Planning a trip to the UK, staying for LONG time. What is the general cost of stuff, on a very tight budget?

Question

I'm in West Coast Canada, and I want to fly to the UK, and I don't know how long I'll be staying, a few months or more. I'm wondering about the cost of, airfair, a place to stay, and all that stuff. Any insight would be loved!

Answer 1

I dont know how the Canadian dollar compares to the American dollar, but it takes approx $1.90 (at the moment) to make 1GBP. I lived over there for 5 years and it is very expensive. A gallon of petrol is about $8.50-$9.00 just to give you an idea. I will say that even though the Brits say their public transportation is *****, its a heck of alot better than in the US. If youre on a budget, I would stick to buses. Trains are more expensive but if youre traveling a long way and dont want to hop from bus to bus, First Great Western Trains seems to be one of the most expensive where as Southern seems to be one of the cheaper ones. (You can check all the prices via computer). Also dont travel at peak times. B&B's are still extremely reasonable, and Im sure that if youre looking for long term accomodation, you could probably come to an agreement with one. Chose something that doesnt look to glitzy as many times you pay for the look. Airfare ranges, but fly over while its cold as the plane tickets are much cheaper. No matter how long you are staying, book the trip return as one way tickets are more expensive. If youre going to eat out, stick to cafes as they tend to have reasonably priced food, but dont forget that when you pay 4GBP for something its still almost $8.00. Go to places like Lidl's and Aldi for food as its cheaper than the big supermarket. Wilkinsons and Woolworths as well as the pound shops are good for those little things you need. Also alot of the charity shops have things you can use, you just have to take the time to browse.

Answer 2

I am a Canuck and just spent a few weeks in the UK. As a rule, we considered 1 pound to be like 1 dollar. For example a meal costs 7 to 9 pounds and a beer 4 pounds. That compares to about 7 to 9 dollars and a 4 dollar beer here. A pound is worth a toonie. Basically everything is about double. fuel was about 1 pound per litre, or 2.10 canadian per litre. Very expensive place to be. You should be looking at about 1000 return for airfare, although we flew out of Calgary and it may be a bit more out of Vancouver.