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-   -   for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately.... (https://britishexpats.com/forum/barbie-92/those-still-uk-those-have-visited-lately-690693/)

Wendy Oct 22nd 2010 7:23 pm

for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 
How much would you think is a decent amount to give to someone who is putting you up for a few weeks?

I will be staying with my little brother when I'm over there, but have no idea how much I should give him. It's been so long since I was there, I can't remember how much things cost! :D

So, any idea's guys?

expatasia Oct 22nd 2010 7:35 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 
Are they feeding you?

Wendy Oct 22nd 2010 8:57 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by expatasia (Post 8937198)
Are they feeding you?

It's more likely to be the other way around :lol:

What I was thinking is if I bought all the food and stuff for me and him, for the 3 weeks I will be there. Just have no idea how much that would cost.

I just want to make sure I take enough cash, but not too much that I have to change it back again. I will buying a prepaid visa card to go with as it's much cheaper than they charge for my visa debit or credit card.

CEM Oct 22nd 2010 9:46 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 
When we visit people we go shopping with them then just get our card out at the checkout to pay. I keep an eye on what's in their fridge and watch for when things start to run out, then just replace them.
It's difficult to say how much you'll need because I have to budget for five of us, so have no idea what the bill would be for two. It also depends on what you like to eat. I can budget for 70 gbp a week if I have to, but can easily more than double that if I go to Waitrose!
Have a great time with your brother.

Wendy Oct 22nd 2010 11:40 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by CEM (Post 8937311)
When we visit people we go shopping with them then just get our card out at the checkout to pay. I keep an eye on what's in their fridge and watch for when things start to run out, then just replace them.
It's difficult to say how much you'll need because I have to budget for five of us, so have no idea what the bill would be for two. It also depends on what you like to eat. I can budget for 70 gbp a week if I have to, but can easily more than double that if I go to Waitrose!
Have a great time with your brother.

Yes, I think that's my main block. I am so used to budgeting for a family of 4 in AU$ that it's hard to even think of how much it is for two in GBP

I am sure I will have a fabulous time. I am really looking forward to seeing my brother, but also really looking forward to seeing my son and his new girlfriend. I haven't seen my son for 2 years, so I am really looking forward to it.

Thanks for your input :)

SillyOldBag Oct 22nd 2010 11:56 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 
I stayed with my brother for a few weeks (about 7) a couple of years or so ago, there is no way he would have accepted money from me. We sort of came to an unofficial agreement where I kept taking him out for lunch, I'd buy shopping every so often and I bought things for the house e.g a new microwave (mainly because I wanted one while I was there, and a new printer and a little computer desk all of which I left with him), I also bought gifts for the kids as my daughter and I disrupted their lives too by kicking one out of his room and then the others having then to share their room. We were both happy with the arrangement.

Wendy Oct 23rd 2010 12:11 am

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by SillyOldBag (Post 8937472)
I stayed with my brother for a few weeks (about 7) a couple of years or so ago, there is no way he would have accepted money from me. We sort of came to an unofficial agreement where I kept taking him out for lunch, I'd buy shopping every so often and I bought things for the house e.g a new microwave (mainly because I wanted one while I was there, and a new printer and a little computer desk all of which I left with him), I also bought gifts for the kids as my daughter and I disrupted their lives too by kicking one out of his room and then the others having then to share their room. We were both happy with the arrangement.



I can only get 4 weeks off work, so will be there for 3, then travelling and sleeping for the other week :D

My brother while not poor, isn't all that well off either. He's only a labourer and he lives in his house with his dog and housemate. So I know that the house will be a bit of a mess when I get there, so I think you may be onto something there - I might just go out and buy him something new for his house. Although I will also most likely be the one going shopping for food, as his idea of a fridge full is a pint of milk and 6 eggs! :lol:

expatasia Oct 23rd 2010 11:48 am

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by Wendy (Post 8937270)

I just want to make sure I take enough cash, but not too much that I have to change it back again. I will buying a prepaid visa card to go with as it's much cheaper than they charge for my visa debit or credit card.

