Explore Perth on a Shoestring: Complete 7k Budget Travel Guide

**Time: March 20-30, 2025**

For the flights, I opted for Cathay Pacific with a layover in Hong Kong. The layover duration was quite manageable. After securing my visa, I began comparing flight options on March 10th. Over the next ten days, I carefully considered factors such as layover times, baggage allowances (many flights to Australia charge extra for checked luggage), and how to make the most of my holiday.

I finally settled on a flight departing on a Thursday night and returning on a Saturday night, complete with 23kg of direct check-in luggage, at a total round-trip cost of 4140 RMB per person. Interestingly, the ticket price dropped to 3900 RMB just two days before the flight when I checked in and selected my seat.

**Accommodation:**

I found a cozy student room through Xiaohongshu, which cost 1200 RMB for 9 days and 8 nights. The room was one of three bedrooms in an apartment, with a shared bathroom and kitchen. While it wasn’t in the city center, the nearby bus and subway stations were conveniently close. There were also large supermarkets in the area, making it incredibly convenient for daily needs.

**Food + Supermarket:**

My food and supermarket expenses totaled 1500 RMB. I mostly bought groceries from the local supermarket and cooked at home, enjoying the comfort of homemade meals. I did venture out a couple of times, once for a delicious burger and another time for some comforting pho. I also indulged in a few drinks, but mostly, I purchased coffee, tea, and alcohol from the supermarket and enjoyed them in the comfort of my temporary home.

**Attractions:**

Most of the attractions I visited were free, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the local culture. I spent a day lounging on the beach and another day relaxing on the grass, soaking up the sun. Each morning, I decided where to go while savoring my breakfast. The sun was particularly strong during my stay, and I used up an entire bottle of sunscreen.

Despite my best efforts, I still ended up with a noticeable tan and a bit of sunburn. [Side-eye R] For those who prefer to avoid tanning, remember to bring a hat, jacket, and plenty of sunscreen.

**Shopping:**

One of my more significant purchases was a Fujifilm camera, which set me back 5250 RMB. This was about 2000 RMB cheaper than what I would have paid in China, making it a worthwhile investment.

**Total Cost:**

Including the one-year multiple-entry visa fee of 920 RMB, the total cost of my trip was 7760 RMB.

**Feelings:**

From the initial sense of novelty to later feeling like I was back in the countryside, with fewer people and a slower pace, I found it both refreshing and a bit challenging, especially when it came to understanding labels and conversations. But that’s the essence of travel—embracing the unfamiliar and finding joy in the journey.