Sri Lanka Travel Cost 2026: Complete Budget Breakdown & Money-Saving Tips

One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning their trip is: “How much does it cost to travel to Sri Lanka?” The answer might surprise you - Sri Lanka is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Asia, offering incredible value regardless of your travel style.

Whether you’re a budget backpacker seeking authentic local experiences, a mid-range traveler wanting comfortable amenities, or a luxury tourist craving five-star indulgence, Sri Lanka can accommodate your budget while delivering unforgettable experiences.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every aspect of Sri Lanka travel costs - from accommodation and food to transport, activities, and hidden expenses - so you can plan your trip with complete confidence and avoid budget surprises.

Planning your Sri Lankan adventure? Check our guide on the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka to choose dates that match both your budget and ideal weather conditions.

Is Sri Lanka Expensive to Travel?

The Short Answer: No, But It Depends

Sri Lanka ranks among Asia’s most affordable travel destinations, but costs vary significantly based on:

Your travel style:

• Budget travelers can explore for $25-40 per day
• Mid-range comfort seekers spend $50-90 daily
• Luxury enthusiasts invest $150-400+ per day

When you visit:

• Peak season (December-March): Prices increase 30-50%
• Off-season (May-September): Significant discounts, fewer crowds
• Shoulder months (April, October-November): Moderate prices

Where you go:

• Tourist hotspots (Ella, Galle): Higher prices
• Less-visited areas (East coast, north): Better value
• Rural villages: Cheapest options

What you do:

• Free activities (hiking, beaches): Zero cost
• Cultural sites: $10-30 entry fees
• Safaris and tours: $40-100+ per activity

The beauty of Sri Lanka is its flexibility - you can easily adjust your spending based on preferences without sacrificing the quality of your experience.

Average Daily Costs in Sri Lanka: Complete Breakdown

These estimates include accommodation, food, local transport, and activities. International flights are not included.

Accommodation Costs in Sri Lanka: Every Budget

Accommodation represents your largest daily expense, but Sri Lanka offers options for every budget level.

Budget Accommodation ($8-25 per night)

Hostels ($8-15 per night):

• Dormitory beds in backpacker areas (Ella, Arugam Bay, Colombo)
• Usually includes free WiFi and breakfast
• Great for meeting other travelers
• Shared bathrooms and common areas

Guesthouses ($15-25 per night):

• Private rooms in family-run establishments
• Fan or basic AC
• Simple but clean facilities
• Often includes breakfast
• Personal interaction with local hosts

Best budget locations:

• Ella: $10-20 (many hostels)
• Kandy: $12-20 (guesthouses near lake)
• Colombo: $10-18 (hostels in Fort area)
• Arugam Bay: $10-22 (surf hostels)

Mid-Range Accommodation ($30-80 per night)

Standard hotels ($30-50 per night):

• Air conditioning and hot water
• Private bathrooms
• WiFi and breakfast included
• Basic amenities (towels, toiletries)
• Reception and room service

Boutique hotels ($50-80 per night):

• Better locations (beachfront, city center)
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant on-site
• More spacious rooms
• Better service and facilities

Best mid-range locations:

• Galle Fort: $40-70 (colonial charm)
• Mirissa: $35-65 (near beach)
• Nuwara Eliya: $30-60 (hill country views)
• Sigiriya: $40-75 (near rock fortress)

Luxury Accommodation ($120-400+ per night)

Four-star hotels ($120-200 per night):

• Prime locations
• Multiple restaurants
• Spa facilities
• Concierge services
• Ocean or mountain views

Five-star resorts ($200-400+ per night):

• Beachfront or exclusive locations
• Infinity pools
• Multiple dining options
• Premium spa and wellness
• Personalized services
• Exceptional design and comfort

Top luxury locations:

• Bentota: $150-350 (beach resorts)
• Yala fringe: $200-450 (safari lodges)
• Galle: $180-400 (heritage hotels)
• Kandy: $150-300 (hilltop resorts)

Accommodation Money-Saving Tips

Book direct: Contact hotels/guesthouses directly for 10-20% discounts

Off-season deals: May-September offers 30-50% lower rates

Weekly rates: Negotiate 15-25% discount for stays of 5+ nights

Last-minute apps: Use HotelTonight for same-day deals

Homestays: Airbnb and local homestays often cheaper than hotels

Food Costs in Sri Lanka: Eating Like a Local vs Tourist

Sri Lankan cuisine is not only delicious but incredibly affordable if you eat where locals eat.

