There are times when there is going to be a clash in regard to the two cultures we find ourselves in with this subject.
For the western man he is rather reluctant to give until he knows that this is possibly the perfect relationship. As many of us has seen even meeting face to face, spending time together and even getting married does not insure that you will not be taken advantage of.
It is kind of like buying a used car. You find one, you like the way it looks, it seems to run real good, but the real question is will it last. There isn't much difference here except you are messing with people lives and emotions. Bottom line is the man and the woman. Is he willing to take the chance, kick the tires so to speak, and see if it is worth while. Is it possible that he might lose? It is always possible. But to sit on the sideline and never venture out gets you nowhere real fast.
It is up to you but I wouldn't give until it hurts. How much would you give on a first time date? I wouldn't give much more than that before meeting face to face.