Value for Money

[DuncanMike]

Hi all,
It is clear from the reaction of our many overseas visitors to the UK, destinations such as England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales are still generally considered to be relatively expensive.
I would be interested to hear from members, how they would suggest this situation be improved and which specific services are perceived to be the most expensive in relation to other overseas destinations?

Regards
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[bob]

I think hotels appear to be very expensive for many overseas visitors. There are 2 primary reasons for this.

1. Property taxes and VAT are higher than elsewhere. It's interesting to note that when the French chains started in this country some years ago people expected them to be able to offer rates similar to those in France. This they have failed to do and the chains have not expanded as fast as the British chains.

2. Continental hotels in summer holiday resorts are very often heaper than their UK equivalent but it must be rembered that they don't usually have the heating and furnishing costs that a UK hotel would have.

[dmfreedom]

yes it is RELATIVELY expensive, but relative to what?

For a lot of countries, one of the biggest problems is the strength of the pound. I have been in the UK for 3 years now, and still occasionally do a double take when I realise what a similar item would cost in Australian dollars.

The one that always gets me is how much train travel costs in the UK.
The price of taxis in London is scary when compared to New York.

On the upside there are some great deals to be had. Free museums and all in one passes that are never publicised enough
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[joe salford]

I agree, the passes are in no way popularised enough. The fact is though that London may be expensive but it is no way representative of the rest of the U.K. There does seem to be some weird perception of the U.K though. As if its some land reserved only for the affluent. I'm pretty broke and I manage ok.

[funkodrunko]

You've just replied to a 9 year old post, but your comments are still valid. Things havent changed either, and train fares are still VERY expensive

[Scotland]

Most European countries are expensive to live in compared with the rest of the world.
I read a list where Britain was the 20th most expensive country to live in. Of the other 19, 17 were European. I think Denmark was the most expensive.

[Trev]

Probably also depends on where you live and how you spend your time. I've heard for example alcohol in Denmark and Norway are staggeringly expensive, so presumably living in a city there and going out every weekend would cost a fortune.

Same in the UK although there are some surprises here. For example, there's often this idea that the further south you go the more expensive things. However, it turns out this might just have been a way for them dastardly southerners to keep us northerners away - can't imagine why.

I'm now spending increasing amounts of time in the Midlands (nicer bits) and although it's not "southern", I've discovered it's a heck of a lot cheaper than up here if you go to the right shops which we just don't have.

One could assume that therefore, moving further south the prices or at least options might become even cheaper as there's more population and thus even more choice for shopping?

Does beg the question if that's right - with London being the biggest city, is it possible to live there comfortably for less money than it would cost for the same lifestyle in say Cumbria or Northumberland?

Trev
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[PaulApple]

UK is very good value relative to the wages - hence I guess why expensive to some peopel travelling to the UK. It is not a problem per se - just that in a country where you make twice as much as you would in Spain, things can be expected to be twice as much cost wise (even though they are not so expensive).

I actually find cities such as Barcelona as expensive as many UK cities. Local transport is very cheap in Barcelona but food is expensive and the attractions are no cheaper than many in the UK (especiall when so many musems free in the UK).

Living in a place such as Cumbria for sure cheaper than London by the way!!!

[londontour]

Cant believe people are still posting on a topic that is 9 years old. I hope things have improved in the 11 years, however, I expect so much has happened and given the current turmoil we are in the UK is in a slightly worse situation than it was 11 years ago.

[raheemaplp]

There are lots of discounts/offers to get many things much cheaper in the UK regarding, attractions, restaurants, train travel etc you just have to do the research before commiting to a specific activity.

[caramel101]

very true raheemaplp. If people spend time to plan and do their research then thing are much cheaper. hotukdeals is a good place to find great deals on pretty much everything.

[dwibre]

There are loads of free activitys to do in the UK if you are on a budget you can still see alot of the country. Anyways the most expecive things are usually over priced tourest attachition and your not getting to see the REAL UK get out of london and explore.

[HolidayArmadillo]

The Manchester Art Gallery on Mosely street is FREE and in my opinion is one of the best tourist attractions the city has to offer, it hardly ever gets mentioned in guides though - but it's superb, and well worth the visit.