You might think that foreign travel has to be expensive, but this isn’t the case for every destination. There are plenty of 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 many 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 the cheapest countries 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, Statistica, Budget Your Trip, Bloomberg and Numbeo's cost of living database.
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. Known for its vibrant festivals and world-class cuisine, including ceviche and pisco sours. Even with a tourism boom, your dollar will go far here against the Peruvian Sol.
1 USD will get you 3.71 PEN.
South Africa/South African Rand
Have you always wanted to go on a safari? This dream may not be out of reach. South Africa hosts 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 $158 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. From Table Mountain to whale watching and shark diving, South Africa offers something for every traveler.
1 USD equals 18.73 ZAR.
Mexico/Mexican Peso
The Mexican Peso is currently the strongest it's been against the US dollar since 2015. However, even with this impressive growth, your dollar still has an advantage here. An inexpensive meal in Mexico could cost you around just $10. And in many cases, you can buy a beer for just $1. In Mexico City, the nightly rate for a hotel room is an affordable $63.
Beyond affordability, Mexico boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to iconic landmarks like the historic Zócalo plaza and the breathtaking Palacio de Bellas Artes. Art lovers can immerse themselves in the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, while history buffs explore the ruins of ancient civilizations at Teotihuacan. With its rich tapestry of traditions, cuisine, and creativity, Mexico provides a travel experience that’s as enriching as it is economical.
1 USD equates to 20.33 MXN.
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 ₩70,000 (around $51) for two days to ₩130,000 (around $94) for five 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 ride on the AREX train system that can get you from Seoul Station to Incheon International Airport for around $7.
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 around $5.20.
1 USD equates to 1,473.80 KRW.
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 nonstop flights from Atlanta to Tokyo for a week in December starting at $905. 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 around $3 — or only $1.65 if you're 65 or older.
Many of Tokyo's top attractions, like the historic Senso-ji Temple and the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, are free to enter, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage at no cost. Public transportation, one of the most efficient in the world, allows you to traverse the city for just a few dollars.
1 USD equates to 157.87 JPY.
Argentina/Argentine Peso
Argentina is one of the most visited countries 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.
Buenos Aires is also a hub for art lovers, featuring institutions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and MALBA, alongside colorful street art in neighborhoods like Palermo. Beyond the capital, regional traditions shine through festivals in Salta and Jujuy, where Indigenous music, crafts and dance come to life. Argentina’s love for literature is reflected in its iconic bookstores, such as El Ateneo Grand Splendid, often hailed as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
1 USD gives you 1,028.50 ARS.
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.
Hungary’s rich culture adds immense value to its affordability. In Budapest, marvel at architectural wonders like the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, or soak in the historic thermal baths that date back to Roman times. Across the countryside, quaint villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Hortobágy National Park, further highlight Hungary’s deep cultural and artistic roots.
1 USD in Hungary gets you 393.79 HUF.
Chile/Chilean Peso
From good food and wine to outdoor adventures and the bustling metropolis of Santiago, there is plenty to do in Chile, and as always, great prices. The country is home to some of the driest deserts in the world, pink sand beaches, volcanoes, glaciers and lush forests for you to explore.
On your vacation to Chile, expect to pay just around $106 a day. The average hotel price in Santiago is only $70. Dining out is affordable, with local specialties like empanadas and pastel de choclo offering a taste of Chilean culture at a reasonable price. Don’t miss the chance to sample the country's renowned wines, particularly from the Maipo and Colchagua Valleys, or explore its vibrant markets like La Vega Central in Santiago. Chile offers a balance of adventure and value.
1 USD equates to 990.10 CLP.
Colombia/Colombian Peso
With its vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes, Colombia offers a remarkable blend of culture, adventure and value. The country has immaculate beaches along the Caribbean coast, lush jungles in the Amazon and the iconic Coffee Triangle’s rolling green hills.
The average cost of food in Colombia is just $11 per day, making it easy to enjoy local dishes like bandeja paisa and fresh arepas. While there, don’t miss Cartagena’s colorful colonial charm, Medellín’s innovative transformation, or Bogotá’s markets and historic La Candelaria district.
Colombia also ranked on this list of the best countries to retire in 2024.
1 USD in Colombia equates to 4,397.89 COP.
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 visiting war history museums or one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam in the afternoon. The average daily price to get around in Vietnam is just $12 per person.
With its stunning landscapes, from the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the serene waters of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam offers a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty at an unbeatable value.
1 USD equates to 25,454.94 VND.
