You might think that foreign travel has to be expensive; however, this isn’t the case for every destination. There are plenty of locations where your dollar will stretch enough to make your dream vacation a reality. You can still hike around World Heritage sites or relax on stunning beaches, and it will cost you less than many popular travel hotspots.
Our ranking is based on how each currency is currently performing against the dollar (at the time of writing). To find the cheapest countries in the world to travel to, we’ve provided details to help you decide where to head next.
1. Vietnam
Vietnam/Vietnamese Dong
Vietnam is one of the most culturally rich countries in the world. You could find yourself one morning soaking up the city sites with a cup of famous Vietnamese coffee and a delicious baguette, then visiting war history museums or one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in the afternoon. The average daily price to get around in Vietnam is just $12 per person.
1 USD equates to 24,592.80 VND.
2. Colombia
Colombia/Colombian Peso
For years, Colombia was known solely for its drug cartels and armed conflicts. Now, the country shines in a new light. With immaculate beaches and lush jungles, Colombia offers a little bit of everything. The average cost of food in Colombia is just $11 per day.
1 USD in Colombia equates to 4,192.55 COP.
3. Chile
Chile/Chilean Peso
From great food and wine to outdoor adventures and the bustling metropolis of Santiago, there is plenty to do in Chile at wonderful prices. Expect to pay just $106 a day for your vacation. The average hotel price in Santiago is only $70.
1 USD equates to 912.92 CLP.
4. Hungary
Hungary/Hungarian Forint
Whether you’re trying Hungarian goulash, taking a river cruise along the Danube, or listening to a traditional folk band in Budapest, the costs of dining, transportation, and entertainment in this Eastern European country are significantly lower than their counterparts in the west.
1 USD in Hungary gets you 355.20 HUF.
5. Argentina
Argentina/Argentine Peso
Argentina remains one of the most visited countries in South America, attracting approximately seven million tourists annually. With stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, you can’t miss out when traveling here. 1 USD gives you 967.67 ARS.
6. Japan
Japan/Japanese Yen
Although traveling to Japan may seem daunting due to high airfare, the cost of lodging and food highly favors travelers using U.S. dollars. Tokyo can be surprisingly inexpensive for American tourists, where a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden costs just $3.46.
1 USD equates to 144.60 JPY.
7. South Korea
South Korea/South Korean Won
South Korea features a vast and affordable transit system, diverse dining options, and a wealth of low-cost activities and attractions. An example is the Discover Seoul Pass, offering significant deals including admission to various historic sites.
1 USD equates to 1,336.78 KRW.
8. Mexico
Mexico/Mexican Peso
The Mexican Peso is currently the strongest it’s been against the U.S. dollar since 2015. However, even with this impressive growth, your dollar still has an advantage here. An inexpensive meal in Mexico can cost around just $10, and in many cases, you can buy a beer for just $1.
1 USD equates to 19.59 MXN.
9. South Africa
South Africa/South African Rand
Have you always wanted to go on a safari? South Africa hosts one of the world’s most famous safari destinations, the Kruger National Park. Beyond majestic safaris, the country offers climbing, hiking, world-renowned vineyards, and beautiful beaches.
1 USD equals 17.28 ZAR.
10. Peru
Peru/Peruvian Sol
With around 4.5 million visitors a year, Peru has many attractions. Explore the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu or the beautiful coastlines, where your dollar stretches far against the Peruvian Sol.
1 USD will get you 3.76 PEN.
