Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Medan

Accommodation

$8-20 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$5-12 per day

Street food stalls, local warungs, traditional markets, occasional casual restaurants

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Public buses, shared minivans (angkot), walking, occasional ride-sharing

Activities

$3-15 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, temples, occasional museum entries, self-guided exploration

Eat at local warungs and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public transportation like buses and angkot instead of taxis (usually 70-85% savings on transport costs)

Book accommodation directly with properties or well in advance for 15-30% discounts

Shop at traditional markets rather than shopping malls for souvenirs and snacks (generally 40-60% less expensive)

Join free walking tours and visit public temples instead of paid attractions when possible

Stay in neighborhoods where locals live rather than tourist districts (accommodation typically 30-50% cheaper)

Travel during weekdays when possible as weekend rates can be 20-40% higher

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system (can triple your transportation costs)

Eating only in hotel restaurants and tourist areas (typically 100-200% markup over local establishments)

Not negotiating prices at markets and with drivers (can overpay by 30-50% on purchases and transport)

Booking tours through hotels instead of comparing local operators (hotel bookings often 40-80% more expensive)

Exchanging money at airports or hotels rather than local banks or authorized money changers (typically 5-15% worse rates)