How much does it cost for an average person to visit the UK?
Always thought the UK was only for the wealthy? 😭
I've seen so many people say a UK trip costs at least 50,000, which scared me off from even planning.
Real-world test by an average worker | 10 days, 9 nights independent travel
Excluding shopping, I'm breaking down every expense for you.
Students/average office workers, check this out to set your budget!
💡 First, the conclusion: For an average person to have a comfortable trip, RMB 18,000–26,000 is enough.
Budget travel can be kept around RMB 14,000; no need to force yourself to save tens of thousands!
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📝 All costs are for one person, 10 days and 9 nights, with no hidden fees.
🛂 Fixed pre-trip expenses (mandatory, unavoidable)
▪️ UK 6-month tourist visa + travel insurance: RMB 1,200–1,500
Standard DIY application; expedited processing costs RMB 600+ more. Recommended to apply 1–2 months in advance.
▪️ ETA electronic travel authorization: approx. RMB 150
⚠️ 2026 new rule! Mandatory even if you have a visa; without it, you won't be able to board or enter.
▪️ SIM card/eSIM: RMB 100–200
Giffgaff recommended; 10 days of data is sufficient, ready to use upon arrival.
👉 Fixed total: RMB 1,450–1,850
✈️ Flights | The biggest variable! Huge price difference between off-peak and peak seasons.
▪️ Off-peak season (Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec)
Connecting round-trip: RMB 4,500–6,000. You can snag low prices if you keep an eye out.
▪️ Shoulder season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Highly recommended)
Connecting/good layover: RMB 6,500–8,200. Comfortable weather, relatively fewer crowds.
▪️ Peak season (Jun–Aug summer vacation)
Direct round-trip: RMB 9,000–13,000. High premiums; try to avoid if on a limited budget.
🏨 Accommodation | London is an accommodation assassin! ❗️
❌ Don't insist on staying in London Zone 1 city center! Staying in Zones 2–3 along the subway line offers double the value.
▪️ Budget tier: Hostel bed/affordable suburban homestay | 10 nights RMB 2,000–3,000
Suitable for students; sharing rooms is more cost-effective.
▪️ Comfortable tier (most people choose this): Homestay/chain hotel along the subway line | 10 nights RMB 5,000–6,200
Rotating between London + Edinburgh/Lake District; convenient travel, comfortable sleep.
▪️ Light luxury tier: Boutique hotel in the city center | 10 nights RMB 8,500+
🚞 Local transport
Includes London subway/bus + intercity trains (London ↔ Edinburgh, etc.)
▪️ Budget: RMB 1,400–1,800, book discounted train tickets in advance, use public transport more.
▪️ Comfortable: RMB 2,000–2,800, don't skimp on travel, no need to stress over booking tickets.
💡 Pro tip: Book trains 15 days in advance for much cheaper prices; those under 26 can get a Railcard for discounts.
🍜 Dining | Costs vary greatly depending on your choices.
UK restaurants aren't cheap, but you can save a lot at supermarkets!
▪️ Budget: RMB 1,500–2,000
Supermarket meals, sandwiches, M&S deli food, occasional fish and chips.
▪️ Comfortable: RMB 2,800–3,500
Daily casual meals, occasional British dining/brunch, no need for big meals every time.
▪️ Foodie: RMB 4,500+, frequent dining out, afternoon tea, specialty restaurants.
🎫 Attraction tickets
Many museums and parks are free! Visit paid attractions as you wish.
▪️ Budget: RMB 800–1,100, only visit core must-see spots.
▪️ Comfortable: RMB 1,300–1,800, covers most popular attractions.
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✨ Complete total bill for three tiers (1 person, 10 days, excluding shopping)
💸 Budget student tier: RMB 14,000–18,000
Stay in hostels, eat more supermarket meals, travel off-peak, experience remains undiminished.
💸 Average person comfortable tier ⭐️ [Highly recommended]: RMB 19,000–26,000
Comfortable dining, accommodation, and transport; neither stingy nor extravagant, the true level for most tourists.
💸 Light luxury tier: RMB 30,000+
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✅ Practical tips for saving money in the UK
1. Prioritize shoulder season travel to save RMB 3,000+ on airfare.
2. Don't insist on staying in London city center; suburban areas along the subway line offer double the value.
3. Make good use of supermarket Meal Deals; be cautious about entering tourist attraction restaurants.
4. Must book intercity trains in advance; buying on-site is much more expensive.
5. Many museums are free; no need to blindly buy a bunch of tickets.
You really don't need to feel like the UK is out of reach ✨
Average workers can save up and go see Big Ben, the River Thames, and Edinburgh Old Town.
It's not just for the wealthy to head to the UK!