Getting from point A to point B is only part of the equation now. In the face of the dollar's declining value worldwide against foreign currencies, there can be a bit of sticker shock while traveling. To demonstrate where you can get the most bang for your buck, this monthly index compares the costs of common consumer goods around the globe. Conversions are calculated using www.xe.com/ucc.
Auckland, New Zealand (Source: Tourism New Zealand; www.newzealand.com)
- Daily newspaper: $1.30
- Bus/subway fare: $1.23
- Cup of regular coffee: $2.53
- Bottle of local beer in a bar: Steinlager Pure, $5.06
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $79.66-$94.14
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $35.48-$45.62
- $1 = NZ$1.38
Boise, Idaho (Source: Idaho Tourism; www.visitidaho.org)
- Daily newspaper: 75¢
- Bus fare: $1-$3
- Cup of regular coffee: $1.50
- Pint of local beer in a bar: Tablerock, $3.75
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $100-$125
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $24-$26
Brasov, Romania (Source: Romania National Tourist Office; www.romaniatourism.com)
- Daily newspaper: 32¢
- Bus fare: 48¢
- Cup of regular coffee: 96¢
- Pint of local beer in a bar: Ursus, $1.60
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $64.11-$80.15
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $12.50
- $1 = 3.11 Romania New Lei
Durban, South Africa (Source: Official Site for City of Durban; www.durban.gov.za)
- Daily newspaper: 74¢
- Bus fare: 54¢
- Cup of regular coffee: $1.62
- Bottle of local beer in a bar: Carling Black Label, $1.01
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $125.35
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $16.31
- $1 = 7.37 South Africa Rand
Hamilton, Bermuda (Source: Bermuda Tourism; www.bermudatourism.com)
- Daily newspaper: $1
- Bus fare: $4
- Cup of regular coffee: $1.25
- Bottle of local beer in a bar: North Rock Brewing, $4-$6
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $246-$290
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $42-$55
Knoxville, Tennessee (Source: Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation; www.knoxville.org)
- Daily newspaper: 50¢
- Bus fare: $1.50
- Cup of regular coffee: $1
- Bottle of local beer in a bar: White Mule Ale, $3.25
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $84-$120
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $23
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia (Source: Tourism British Columbia; www.hellobc.com)
- Daily newspaper: $1.50
- Bus fare: $4
- Cup of regular coffee: $1.25
- Pint of local beer in a bar: Okanagan Springs Pale Ale, $5
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $130
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $32
- $1 = C$1
Praslin, Seychelles Islands (Source: Seychelles Islands Tourism Board; www.seychelles.travel)
- Daily newspaper: Not provided
- Bus/subway fare: 56¢
- Cup of regular coffee: $4.03-$5.46
- Bottle of local beer in a bar: Seychelles Brewery, $2.01
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $241-$403
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $80.64-$120.96
- $1 = 12.40 Seychelles Rupees
Tampere, Finland (Source: Finnish Tourist Board; www.visitfinland.com)
- Daily newspaper: $3.60
- Bus fare: $1.30
- Cup of regular coffee: $2.60-$4
- Half a liter of local beer in a bar: Lapin Kulta, $4.65-$7.30
- Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $160-$198
- Moderate, three-course meal for one, without alcohol or tip: $40-$66