Local Sri Lankan Food (Cheapest & Most Authentic)

Rice and Curry ($1.50-3):

• The national dish - unlimited curry refills in many places
• Includes rice, 3-8 vegetable/meat curries, papadums, sambol
• Found at local restaurants (called “hotels”)
• Lunch is main rice and curry meal
• Dinner also available but smaller portions

Street Food & Snacks ($0.50-2):

• Kottu roti: $2-4 (chopped flatbread with veggies/meat)
• Hoppers (appa): $0.30-0.50 each (bowl-shaped pancakes)
• Egg hopper: $0.60-1 (hopper with egg in center)
• String hoppers: $1-2 (steamed rice noodles)
• Roti: $0.50-1.50 (flatbread with various fillings)
• Short eats: $0.30-1 (pastries, samosas, rolls)
• Fresh fruits: $0.50-2 (mangoes, papaya, pineapple)

Local Beverages:

• King coconut (thambili): $0.30-0.60 (refreshing coconut water)
• Tea: $0.20-0.50 (Ceylon tea, everywhere)
• Fresh fruit juice: $1-2
• Local beer (Lion Lager): $2-3
• Arrack (local spirit): $1-2 per drink

Where to find cheap local food:

• Bus station restaurants
• Markets and food courts
• Signs saying “Rice & Curry” or “Hotel”
• Places packed with locals
• No-frills establishments

Tourist Restaurant Prices ($6-15 per meal)

Casual tourist restaurants:

• Mixed menu (Sri Lankan + Western)
• $6-10 for mains
• Located in tourist areas
• English menus
• Better ambiance than local spots

Western food:

• Pasta: $7-12
• Pizza: $8-15
• Burgers: $6-10
• Breakfast plates: $5-9
• Sandwiches: $4-7

Upscale restaurants:

• Fine dining: $15-30 per person
• Hotel restaurants: $12-25
• Seafood specialties: $10-25
• International cuisine: $15-35

Café Culture ($3-8)

Popular in tourist towns (Ella, Galle, Colombo):

• Coffee: $2-4 (cappuccino, latte)
• Smoothies: $3-5
• Cakes/pastries: $2-4
• Breakfast: $5-8
• Avocado toast: $4-6

Daily Food Budget Examples

Ultra-budget ($5-8 per day):

• Breakfast: Local bakery $1-2
• Lunch: Rice and curry $2-3
• Dinner: Street food $2-3

Budget traveler ($10-15 per day):

• Breakfast: Guesthouse or hoppers $2-3
• Lunch: Rice and curry $2-4
• Snacks: King coconut, fruit $1-2
• Dinner: Tourist restaurant $5-7

Mid-range ($20-35 per day):

• Breakfast: Café or hotel $5-8
• Lunch: Tourist restaurant $8-12
• Dinner: Nice restaurant $10-15
• Drinks and snacks: $3-5

Luxury ($50-100+ per day):

• All meals at upscale restaurants
• Fine dining experiences
• Resort dining
• Drinks and desserts included

Food Money-Saving Tips

Eat like a local: Rice and curry for lunch saves huge amounts

Guesthouse breakfasts: Usually included or very cheap

Lunch is main meal: Dinner portions and prices are smaller

Market shopping: Buy fruits and snacks at local markets

Bring reusable water bottle: Fill at hotels instead of buying bottled water

Cook occasionally: Some guesthouses have kitchens

Transportation Costs: Getting Around Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is compact, making travel between destinations affordable and scenic.

