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By Quincy Williamson
last updated
Contributions from
Erin Bendig, Donna LeValley
You might think that foreign travel has to be expensive, but this isn’t the case for every destination. With inflation hiking prices all around the world, there are still places where your dollar will stretch enough to make your dream vacation a reality. You can still hike around World Heritage sites or relax on the best beaches, and it will cost you less than other popular travel hotspots.
Our ranking is based on how each currency is currently performing against the dollar (at the time of writing). If you want to find out which are the cheapest cities in the world to travel to, we’ve got the details to help you decide where to head next.
Data sources include: The Federal Reserve, Oanda FX Date Services, Reuters, and Numbeo's cost of living database
1/10
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10. Peru
Peru/Peruvian Sol
With roughly 4.5 million visitors a year, Peru has plenty to boast about. This South American country offers tons to do — there's exploring the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Maras salt flats, the Amazon river, and the beach-strewn coasts. Even with a tourism boom, your dollar will go far here against the Peruvian sol.
1 USD will get you almost 4 PEN.
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2/10
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9. Mexico
Mexico/Mexican Peso
The Mexican Peso is the strongest it has been in five years. Even with this impressive growth, your dollar still has an advantage here. A meal in Mexico could cost you just $5. If you include a beer, you’ll pay around $6.50. In Mexico City, you can also book a four-star hotel for as low as $29 a night.
1 USD equates to 17 MXN.
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3/10
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8. South Africa
South Africa/South African Rand
Have you always wanted to go on a safari? This dream may not be out of reach. South Africa is the host to one of the world's most famous safari destinations — the Kruger National Park — and has a thriving safari industry. Some places even offer safari tours for as little as $146 a day. If you're not a safari enthusiast, don't worry, South Africa also offers climbing, hiking and adventure on the Western Cape's Garden Route, world-renowned vineyards Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, as well as cities like Cape Town and plenty of sun-kissed beaches.
1 USD equals 19 ZAR.
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4/10
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7. South Korea
South Korea/South Korean Won
Between its vast and affordable transit system, wide range of dining options, and abundance of low-cost activities and attractions, South Korea can prove a relatively inexpensive travel destination.
The Discover Seoul Pass — ranging from ₩39,900 ($29.80) for one day to ₩70,000 ($52.29) for three days — offers more than 200 deals, including admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace, built six centuries ago by the Chosun dynasty. Located on the grounds are the National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum. You also get free use of the city’s public bicycles and a free ride on the AREX train system that can get you from SeoulStation to Incheon International Airport.
If you're looking to experience a bit of the local culture, without breaking the bank, try visiting a traditional Korean sauna. The Jeonnam Damyang Resort Hot Spring Sauna, for example, offers 13 kinds of hot springs and costs just $6.59.
Now is one of the best times to visit.
1 USD equates to 1,340 KRW. (All you’ll have to worry about is the airfare.)
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5/10
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6. Japan
Japan/Japanese Yen
Traveling to Japan may seem unattainable for most Americans due to the high airfare prices. A quick search on Google Flights found roundtrip flights from Atlanta to Tokyo for a week in April starting at a hefty $1,549. However, if you can get past this initial cost barrier, you'll be pleased to know that lodging, the cost of food and the yen all highly favor anyone with the U.S. dollar.
Tokyo, Japan's largest city, can be surprisingly inexpensive for American tourists. For example, a visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where you can see Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, costs just $3.38.
1 USD equates to 148 JPY.
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6/10
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5. Argentina
Argentina/Argentine Peso
In September 2023, Argentina’s inflation rate hit its highest rate since the 1990s, 124%. And because of this, foreign travel to the country increased. Argentina is now the most visited country in South America with approximately seven million tourists per year. From the cosmopolitan streets of the “Paris of South America (Buenos Aires)” to the unique biodiversity of Patagonia, you can’t miss out when traveling here. In September 2023 alone, 580,000 tourists visited the country, spending $345 million.
1 USD gives you 821 ARS.
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7/10
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4. Hungary
Hungary/Hungarian Forint
Whether you're trying Hungarian goulash (the national dish), taking a river cruise along the Danube or listening to a traditional folk band in Budapest, the costs of dining out, transportation and entertainment in this eastern European country are all significantly lower than their counterparts in the west. When added up, these three activities will cost you on average just $16 per day.
1 USD in Hungary gets you 352 HUF.
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8/10
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3. Chile
Chile/Chilean Peso
Airfare, tourism and the Chilean Peso's value have dropped drastically in recent years. A study carried out by Macrotrends found that Chile's tourism dropped 68.47% from 2019 to 2020. But, with this decline comes opportunity. From good food and wine to outdoor adventures and the bustling metropolis of Santiago, there is plenty to do here, and as always, great prices.
1 USD equates to 910 CLP.
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9/10
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2. Colombia
Colombia/Colombian Peso
For years Colombia was known solely for its drug cartels and armed conflicts. Now, the country is starting to shine in a new light. With immaculate beaches and luscious jungles, Colombia offers a little bit of everything. Here you can buy a meal for just $3.00. It also recently ranked on this list of the best countries to retire 2024.
1 USD in Colombian equates to 3,904 COP.
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10/10
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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 the famous Vietnamese coffee and a delicious baguette, then in the afternoon visiting war history museums or one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam.
1 USD equates to 24,565 VND.
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Quincy Williamson
Digital Producer, Kiplinger.com
Quincy is the digital producer at Kiplinger. He joined Kiplinger in May 2021. Before, he worked at Agora Financial - Paradigm Press and was a contributing writer for several other online media publications.
In his current role at Kiplinger, Quincy produces several newsletters, including Kiplinger Today, Investing Weekly, Tax Tips, Kiplinger’s Special Report, and Closing Bell. At the same time, he writes numerous articles every month.
When he’s not working, he’s taking his dogs for a walk or fishing.
With contributions from
- Erin BendigPersonal Finance Writer
- Donna LeValleyPersonal Finance Writer
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