This study aims to estimate the factors explaining the expenditure of the 2018 Asian Games’ international attendees, including athletes, officials, journalists, committees and spectators. During two weeks of the event, a survey was administered yielding valid responses from 1914 respondents. The findings suggest that spending compositions differ across age group, country of origins and types of participant. Furthermore, the total spending correlates with types of participants, age group, country of origins, length of stay, travelling experiences and internet provision. The respondents’ perception on host country’s safety and security is also an important aspect to be considered for future mega sporting event, especially after the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The implications of the findings are discussed. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.