Public Transport (Cheapest Option)

Buses ($0.20-2 per journey):

• Extremely cheap
• Go everywhere
• Two types: Regular (crowded) and Air-conditioned (slightly more expensive)
• Frequent departures
• Can be uncomfortable on long journeys

Example bus fares:

• Colombo to Kandy: $1.50-2 (3-4 hours)
• Kandy to Ella: $2-3 (5-6 hours)
• Galle to Mirissa: $0.50-1 (30 minutes)

Trains ($1-8 for long distances):

• Scenic routes (Kandy-Ella is world-famous)
• Three classes: 1st (reserved), 2nd, 3rd
• 2nd class best for tourists (open windows, good views)
• Very cheap for incredible journeys

Example train fares:

• Colombo to Kandy: $2-5 (3 hours)
• Kandy to Ella: $2-8 (6-7 hours, most scenic!)
• Colombo to Galle: $1-3 (2.5 hours, coastal route)

Booking tips:

• Reserve 2nd class seats 2-4 weeks ahead for popular routes
• Buy tickets at stations (cash only)
• Arrive early for unreserved trains
• Observation carriages offer best views

Tuk-Tuks ($2-10 per journey)

Short rides ($1-3):

• Within towns
• To nearby attractions
• Taxi alternative

Longer rides ($5-10):

• Between towns (10-20km)
• Half-day hire possible

Tips for tuk-tuks:

• Always agree on price before starting
• Use PickMe app for metered rides (like Uber)
• Expect to negotiate
• Share with other travelers to split costs

Example tuk-tuk prices:

• Ella town to Nine Arch Bridge: $3-5 return
• Mirissa to Galle Fort: $15-20
• Colombo airport to Fort: $20-25

Ride-Hailing Apps

PickMe (most popular):

• Available nationwide
• Fixed prices, no negotiation
• Safer and more reliable
• Slightly more expensive than street tuk-tuks
• Can book cars and tuk-tuks

Uber (Colombo only):

• Similar to PickMe
• Mainly in Colombo area

Private Car with Driver ($40-80 per day)

What’s included:

• Car + driver for 8-10 hours
• Fuel included
• Driver as guide
• Flexible itinerary
• Air conditioning

When it makes sense:

• Groups of 3-4 people (cost split)
• Families with children
• Limited time
• Comfort priority
• Multiple stops per day

Example full-day rates:

• Within one region: $40-50
• Long distances: $60-80
• Luxury vehicles: $100-150

Daily costs per person:

• Solo: $40-80 (expensive)
• Couple: $20-40 each
• Group of 4: $10-20 each (good value!)

Rental Vehicles

Scooter rental ($8-15 per day):

• Good for short distances
• Beach areas and flat terrain
• International license required
• Insurance usually not included
• Chaotic traffic - not for everyone

Car rental ($35-60 per day):

• Self-drive possible but challenging
• Chaotic traffic
• Roads can be confusing
• Usually better to hire driver

Transportation Budget Examples

Budget traveler ($3-8 per day):

• Buses for long distances
• Trains when scenic
• Walking in towns
• Occasional tuk-tuk

Mid-range traveler ($15-30 per day):

• Mix of trains, buses, tuk-tuks
• Some private transport for convenience
• PickMe for reliable rides

Comfortable traveler ($40-60 per day):

• Private driver most days
• Tuk-tuks for short trips
• Occasional train for scenery

Activity & Attraction Costs

Activities range from free (beaches, hiking) to expensive (safaris, entrance fees).

Cultural & Historical Sites

Major attractions:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: $30 (UNESCO site, must-climb)
• Dambulla Cave Temple: $10
• Temple of the Tooth (Kandy): $10 (important Buddhist site)
• Polonnaruwa Ancient City: $25
• Anuradhapura: $25
• Galle Fort: Free to walk (museums $2-5)

Minor temples and sites: $2-8 Photography fees: Some sites charge extra $2-5

Wildlife Safaris

National park safaris ($40-80 per person):

• Yala National Park: $50-70 (best for leopards)
• Udawalawe National Park: $40-60 (elephants)
• Minneriya/Kaudulla: $40-60 (elephant gathering)

What’s included:

• Park entrance fee
• Jeep and driver
• Safari guide
• 3-4 hour safari

Private vs shared:

• Shared jeep: $40-50 per person (6 people max)
• Private jeep: $150-200 total (split among group)

Best value: Book through guesthouse or local operators, not hotels

Adventure Activities

Water sports:

• Whale watching (Mirissa): $30-50
• Dolphin watching: $25-40
• Surfing lessons: $15-25
• Scuba diving: $40-80 (including equipment)
• Snorkeling: $10-20 or free at many beaches

Land activities:

• Hiking Ella Rock: Free (local guide $5-10 optional)
• Little Adam’s Peak: Free
• Adam’s Peak pilgrimage: Free (donations welcome)
• Hot air balloon (Sigiriya/Kandy): $200-300
• White water rafting: $30-50
• Ziplining: $20-35

