Beyoncé kicked off her Renaissance World Tour in Stockholm, Sweden on May 10, 2023, entertaining thousands with past fan favorites like “Crazy in Love” and new music from her seventh studio album, Renaissance. Since this is Queen Bey’s first world tour since 2018’s “On The Run II,” competition for tickets was fierce, and many fans opted to go for international shows where the ticket prices were lower and easier to get.
Several other artists have announced tours or are currently touring. SZA, Afrobeats artist WizKid, Lil’ Yachty and reggaeton superstar Maluma are hitting the road with international dates as well.
Have you purchased an international concert ticket on a whim, and now you’re anxious about going through with it? Below, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about attending a concert overseas.
Costs to Consider
One reason many fans decide to buy international tickets is the price. When the Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour pre-sale tickets dropped back in March, U.S. fans almost immediately noticed the difference between Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” model for domestic vs. international shows.
One Twitter user (@thereturnofBWA) noted that her tickets for Golden Circle B in London were around $217. If you can find an affordable flight and hotel, you might be able to see your favorite artist for less than $1500; here’s how.
Find Cheap Flights. Use aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare costs. It is usually cheaper to fly in the middle of the week over Friday/Saturday/Sunday. For international flights, look at airlines based in the country of destination (i.e., if you’re going to a concert in South Africa, look at Avianca or Latam, both fly from major U.S. cities). Purchasing flights at the right time can also potentially save hundreds of dollars. Cheapoair recommends at least 90 days before the travel date for the best price for Europe.
Try This Trick for Affordable Lodging. If you aren’t familiar with the country you’re visiting, research where the concert venue is. Then compare surrounding neighborhoods and the cost of hotels in each area. You don’t have to stay right in the heart of the city to get the same experience. Before you book a hotel using one of the well-known comparison sites, visit the hotel’s website and look at the same dates; booking directly with hotels is often cheaper, and they usually honor free cancellation policies. Note: if you plan to use a debit card to book a room, keep in mind that hotels usually place a substantial hold on your debit card for the entire stay, so use a credit card if possible.
Set a Spending Limit Before You Go. Food, drinks and transportation can add up very quickly, so decide beforehand how much can afford to spend. Set a target, for example, like less than $100 for meals and transportation each day. Skip taxis and take the train or bus; nearly every major European city has an extensive public transportation system, making it easy to move around.
Turn It Into a Vacation
You’ll already be in a different country, so why not make a long weekend out of it? One of the best reasons (besides affordability) to buying international concert tickets is that you get a two-for-one special: a show and a vacation. Shows are usually in the more popular cities, so take in the sights—almost every capital and major tourist city offers free walking tours. Just have a general idea of what you want to see, and purchase tickets in advance for major tourist attractions to avoid lines.
Safety Is the Main Priority
Pickpockets and thieves can be a serious problem during large events like concerts. Protect yourself by only bringing the absolute necessities for the event; you probably don’t need to carry around a lot of cash or even your passport. Leave them in the hotel safe. You may also want to invest in a phone case that has a strap that keeps it close to your person, and a purse that zips. Both of these make it more difficult for thieves to take your valuables. And we know you love styling at events, but keep the designer gear in the hotel or leave it at home.
If you have an iPhone, you can purchase an Airtag (or another tracking device that connects to your phone) and keep them in your purse and luggage, so you can easily find them in case something happens. If you’re going in a group, you can also temporarily share your location with friends in case you get separated.
International Travel Technology You Should Bring Along
Before you buy everything in your Amazon cart, there are only a few tech items you should bring along on your trip: a portable power bank for your mobile device; a small portable fan that you can slip in your purse; an eSim for international calls, text and data (usually under $50 for a week); and a power adapter if you will be in Europe or Asia.
Lastly, make sure you know the quickest way to and from the venue, download copies of your tickets to your mobile device in case you can’t use data at the venue and have fun.
Products featured on EBONY are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. However, when you buy something through our retail links, EBONY may earn an affiliate commission.