14 Surprising Costs of Dining Abroad That Will Blow Your Budget
The reality of dining abroad is typically romanticized as a chance to taste local delicacies, soak in cultural authenticity, and split postcard meals with a loved one or friend. There are hidden costs, though, that can quickly eat up your travel budget. The fact is, when you eat out in a foreign country, you may not know what you’re getting yourself into.
You don’t want to find that what was supposed to be just a simple meal can quickly snowball into an unplanned splurge. So, let’s dive into some of the surprising costs that might leave your wallet a little lighter than you’d expect.
Language Barriers
Picture this: You’ve taken a seat, of course at a charming street café in Paris, ready to eat some local cuisine. You skim the menu, and with confidence order something that sounds exotic. Then comes a plate of something entirely different than what you had envisioned. Ordering can be tricky with language barriers, and if you have to reorder or leave half your meal untouched, you’ll end up paying more than you expected.
Hidden Service Charges
Tipping isn’t expected in some countries because restaurants include a service charge. Sounds convenient, right? Not so fast. Sometimes these charges can be a hefty 10–20% of your bill and you might not even notice them until it’s time to pay. You always have to double-check the fine print on your receipt.
Bottled Water Woes
In many places, bottled water is the standard, as tap water isn’t always served freely abroad. It might not seem like much, but those €3 bottles do add up when you’re eating out multiple times a day. Pro tip: I always ask if there’s a free water option, you never know.
Currency Conversion Fees
Paying with a credit card? Don’t get suckered by hidden currency conversion fees. In fact, some places will even agree to charge you in your home currency rather than the local currency, but this ‘convenience’ usually comes with a higher rate. A better option? Pay in the local currency and use a no-fee travel card whenever possible.
Tourist Trap Pricing
In order to attract tourists, restaurants located near major attractions have very inflated prices. The location couldn’t be better but the markup could put a nasty taste in your mouth. So, rather than the tourist hotspots, wander a few blocks away to get more authentic and reasonably priced options.
Mandatory Tasting Menus
In some fine dining establishments, ordering à la carte isn’t an option. Instead, you’re given a tasting menu, a fancy, multi-course affair that costs an arm and a leg. These experiences can be fun, but if you simply wish to have a little nibble it might not be within your budget.
Corkage Fees
If you thought bringing your own wine was going to save you money, think again. Opening and serving your bottle at many restaurants will cost you a corkage fee. The amount of this fee depends on the establishment and can be a few dollars, or the same price as a whole entrée.
Paying for Condiments
Love your ketchup and mayo? In some countries, you will have to pay for them, as condiments are sold separately. These small charges can add up over the course of your trip, and it might only cost a dollar or two.
Cover Charges
In Europe, in particular, some restaurants charge a cover, a flat fee for sitting down. The charge usually includes bread or appetizers, but if you don’t know about it, it feels like a surprise tax on the meal.
Premium Locations
Dining with a view? Prime locations generally carry premium pricing, be it overlooking the Eiffel Tower or a fall into a beach sunset. The bill could easily leave you gasping while the atmosphere might be magical.
Credit Card Minimums
Some countries have small restaurants that won’t take card payments unless your bill is above a certain amount. This could lead to you spending more than you had planned to on the trip, or scrambling around at the last minute to find an ATM, both of which would cost you that bit more.
ATM Withdrawal Fees
As for ATMs, getting cash for meals can also come with fees of its own. That cheap local dinner could turn out to be more expensive than you thought, between withdrawal fees and poor exchange rates.
Street Food Mishaps
Budget travelers dream of street food, but it’s not always as wallet-friendly as it seems. Tourists are overcharged by some vendors, and others don’t even advertise the price, leaving you fumbling through your foreign bills feeling awkward.
Unfinished Meals
Portion sizes can be surprising in the cultural sense. Some places serve huge portions and you won’t be able to finish the meal you paid for. Some restaurants even frown upon takeout boxes, so your leftovers—and your money—go to waste.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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