Money saving and travel tips to the world’s most expensive cities - Part 2

Tip 1. Eating out:

In Tokyo buy value ‘bento’ lunch boxes. Street food is also inexpensive and good. If you speak Japanese or can get a translator, many locals take advantage of discount restaurant coupons which can be found in the free newspapers on most streets or printed from the internet.

Singapore is also great for street food or ‘hawker’ food as it’s known locally and the bustling night markets are fascinating to explore after dark. Orchard Street and Bugis street markets are the biggest and busiest. Save on dinner and splurge on a Singapore Sling cocktail in the Long Bar at the world famous Raffles Hotel – around $25. You’re paying for the atmosphere and historical cachet as much as the drink.

Stay off the tourist path in cities like Rome and look for hole in the wall eateries without glitzy frontages. Chat up locals for recommendations. In Oslo, check out the hip bars and cafes in the Youngstorget area Downtown or visit nearby Grunerlokka or just Lokka as it’s known locally ( it’s Oslo’s version of Greenwich Village) with its small shops, cafes and parks – enjoy a coffee or local beer and watch the world go by.

London has great Royal parks for a summer picnic – try St James’, Green Park or Hyde Park. Avoid the rather dull and pricey cafes in the parks.

Tip 2. Bag a bargain:

Haggle for bargains at outside markets including the night markets in Singapore. Avoid museum shops which have cute items but high prices. In Oslo, if you don’t want to fork out for a genuine hand knitted Norwegian sweater with a hefty price tag check out the thrift stores like Fretex for vintage items you won’t find anywhere else! In Paris, visit the massive flea market (known as Les Puces) at Porte de Clignancourt. Go in the morning when it’s less crowded and feel free to haggle on the price.

Tip 3. Food for thought:

Grocery items also make good gifts - check import regulations but you’re usually safe with non-perishables. Fortnum and Mason’s on London’s Piccadilly is a treasure trove for beautifully packaged quality teas, coffees, preserves, cookies and handmade chocolates. In Paris, pick up a box of exquisite macaroons at Ladurée on the Champs Élysées and I defy you not to stay for lunch. Zurich and Geneva are pricey cities but you can’t beat the Swiss for chocolate. Have it gift wrapped to make it special.

Running low on cash for that last minute splurge? Use your Visa Debit Card to draw cash at the ATM.

Tip 4. Go window shopping:

Even if you don’t buy anything, step inside Moscow’s famous GUM department store, founded in the late 1800s. The prices are sky high, but it’s something of a work of art. In London, browse the gorgeous window displays at Harvey Nichols and Harrods on Knightsbridge, especially around the holidays.

Tip 5. Things to Do:

Visit Tokyo in April when the cherry blossoms are a riot of color and free to enjoy at sites including Ueno Park and Chidorigafuchi.

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets and Frankfurt’s is among the best and most picturesque. It’s a 600 year old tradition in the city and runs from November 23 to December 22 in 2011.

Many museums and galleries in Oslo are free, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, one of Norway’s most visited attractions. In Moscow, the must-sees include The Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb in Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral – be prepared to stand in line.

In London, enjoy free pageantry watching the daily Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace. Next year is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee so royal watchers can expect lots of free festivities and royal sightings in the city, as well as the summer Olympic games. Accommodation prices will hike up then so consider a home exchange or staying with friends or relatives.