April 2015 or when fares are fully purchased

Travel period: From 1 April to 28 May 2015

Destination	Min/Max Stay	Fares from
Perth	3 Days/14 Days	$588	Search Availability
Brisbane	3 Days/14 Days	$808	Search Availability
Melbourne	3 Days/14 Days	$788	Search Availability
Sydney	3 Days/14 Days	$808	Search Availability
Adelaide	3 Days/14 Days	$788	Search Availability

Sales from now to 30 April 2015 or when fares are fully purchased

Travel period: From 29 May to 30 June 2015

Destination	Min/Max Stay	Fares from
Perth	3 Days/14 Days	$698	Search Availability
Brisbane	3 Days/14 Days	$958	Search Availability
Melbourne	3 Days/14 Days	$958	Search Availability
Sydney	3 Days/14 Days	$958	Search Availability
Adelaide	3 Days/14 Days	$968	Search Availability

For more info and booking, check out Singapore Airlines’ website at http://goo.gl/0PXJgJ

For cheap hotels booking, check out our hotels search engine at http://hotels.moneydigest.sg

Qantas: Promo Fare to Australia & NZ from $380 One Way (Until 7 April 2015)

If you have been planning for a trip to the land Down Under, here’s your chance with Qantas’s sale which allows you to travel to different cities in Australia and New Zealand from $380 one-way inclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges.

As a frequent traveler to Australia myself, this limited time sale has caught my attention with one of the best economy fare you can get if you travel from Singapore.

Unfortunately, good deals don’t last as the sale will end in 2 days (7 Apr 2015). Thus, make your booking fast before the seats are gone.

Let’s check the actual booking for Melbourne as an example to see if it is indeed a steal.

Singapore – Melbourne:

Melbourne – Singapore:

It would come up to a total of $677 SGD all-in which include taxes, fees and carriage charges. If you are wondering what they mean by “exclude local airport taxes at time of check-in”, it seems like you have nothing to worry about if you are travelling to Australia. Read them here: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1232092 or verify with the Qantas’s office (+65 6415 7373) when you make your booking.

Book your tickets now at Qantas’s website: http://bit.ly/1yOdcY6

Use our hotels search engine as we suss through thousands of travel sites to find you the best hotel deals. Lowest* price guaranteed.

* Find the same hotel on the same date at a lower price and get refunded the difference within 30 days.

The Virgin Solo Trip On A Budget

“As you travel solo, being totally responsible for yourself, it’s inevitable that you will discover how capable you are.”

Living in one of the smallest and safest countries in the world, it is impervious that majority of the Singaporeans aren’t as independent as the greater part of the world growing up. The sad fact that we aren’t able to defend ourselves and be as “street smart” puts us in a real disadvantage. Not to compare to anyone, but instead a disadvantage to ourselves when we set foot into a new territory on our own. Born with a silver spoon in our mouths, the world beyond this little island that we grew up in can be very intimidating.

As a Singaporean myself, travelling out alone is definitely something I really enjoy, but nonetheless it was daunting at first especially in a country where I’ve never been to before. I had the chance to travel out alone recently, and for me, it was awe-inspiring and refreshing. For those of you who have been considering travelling solo, here’s my two cents worth of tips.

Do Research

(Image credit: http://www.edgeofwondertravels.com)

Possibly one of the worst things to do is take a flight to a country you know nothing about. Aside from all the attractions and sightseeing spots, certain countries tend to charge tourists a different rate from the locals. Knowing things such as which cab services to take and where the best places to shop are will shed light on what you can expect to ensure you’ll have a smoother trip and less hiccups.

Back Up Plans

(Image credit: http://www.reidsitaly.com)

Unexpected things happen more often than not when you least expect, and so you should always be prepared. Keep a photocopy of your passport, travel details, extra cash and maybe a credit card somewhere in case things go awry. A thumbdrive with the soft copies saved will also do the trick. You might also want to save the number of your embassy and bring along a power bank to charge your mobile, laptop and any electronic peripherals that may comes in handy.

Check out the Traveler ID App in iTunes.

Travel Light

Samsonite Firelite 20″ Carry-On Hardside Spinner Luggage

People travel alone for a vast number of reasons – be it to shop, explore or take a break from their hectic schedule. Since you’ll be alone, it’d be best to take your own luggage with you all through the way just to make sure it’s in safe hands. Keeping your baggage light allows you to move around more freely and, maybe also shop more. The Samsonite Firelite is crafted from woven thread of polypropylene with Curv technology making it one of the most durable and lightest bag under five pounds. (Costs $465 on eBags with 15% discount from vPost)

Be Cautious Of Your Surroundings and Personal Belongings

(Image credit: TheeErin, via Flickr)

Self-explanatory, the small bag you carry around should be guarded with all you’ve got – it is in fact, all you’ve got when you’re out roaming the streets. Best to be observant of your surrounds and people: not paranoid, alert. Make sure you create clear labels and tag your bags.

Weigh Your Decisions

Travelling alone means you can do whatever you want, whenever. But with great power to decide, comes great responsibility to return in one piece. Jumping off that cliff sure looks like great fun, but know what you’re getting into before taking the leap.

With that said if you’re still hesitant, take the adventure to a place you’ve been to before or a place where the popularity can speak simple English. Here are a couple of places which has loads of unexplored adventures that are good for starters with a budget:

Australia

Ayers Rock, Uluru (Image credit: Mark Wassell, via Flickr)

Being the sixth largest country in the world, there’s definitely places you’ve yet to visit and things you’ve yet to do. From diving to visiting the beautiful Ayers Rocks, this country’s beauty will sweep you off your feet. Love camping? Bring along your outdoor gear!

Thailand

Chiang Mai Night Market (Image credit: Caitriana Nicholson, via Flickr)

A popular destination amongst Singaporeans, the Land of a Thousand Smiles is rich in culture. Although language may be a barrier, the signs and directions are quite clear. With the help of the people, it shouldn’t be a problem at all.

The Philippines

Boracay at Dusk (Image credit: Chewy Chua, via Flickr)

The Philippines is similar to Singapore with majority of the population able to converse in English which makes travelling around easy as pie. The lot of beautiful beaches and the world’s biggest shopping mall at your dispense ensures that you have everything you need.

Hong Kong

(Image credit: Jonathan Leung, via Flickr)

A highly cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong is full of scenic gardens, fantastic hiking trails and great food. One of the biggest cities in the world, you’ll never finish exploring Hong Kong’s uniqueness. If you love shopping, you would definitely fall in love with the night markets along Temple Street.

Malaysia

Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park (Image credit: robdu91, via Flickr)

One of the more technologically advanced cities in Asia, it is the hallmark of an ideal exotic locate. From the wild forestry to the skyscrapers in the city, it’s like being in two places at once.

Before you embark on the greatest adventure of your life alone, be sure to book your flights by comparing the fares from SkyScanner without compromising on your safety. Book your hotels with the best rates with our hotels search engine: http://hotels.moneydigest.sg

* Find the same hotel on the same date at a lower price and get refunded the difference within 30 days.

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