Finding deals the world over

Starting in December, I traveled to five cities in Asia and Europe, and learned firsthand the varying worth of the dollar. Here, the prices of some goods and services that a tourist might need.

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City: Hanoi

1 liter bottled water: 50 cents

Medium-size local beer at a cafe: $1.15 for Bia Ha Noi

Manicure: $3

Airport-city cab ride: $12

Best deal: Cyclo-pousse, bicycle-cab short hop: $1

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City: Bangkok, Thailand

1 liter bottled water: $2

Medium-size local beer at a cafe: $1.20 for Chang

Manicure: $10

Airport-city cab ride: $20

Best deal: Water taxi on Chao Phraya river: 25 cents

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City: Brussels

1 liter bottled water: $1.50

Medium-size local beer at a cafe: $2 for Jupiter

Manicure: $22.50

Airport-city cab ride: $40 to $50

Best deal: Seven roses, Rapid’Flore: $9.75

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City: Paris

1 liter bottled water: $3

Medium-size local beer at a cafe: $5.70 for Stella Artois or Kronen bourg

Manicure: $28.50

Airport-city cab ride: $67.50 to $75

Best deal: La Poste priority mail -- up to 7 kilograms (about 15 pounds) from Paris to Los Angeles: $57 (box included)

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City: Rome

1 liter bottled water: $1.20

Medium-size local beer at a cafe: $7.50 for Peroni or Moretti

Manicure: $37.50

Airport-city cab ride: $60

Best deal: 75 minutes on bus, subway or tram in the city center: $1.50