Cultural experiences:

• Cooking classes: $25-40
• Tea factory tours: $5-10 (tastings included)
• Traditional dance shows: $8-15
• Ayurvedic massage: $20-50 (depending on duration/quality)

Free Activities

Nature:

• Beach time (all coastal areas)
• Hiking trails (Ella, Knuckles Range, Adam’s Peak)
• Waterfall visits (most are free)
• Wildlife spotting outside parks

Cultural:

• Most temples free or small donation
• Walking tours (self-guided)
• Local markets
• Sunset viewpoints

Social:

• Meeting other travelers
• Local festivals and ceremonies
• Village walks

Activity Budget Examples

Budget ($5-15 per day):

• Mostly free activities
• One temple visit per week
• Occasional paid activity

Mid-range ($20-40 per day):

• Mix of free and paid activities
• One major attraction every 2-3 days
• Some paid experiences

Active traveler ($50-100 per day):

• Safari tours
• Multiple paid attractions
• Adventure activities
• Cultural experiences

Additional Costs to Consider

Visa & Entry Requirements

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): $50

• Apply online before arrival
• Valid for 30 days
• Can extend once for additional 60 days ($100)
• Processing: 24-48 hours

Internet & Communication

SIM card with data: $5-15

• Available at airport or Dialog/Mobitel shops
• 10GB: $7-10
• 25GB: $12-15
• 4G coverage good in most areas
• Prepaid and easy to top up

WiFi:

• Free at most hotels and guesthouses
• Cafés usually have free WiFi
• Generally reliable in tourist areas

Travel Insurance

Essential costs: $30-80 for 2 weeks

• Medical coverage
• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage
• Adventure activity coverage if needed

Recommended providers: World Nomads, Safety Wing, Allianz

Miscellaneous Expenses

Laundry: $3-6 per load (full service)

Toiletries: $5-15 per week (available everywhere)

Souvenirs:

• Tea: $5-20 per 250g (quality dependent)
• Handicrafts: $5-50
• Clothing: $10-30
• Gemstones: $20-500+ (research quality first!)

Tips:

• Restaurants: 10% if service not included
• Drivers: $5-10 per day for good service
• Guides: $5-10 per tour

Real-World Budget Examples

Budget Backpacker: 2-Week Sri Lanka Trip

Daily breakdown:

• Accommodation: $15 (hostel/guesthouse)
• Food: $12 (local food, one tourist meal)
• Transport: $5 (buses, trains, occasional tuk-tuk)
• Activities: $5 (mostly free, occasional paid)
• Total per day: $37

2-week total: $520

• Visa: $50
• Daily expenses (14 days): $520
• Grand total: $570 (not including flights)

Sample itinerary:

• Colombo (1 day) → Kandy (2 days) → Ella (3 days) → Arugam Bay (3 days) → Yala area (2 days) → Mirissa (2 days) → Galle (1 day)

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Mid-Range Traveler: 2-Week Sri Lanka Trip

Daily breakdown:

• Accommodation: $50 (comfortable hotels)
• Food: $25 (mix of local and tourist restaurants)
• Transport: $20 (trains, tuk-tuks, some private transport)
• Activities: $25 (paid attractions, one safari)
• Total per day: $120

2-week total: $1,680

• Visa: $50
• Daily expenses (14 days): $1,680
• Grand total: $1,730 (not including flights)

Sample itinerary:

• Colombo (1 day) → Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa (3 days) → Kandy (2 days) → Ella (2 days) → Yala Safari (2 days) → Mirissa (2 days) → Galle & Unawatuna (2 days)

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Comfortable Tourist: 10-Day Highlights Trip

Daily breakdown:

• Accommodation: $120 (boutique hotels, nice resorts)
• Food: $50 (restaurants, some fine dining)
• Transport: $60 (private driver most days)
• Activities: $50 (all major attractions, multiple safaris)
• Total per day: $280

10-day total: $2,800

• Visa: $50
• Daily expenses (10 days): $2,800
• Grand total: $2,850 (not including flights)

Sample itinerary:

• Colombo (1 day) → Sigiriya (2 days) → Kandy (2 days) → Ella (2 days) → Yala (1 day) → Galle & beaches (2 days)

