I've done 2 hairs transplants in singapore and 1 in Bangkok. The first was a big one where I actually reshaped my hairline completely because my hairline was receding, and the rest were more to fill up and get more density
I suggest you try to go with as many grafts as possible even if the cost is going to be high. You will not get a 100% takeup rate for the implanted hair and it's better to be over dense than too sparse.
I am also on propecia or finasteride. I don't take it super often, maybe 3 times a week or so. You need to be on it because even if you have the transplant, you will continue to shed so you are not arresting the root problem to begin with and you will eventually lose your implanted hair over time. You just have to decide if you can live with the side effects or not.
Minox I tried for a short period of time and started shedding very badly. I have read that that is part of the process and you will regrow after shedding, but I have also read countless experiences where people just keep shedding and never regrow, it was not worth the risk for me. I can honestly say that going for a transplant was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life