Generally always best to take more dosh than you think you need, at the mo Sterling is weak so taking advantage of the good rate you could just dump the excess Pounds into a UK based bank account and use it for future necessities. Just a suggestion.

Wendy Oct 23rd 2010 11:56 am

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by expatasia (Post 8938352)
Generally always best to take more dosh than you think you need, at the mo Sterling is weak so taking advantage of the good rate you could just dump the excess Pounds into a UK based bank account and use it for future necessities. Just a suggestion.

I don't have a UK bank account, and I can't really see the point in opening one as I don't intend on going back again for a long time... I'm only going this year because A-ha are playing their final concerts and won't be touring Australia :D

I guess I could always donate any excess cash to my son and his girlfriend. I know they could use it! :D

If I have my way though, they will be coming back with me :sneaky:

paulry Oct 23rd 2010 12:10 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 
Sorry, it doesn't really answer your question in terms of how many extra £s to take but I'd just treat him along the way, and grab opportunities to pay for his groceries, etc. Maybe if you get the feel for something that he lacks/needs, buy it for him as a present towards the end of your stay (and it doesn't have to be anything big). The nice thing with that is he'll fondly be reminded of you whenever he uses/sees it :). It's unlikely that he'll want or be expecting anything from you, I'm sure in his mind his reward will simply be the pleasure of seeing his sister again :thumbup:. But it is very kind of you. :cool:

expatasia Oct 23rd 2010 12:14 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by Wendy (Post 8938358)
I don't have a UK bank account, and I can't really see the point in opening one as I don't intend on going back again for a long time... I'm only going this year because A-ha are playing their final concerts and won't be touring Australia :D

I guess I could always donate any excess cash to my son and his girlfriend. I know they could use it! :D

If I have my way though, they will be coming back with me :sneaky:

Yes tbh I was thinking all along you should put the excess dosh in your host(s)' UK bank account(s). :)

Which part of the UK? It's cheaper up norf.

Wendy Oct 23rd 2010 12:33 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 8938378)
Sorry, it doesn't really answer your question in terms of how many extra £s to take but I'd just treat him along the way, and grab opportunities to pay for his groceries, etc. Maybe if you get the feel for something that he lacks/needs, buy it for him as a present towards the end of your stay (and it doesn't have to be anything big). The nice thing with that is he'll fondly be reminded of you whenever he uses/sees it :). It's unlikely that he'll want or be expecting anything from you, I'm sure in his mind his reward will simply be the pleasure of seeing his sister again :thumbup:. But it is very kind of you. :cool:

I'm his big sis, gotta look after him :D



Originally Posted by expatasia (Post 8938385)
Yes tbh I was thinking all along you should put the excess dosh in your host(s)' UK bank account(s). :)

Which part of the UK? It's cheaper up norf.

I'll be staying in Bradford :unsure: so yes, it's up north :D

expatasia Oct 23rd 2010 1:11 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by Wendy (Post 8938409)




I'll be staying in Bradford :unsure: so yes, it's up north :D


I took MOD LANG at Bradford Uni in early 80s - loved the curries and of course Morrison's which at the time was the CHEAPEST supermarket in Britain. :thumbup:

Hopefully you won't need to spend much this trip. :lol:

Wendy Oct 23rd 2010 2:40 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by expatasia (Post 8938465)
I took MOD LANG at Bradford Uni in early 80s - loved the curries and of course Morrison's which at the time was the CHEAPEST supermarket in Britain. :thumbup:

Hopefully you won't need to spend much this trip. :lol:

I used to work at Morrisons, the one at Girlington :D

Don_Angel Oct 23rd 2010 3:03 pm

Re: for those still in the UK, and for those that have visited lately....
 

Originally Posted by Wendy (Post 8938358)
I don't have a UK bank account, and I can't really see the point in opening one as I don't intend on going back again for a long time... I'm only going this year because A-ha are playing their final concerts and won't be touring Australia :D

I guess I could always donate any excess cash to my son and his girlfriend. I know they could use it! :D

If I have my way though, they will be coming back with me :sneaky:

a-ha that's a blast from the past
I have been trying to think where I had seen that face before, just didn't look like a Wendy to me. Oh and can't get that tune out of head now, you know the one I mean:D


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