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Luxury Traveler: 7-Day Exclusive Experience

Daily breakdown:

• Accommodation: $300 (5-star resorts, luxury lodges)
• Food: $100 (fine dining, resort restaurants)
• Transport: $100 (private luxury vehicle)
• Activities: $150 (premium experiences, private guides)
• Total per day: $650

7-day total: $4,550

• Visa: $50
• Daily expenses (7 days): $4,550
• Grand total: $4,600 (not including flights)

Sample itinerary:

• Colombo boutique hotel (1 night) → Sigiriya luxury resort (2 nights) → Kandy hilltop hotel (1 night) → Ella boutique hotel (1 night) → Galle heritage hotel (2 nights)

Money-Saving Tips: Travel Sri Lanka on a Budget

Accommodation Savings

Book direct: Email hotels for 10-20% discount

Stay outside tourist centers: Towns near Ella, Kandy outskirts = lower prices

Negotiate long stays: 5+ nights = bargaining power

Travel off-season: May-September = 40% savings

Use homestays: Authentic and cheap

Food Savings

Eat rice and curry for lunch: $2-3 for unlimited portions

Buy from markets: Fresh fruits, snacks at local prices

Guesthouse breakfast: Usually included

Lunch is main meal: Dinner portions smaller, cheaper

Drink king coconuts: $0.30-0.60, super refreshing

Avoid tourist restaurants: Pay 3x more for similar food

Transport Savings

Take trains: Scenic and cheap

Use buses: Fraction of private transport cost

Walk when possible: Ella, Galle Fort, city centers

Share tuk-tuks: Split with other travelers

PickMe app: Cheaper than negotiating

Book train tickets ahead: Avoids last-minute scrambles

Activity Savings

Free hikes: Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, many waterfalls

Beach days: Zero cost, endless enjoyment

Book tours locally: Not through hotels (30% markup)

Visit temples: Most free or small donation

Skip expensive tours: DIY with public transport

Group activities: Split jeep costs for safaris

General Money Tips

Withdraw large amounts: ATM fees $3-5 per transaction

Bring USD cash: Better exchange rates than cards

Bargain at markets: Expected and fun

Avoid credit cards: 3-5% foreign transaction fees

Track spending: Daily budget app helps stay on track

Comparing Sri Lanka to Other Asian Destinations

Sri Lanka’s advantage: Diverse experiences (beaches, mountains, wildlife, culture) in a compact area = less transport time and cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sri Lanka cheaper than Thailand?

Generally yes, but it’s close. Sri Lanka offers slightly better value for accommodation and local food. Thailand has more budget infrastructure (hostels, cheap tours) in developed tourist areas.

Where Sri Lanka wins: Local food, trains, guesthouses
Where Thailand wins: Budget hostels, street food variety, tour packages

Bottom line: Both are affordable; choice depends on what you want to experience.

Can I really travel Sri Lanka on $30 a day?

Yes, absolutely. Many backpackers manage $25-35 per day by:

• Staying in hostels ($10-15)
• Eating local food ($8-12)
• Using public transport ($3-5)
• Doing free activities

The catch: You’ll need to:

• Eat at local spots (not tourist restaurants)
• Take buses instead of tuk-tuks
• Skip expensive attractions (or do 1-2 only)
• Travel slower (cheaper than rushing)

Is Sri Lanka expensive for tourists compared to locals?

Yes, there’s a two-tier pricing system:

Foreign tourists pay more for:

• National parks (10x local price)
• Major attractions (Sigiriya, Dambulla)
• Some transport (airport taxi)

Same price for:

• Hotels and guesthouses
• Restaurants
• Shops and markets
• Tuk-tuks (if you negotiate well)

Why: Tourist fees fund conservation and historical preservation. It’s standard practice in many countries and considered reasonable given the extraordinary sites you’re accessing.

What’s the most expensive part of a Sri Lanka trip?

For most travelers:

1. International flights (largest expense, varies by origin)
2. Major attraction fees (Sigiriya $30, safaris $50-70)
3. Private transport (if you choose comfort over buses)
4. Accommodation (if mid-range or luxury)

How to reduce:

• Book flights early
• Do some free activities
• Mix public/private transport
• Travel off-season

Should I bring USD or use ATMs?

