039 - 7 tips for eating out cheaply
Travel’s biggest expenses are accommodation, travel and food. This week the Indie Travel Podcast looks at ways to save money when eating out. Of course if you want to eat cheap it’s best to head to the supermarket or — even better — a local market, but there are also ways to eat at restaurants without breaking the bank.
1. Locate a cheap place.
Look for something you want at a price you’re happy to pay. If menus aren’t displayed outside ask to see one before sitting down. Feel free to walk out.
2. Look for specials.
Consider making lunch your main meal; there are often daily specials. Sometimes they continue into the evening (like they did for us tonight) so ask.
3. Drink less.
Drinks make up a lot of the bill. Asking for tap water is usually acceptable and just give booze a miss for the evening if it’s too much. If you’re travelling as a couple consider sharing a drink. (And sometimes beer is cheaper than soft drinks.)
4. Ask for small portions if you’re not too hungry.
You’ll probably get a discount, not to mention it can save your digestion where servings are enormous.
5. Be wary of extra charges.
Don’t assume anything is free. It’s best to ask. If you are unhappy with things leave before ordering. Venice LINK
6. Tip when you can.
Rounding up the bill to the nearest euro or five euros is often acceptable (you don’t have to leave 15%!). Read more here. LINK
7. Set a budget before you go out.
First get an idea of the prices of food in the area then if you find a cheap meal, you might have some extra for dessert. Bad with money? Consider only taking the money you plan to spend (plus a card for emergencies. No, that cocktail isn’t an emergency).
We don’t advice constantly being miserly; that’s just as stupid as constantly being decadent, but when you do want to save I trust these tips will help you out.
LINKS:
Transcript (pdf, 264kb)
Our post, Avoid Being Ripped Off in Venice and other places, has some helpful advice on extra charges.
What to tip in 77 countries according to USA Today. (We’ve found local’s customs to be different in some of these countries!)
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December 18th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I always found when traveling to try eat during happy hour, or at a local cafe is often cheaper than making food yourself. Or if all else fails make sure you have some cans of tuna…
December 18th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Good point Jeff, it’s often true.
If there’s one thing I hate to eat it’s processed fish! I guess having a fisherman for a step-dad has its disadvantages
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Some nice restaurants offer an “early bird special”. If you show up before 5:00 pm you can save almost half the cost sometimes.