Paris is expensive, and I am not rich. I am not afraid to admit that I have somewhere a little over $4,000 saved up to spend this semester. However, even though I can easily live comfortably with that amount, I’d like to have something in the bank when I return.
Thus begins my budget project to be as frugal and as cultured as possible. So, let the first few numbers roll in:
In the past few days, I have spent 212.10 euro. I came here with 350. BUT that doesn’t count any squandering. 64 euro was spent on getting myself an international phone for Europe with 80 minutes of calling time. No minutes are taken away if someone calls me.
79.40 euro was spent on getting myself a Navigo, which is a type of metro card that gives me unlimited access to all public transportation for a month, that needs to be renewed each month.
The rest of the money has been spent on food or drinks, the latter being more expensive. The food is where I can easily budget myself more – and that’s something I have to do. In a week I move out to a host family where aside from breakfast and two dinners per week I’m on my own for food.
Avoid Clichés 