Best strategy: Bring some USD cash (small notes) + use ATMs for local currency

USD useful for:

• Better exchange rates at banks
• Some hotels accept USD
• Backup if ATMs unavailable

ATMs for:

• Local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) needed everywhere
• Available in all cities and most towns
• Withdrawal fee: $3-5 per transaction

Tips:

• Withdraw large amounts to minimize fees
• Bring crisp, new USD bills (torn bills rejected)
• Notify your bank of travel dates

Is tipping expected in Sri Lanka?

Not mandatory but appreciated:

Restaurants: 10% if service charge not included (check bill)
Tour guides: $5-10 per day for excellent service
Drivers: $5-10 per day for multi-day trips
Hotel staff: $1-2 for bellhops, housekeeping
Tuk-tuk drivers: Round up fare, small tip for exceptional service

When NOT to tip:

• Service charge already added to bill
• Standard purchases at shops
• Government services

Can I use credit cards in Sri Lanka?

Yes, but limited:

Accepted at:

• Mid-range and luxury hotels
• Tourist restaurants
• Larger shops
• Tour companies

Not usually accepted:

• Local restaurants
• Guesthouses
• Tuk-tuks
• Buses and trains
• Markets
• Small shops

Note: Cards often incur 3-5% surcharge. ATMs and cash are king in Sri Lanka.

Is Sri Lanka more expensive during peak season?

Yes, significantly:

Peak season (December-March):

• Hotels: 30-50% more expensive
• Activities: 10-20% higher
• Private transport: 15-25% more

Off-season (May-September):

• Hotels: 30-50% discounts
• Negotiation easier
• Fewer tourists = more deals

Shoulder season (April, Oct-Nov):

• Moderate pricing
• 15-25% savings from peak

Best value: Travel in September (end of monsoon, before peak season rush).

Is Sri Lanka Worth the Cost?

Absolutely yes. Sri Lanka offers exceptional value for money, delivering world-class experiences at budget-friendly prices.

What you get:

• 🏖️ Pristine beaches rivaling the Maldives at 10% of the cost
• 🏛️ Ancient UNESCO sites with 2,000+ years of history
• 🐘 Wildlife safaris with elephants, leopards, whales
• 🚂 World’s most scenic train rides for just $2-8
• 🍛 Incredible cuisine for $2-5 per meal
• 🏔️ Mountain landscapes perfect for hiking
• 🙏 Rich Buddhist culture and welcoming people

Few destinations pack so much diversity and quality into such an affordable package.

Whether you’re a backpacker stretching every dollar or a luxury traveler seeking premium experiences, Sri Lanka delivers value that’s hard to beat anywhere in the world.

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Sri Lanka Budget

The beauty of Sri Lanka lies in its flexibility - you can easily adjust your spending without sacrificing the quality of your experience.

Key takeaways:

1. Sri Lanka suits all budgets: $25-400+ daily depending on style
2. Local food is your biggest savings: Eat like locals, save 50%
3. Public transport is excellent and cheap: Trains and buses go everywhere
4. Off-season = massive savings: 30-50% lower prices May-September
5. Mix budget and splurge: Cheap accommodation, occasional nice meal
6. Book activities locally: Skip hotel markups
7. Free activities are amazing: Beaches, hikes, temples

Budget planning formula:

• Calculate daily costs for your style
• Add 20% buffer for unexpected expenses
• Include one-time costs (visa, SIM card)
• Keep emergency fund separate

Final advice: Start with a budget plan but stay flexible. Sri Lanka’s compact size means you can easily adjust your itinerary based on actual spending. If you overspend one day, balance with a cheaper day next.

Ready to plan your affordable Sri Lankan adventure? With this complete cost breakdown, you’re equipped to create a budget that matches your travel style perfectly.

Safe travels and enjoy every rupee of your Sri Lankan journey! 🇱🇰✨

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Quick Budget Calculator

Calculate your estimated trip cost:

1. Choose daily budget tier ($25-40, $50-90, $100-150, $200+)
2. Multiply by number of days
3. Add: Visa ($50) + SIM card ($10) + flights
4. Add 20% buffer for unexpected costs
5. Result = Total trip budget

Example:
Mid-range, 10 days: (10 × $70) + $50 + $10 + 20% = $828 + 20% = $994 (excluding flights)