14 Countries Where the Exchange Rate Works in Your Favor

When your home currency is strong, the world opens up differently. Destinations that were “someday” suddenly slip into reach, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences feel affordable. This guide highlights places where exchange rates and local costs stack up in your favor—along with realistic budgets, on-the-ground prices, and smart money moves. Rates do shift, so think in ranges, not exact numbers, and always check live rates before you book.

How to use this guide (and stretch your money)

• Budgets use USD equivalents for one traveler, per day, excluding flights: “Shoestring” (hostels, street food, buses), “Mid-range” (boutique stays, sit-down meals, taxis), and “Comfort” (nice hotels, guided tours, domestic flights).

• Prices vary by city and season. Capital cities and beach hotspots cost more than secondary towns.

• Cash still matters in many budget-friendly countries. Keep a no-foreign-fee card, decline “dynamic currency conversion” on card terminals, and carry small bills for tips, taxis, and markets.

• Respect local economies. Tip fairly, buy local, and avoid bargaining to the bone on handcrafted goods.

Asia

Vietnam

Vietnam’s dong, combined with competitive local prices, lets travelers do more for less—from Hanoi’s food alleys to Hoi An’s tailor shops and the karst peaks of Ninh Binh. Value is strong across lodging, food, and transport.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $30–45; Mid-range $60–100; Comfort $120–180.

• Sample prices: Bowl of pho $1.50–3; Grab ride across town $2–6; Nice boutique hotel in Hoi An $45–80.

• Tips: ATMs are widespread; some charge fees, so withdraw larger amounts less often. Tailor-made clothing is a standout buy. Best time: Feb–April and Sept–Nov for milder weather.

Indonesia (focus on Bali and beyond)

Beyond Bali’s trendy side, Indonesia’s rupiah stretches nicely across Java, Lombok, and Flores. Local fares, guesthouses, and roadside eateries keep costs low.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $30–50; Mid-range $70–110; Comfort $130–200.

• Sample prices: Nasi goreng plate $1.50–3; Motorbike rental $5–8/day; Mid-range hotel $40–80 (more in Canggu/Ubud).

• Tips: Cash is king in warungs and rural areas; many ATMs dispense limited amounts. Avoid high-fee money changers—use bank-affiliated counters. Dry season (May–Sept) is ideal beyond crowds.

Thailand

The baht has had swings, but Thailand remains one of the world’s best value destinations for food, transport, and hospitality. Northern Thailand especially shines on price-to-experience.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $35–55; Mid-range $70–120; Comfort $140–220.

• Sample prices: Night-market meal $2–4; Intercity bus Bangkok–Chiang Mai $20–30; Boutique hotel in Chiang Mai $35–70.

• Tips: ATMs often charge a fixed foreign card fee—withdraw more, less often. Use local SIMs and ride-hailing apps to curb taxi costs. Best time: Nov–Feb.

Sri Lanka

After currency volatility, Sri Lanka offers exceptional value on scenic trains, wildlife safaris, and guesthouses with real character.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $25–45; Mid-range $60–100; Comfort $120–180.

• Sample prices: Scenic train (Kandy–Ella) $2–7; Curry-and-rice lunch $2–4; Safari jeep share in Yala from $30–50.

• Tips: Many guesthouses prefer cash. Book trains early for reserved seats. Shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct) balance price, weather, and crowds.

India

The rupee’s long-term affordability plus huge regional diversity means you can tailor your spend—from heritage havelis to Himalayan homestays.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $20–40; Mid-range $50–90; Comfort $110–180.

• Sample prices: Thali meal $1–3; App-based city ride $1–4; Nice heritage stay in Rajasthan $40–90.

• Tips: Use UPI-enabled apps if you have local access; otherwise carry small bills. Trains are excellent value—book in advance. Best time: Oct–March.

Nepal

Nepal’s rupee goes far in trekking towns, with cost-effective tea houses and cheap regional transport. Even guided treks are attainable with a strong foreign currency.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $20–35 (tea houses); Mid-range $45–80; Comfort $100–160.

• Sample prices: Dal bhat set $2–4; Kathmandu taxi $2–6; Trekking permits vary—budget $30–60+.

• Tips: Cash is essential in mountain regions; ATMs are city-based. Pay for hot showers and charging on treks. Prime trekking seasons: Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr.

Africa

Egypt

The Egyptian pound’s weakness versus hard currencies turns bucket-list sights—pyramids, Nile cruises, Luxor temples—into real deals.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $25–45; Mid-range $60–110; Comfort $130–220.

• Sample prices: Museum/temple entries $3–15; Mid-range Nile cruise deals from $60–120/day; Koshari meal $1–2.

• Tips: Expect dual pricing at major sites. Use official banks/ATMs; carry small bills for tips and taxis. Best months: Oct–April.

Morocco

Morocco isn’t the cheapest in Africa, but the dirham still delivers solid value across riads, food, and transport—especially outside the most touristed medinas.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $30–50; Mid-range $70–120; Comfort $130–220.

• Sample prices: Tagine or couscous $3–6; Intercity train (Rabat–Fes) $10–20; Mid-range riad in Fes $50–90.

• Tips: Bargain respectfully in souks; many shops take cards now, but cash is smoother. Avoid DCC on card terminals. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fair prices.

South Africa

A historically soft rand relative to USD/EUR amplifies value on safaris, wine country, and coastal road trips.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $40–60; Mid-range $80–140; Comfort $150–260.

