Thank you all so much! I'm in the US. I could pretty much have as big of a cage as I needed. Of course when I would have it sit on my shoulder and crawl around on me, I'd be on the floor or in my bed where it couldn't get hurt.
Serendipity- your lil hammy is soooo cute! I think I want a Syrian if I end up getting a hamster. I'm still pretty torn on whether I want a hamster or a mouse. For bedding- could I just use an assortment of paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, and Kaytee Clean N Cozy? Just to make the cost less?