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!

So, any idea's guys?

Are they feeding you?

It's more likely to be the other way around

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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 . But it is very kind of you.

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'm his big sis, gotta look after him


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

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.

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

I used to work at Morrisons, the one at Girlington

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