How to Not Spend All of Your Money Abroad

Now, money will most definitely be spent during your time abroad. There’s no avoiding that. But there are definitely ways to prevent those little expenses that add up, and I’m going to share some of the things I’ve been doing to save money while living abroad.

Firstly, be mindful of where your money is going. To figure this out, I started by trying not to spend any money at all, just to see what would break my streak. For me, it was Ubers. I realized that those quick, harmless-looking R52 (~$3 USD) rides were where a lot of my money was disappearing. Almost anytime I went to dinner with friends or came back from a night class, I’d end up booking one. It didn’t seem like much in the moment, but those small charges built up fast. So, finding other ways to get around became essential to avoid spending too much money.

Transportation can quietly eat away at your budget, adding anywhere from $3 to $10 USD to every outing.  Going on a hike? Let's Uber to the trail. Going into town for dinner?  Let’s get an Uber. Coming back from class and it’s too dark to walk? Let’s get an Uber. Not to say that you shouldn’t Uber (safety first!), but being aware of how often you’re doing it makes a big difference. I’ve found that using the UCT Jammie Shuttle is a great (not to mention free!) way to get around or at least cut my Uber costs in half. The city bus and train systems are also much cheaper than Ubers and can give you a better sense of local life.

Setting a budget and checking your accounts regularly is a game-changer. Even if you don’t stick to your budget perfectly, being aware of where your money is going helps you make smarter choices. I like checking my credit card statement every month to see what I’ve been spending the most on so I can strategize ways to cut back or re-prioritize my needs and wants. Speaking of priorities, make a list of what you’re okay spending more on and what you can do without. For me, I wanted to save money for trips, so that meant cutting back on smaller, less meaningful expenses like frequent takeout or random shopping. Deciding what’s worth it to you will help make smart decisions about where your money is going.

Second, find free things to do! If you’re studying at the University of Cape Town, your student discount can go a long way. From UCT productions for free or at a reduced price, to other discounts around the city, you just have to find them. There are also plenty of free art galleries on First Thursdays, and you can visit the Iziko Museums of South Africa for free on Heritage Day (September 24). There are tons of other free or low-cost activities around Cape Town, and taking advantage of them lets you explore and have fun without  spending money. 

Third, buy groceries and eat in! Treat yourself to dinner out every once in a while, but I’ve learned that even ordering UberEats once a week can make a noticeable dent in your wallet. Cooking for yourself saves so much money and experimenting with recipes is fun and super rewarding!  I’ve been loving making potato curry using a premade spice mix from Checkers and this simple recipe.  Additionally, on those lazier days I have been making recipes like noodles and an egg which per serving only cost R15.5 ($0.87 USD). 

Lastly, make sure you’re using a card that doesn’t charge international spending or exchange fees. Those hidden costs can add up quickly without you even realizing it.

All in all, have fun—just be mindful. Even if you’re studying abroad somewhere where the exchange rate feels “favorable,” you’re still spending real money, and it is really easy to lose track when you’re using a new currency. But every once in a while, make sure to treat yourself. You’re abroad, you’re learning, and you deserve it.