• Sample prices: Cappuccino $1.50–3; Domestic flight Joburg–Cape Town $40–90 (sales); Self-catering cottage in the Winelands $50–100.

• Tips: Self-drive safaris in national parks slash costs compared to private reserves. Many places accept cards, but keep a little cash for small vendors. Best time varies: May–Sept for wildlife visibility in the northeast.

Europe and West Asia

Turkey

The lira’s sharp devaluations have made Turkey one of the best-value destinations for architecture, food, and coastal escapes—despite rising popularity.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $30–50; Mid-range $70–120; Comfort $140–220.

• Sample prices: Simit + tea breakfast $1–2; Intercity bus Istanbul–Cappadocia region $20–35; Stylish Istanbul hotel $60–120 outside peak.

• Tips: Cards widely accepted; keep cash for markets and dolmuş minibuses. Consider e-visa options. Spring and fall give great weather and prices.

Georgia

Georgia’s GEL remains favorable against major currencies, and the country offers long visa-free stays for many nationalities—perfect for slow travel.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $25–40; Mid-range $50–90; Comfort $110–170.

• Sample prices: Khachapuri or khinkali meal $3–6; Intercity marshrutka $3–10; Charming guesthouse in wine country $30–60.

• Tips: Cash works everywhere; cards in cities are fine. Don’t miss affordable winery tours in Kakheti. Year-round destination, with skiing in winter and vineyards in autumn.

The Americas

Colombia

The peso’s depreciation in recent years has made Colombia’s cities, coffee regions, and Caribbean coast very wallet-friendly.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $25–45; Mid-range $60–100; Comfort $120–190.

• Sample prices: Arepa or bandeja lunch $2–5; Domestic flight Medellín–Cartagena $30–80 (advance); Boutique hotel in Medellín $40–90.

• Tips: ATMs in reputable banks are safest; card acceptance is improving. Uber-like apps reduce taxi haggling. Dry seasons vary by region; Dec–Mar is popular on the Caribbean coast.

Peru

Peru offers steady value: hearty meals, affordable buses and flights, and family-run stays. Even Machu Picchu can fit a smart budget with advance planning.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $25–45; Mid-range $60–100; Comfort $120–190.

• Sample prices: Menu del día $2–4; Cusco–Ollantaytambo train from $30–70 (shop around); Mid-range hotel in Arequipa $35–70.

• Tips: Buy Machu Picchu tickets early; alternative treks (Salkantay, Lares) are cost-effective. Cash for markets; cards fine in cities. Best periods: May–Sept in the Andes.

Argentina

Currency instability means prices feel strikingly low in USD/EUR terms, though they can move quickly. Buenos Aires, wine country, and Patagonia can be attainable with smart planning.

• Typical budgets: Shoestring $30–50; Mid-range $70–120; Comfort $140–230.

• Sample prices: Steak dinner with wine $8–20; Subte (metro) ride in Buenos Aires: pocket change; Comfortable hotel in Mendoza $50–100.

• Tips: Exchange dynamics change—research the current rate and preferred payment methods before you go. Many travelers use cards where the bank provides a favorable rate; others bring some crisp USD as backup. Spring (Sept–Nov) and fall (Mar–May) shine.

Picking the right destination for your travel style

• Food-focused: Vietnam, Thailand, Turkey, and Georgia deliver flavor per dollar like few places on earth.

• Nature-heavy: Nepal for trekking, South Africa for wildlife, Peru for mountains and desert coast, Indonesia for islands.

• Culture and history: Egypt, Morocco, India, and Turkey layer ancient sites with living traditions.

• Urban energy: Buenos Aires, Medellín, Bangkok, and Istanbul are top value for city lovers.

Realistic examples of what a day can cost

• $40 in Hanoi: Hostel bed, pho breakfast, museum entry, coffee, bun cha lunch, rideshare, beer corner, and a lakeside dinner—change to spare.

• $80 in Cape Town: Mid-range guesthouse, coffee and pastry, rental car share for the day, Chapman’s Peak drive, seafood lunch, wine tasting, budget-friendly dinner with views.

• $120 in Istanbul: Chic hotel, ferry rides on the Bosphorus, museum passes, meze dinner for two, and enough left for baklava and coffee.

Smart money moves on the road

• Check live rates with a reliable app before big purchases.

• Use a debit card that refunds ATM fees, or withdraw less often to offset fixed fees.

• Always pay in local currency when a terminal offers to convert to your home currency.

• Keep a small emergency stash in a separate place, and photograph receipts for large cash exchanges.

• Where tipping is customary, small local-currency notes go a long way—ask your hotel for guidance on norms.

A few caveats

• Exchange rates can change fast. If a destination’s currency suddenly strengthens, costs rise. If it weakens, budget more local cash to avoid ATM runs.

• In countries facing inflation or multiple exchange rates (e.g., Argentina, Egypt), prices may adjust quickly. Book key costs early, and stay flexible with dining and activities.

• The best deals often sit just beyond the tourist core. Two blocks off the main square or one neighborhood away can cut lodging and meal prices by a third without sacrificing experience.

Putting it all together

If you’re chasing maximum value, structure your trip around one or two of these destinations and linger. Weekly and monthly rates can halve nightly prices, overnight buses save on hotel nights, and local eateries beat “international” menus on flavor and price. Track the exchange rate from the day you book to the day you land, and make small, savvy adjustments—book a nicer room, add a side trip, upgrade to that scenic train.

With a strong currency, you’re not just saving money—you’re buying time and freedom. Spend both wisely.