10 Countries Where the U.S. Dollar Goes the Furthest

I’ve been an avid traveler since my very first study abroad experience in Germany in 2008. Since then, I’ve spent a year teaching English in the Czech Republic, hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and even spent a couple of weeks feeding elephants in Thailand.

What have I learned in these travels? It can pay big to visit a country where the U.S. dollar (USD) goes further. For example, when I went to Thailand, I stayed in five-star hotels for less than $100 a night.

If you want to live like royalty when you travel abroad, there are plenty of places across the globe where your hard-earned dollars will go further.

10 countries where you can stretch your money further

Full disclosure: In all my time traveling, I’ve never been to most of the countries below. But after seeing how much cheaper they are than the United States, some are definitely on my list.

Lebanon offers a unique blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant city life. If you visit, you can see the historic sites of Baalbek and Byblos, relax on the pristine beaches of Beirut, and experience the nightlife and delicious cuisine of this Mediterranean gem.

However, the U.S. Department of State currently does not consider Lebanon safe for Americans and has a “do not travel” advisory in place, so don’t plan a trip just yet.

If you visit Iran, you’ll probably notice the stately and richly-colored architecture first. The magnificent ruins of Persepolis are a popular stop, as is the beauty of Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Just keep in mind the U.S. Department of State strongly advises against traveling here as well, for the time being.

From Hanoi's bustling streets to Ha Long Bay's serenity, Vietnam is undoubtedly on my bucket list — and it should be on yours as well. Your preferences might vary, but I plan to visit ancient temples, hike the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and eat as much phở and bánh mì as possible.

Indonesia is vast, with over 17,000 islands to explore. If you’re a beach lover, you’ll be at home in the warm waters of Bali. Of course, there are also ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan for adventurers and wildlife in Sumatra and Borneo for the more nature-minded.

Traveling to Uzbekistan is like stepping back in time, so it would seem from photographs and travel guides. The country has a number of historical mausoleums and mosques with direct ties to the ancient Silk Road trade route. Of particular note are the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which offer intricate architecture and tilework that’ll leave you stunned.

Nature lovers need to book a trip to Paraguay, as it’s filled with unexplored subtropical forests and swamps teeming with wildlife you can’t see elsewhere. Enjoy the beauty of the Paraguay and Paraná River, or head to the rainforests of the Chaco region for a guided trek.

Located just off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar might be best known for the children’s movie of its namesake in your household But it’s more than just a cartoon, with a huge variety of wildlife and landscapes to explore. Check out the Avenue of the Baobabs forest, or explore Isalo National Park to get a hearty dose of the outdoors.

From the streets of Cartagena to the stunning landscapes of the Andes Mountains, Colombia offers a diverse and unforgettable travel experience. There are several historical sites to see, including the San Felipe de Barajas Fort, and plenty of beaches to relax on, like Isla Barú.

But be warned: the U.S. Department of State currently classifies Colombia as a level 3 travel threat — meaning it warns you to reconsider traveling there due to civil unrest and kidnappings.

If your goal is to see as many endangered species as possible, Uganda might be the place — when the country is safer. It offers the chance to see gorillas, rhinos, chimpanzees, and more. A safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular activities.

Unfortunately, Uganda is also under a level 3 travel threat due to crime and terrorism, so you shouldn’t visit until this changes.

I visited Cambodia in 2017, so I can attest that the U.S. dollar stretches far here. I hired my own personal guide to take me around Angkor Wat and other ancient temples for an entire day, and it was less than a hundred dollars. Food and drinks are also incredibly inexpensive and delicious.

Why are some countries so cheap to travel to?

Put simply, the reason some countries cost so little to travel to comes down to exchange rates. Right now, the USD is around the tenth strongest currency in the world — meaning it’s relatively valuable compared to other countries’ currencies. If a currency is less valuable than the USD, you’ll get a value better than 1:1 when you convert your cash.

However, you also have to consider the cost of living in a location. If things cost more in a certain country, it doesn’t matter what USD is worth there.

For example, one Swiss Franc is currently worth $1.13 USD — a fairly even exchange rate. But when you look at the cost of a Big Mac in Switzerland, it averages $8.07 USD, according to the Statista Big Mac Index. That’s compared to an average of $5.69 in the United States. So, while traveling to Switzerland might look good on paper, it’s not an especially cheap country to travel to.

Tips for stretching your dollars when traveling

1. Avoid withdrawing money from airport or train station ATMs. In my experience, these ATMS have much higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. You’re better off going to a bank — especially if you can find a branch of a bank you have an account with or one that doesn’t charge international ATM fees.
2. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Some credit cards charge you as much as 3% every time you swipe abroad. If you spend $2,000 on your trip, that’s $60 in fees — enough for a fancy dinner or two in some countries. But there are many great credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
3. Pay with credit card points. If you have a travel rewards credit card, you can use the points you’ve earned to book your flights, hotels, and rental cars. I used points I earned on my Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card card to book a five-star hotel in Bucharest this summer, and I ended up paying just a couple hundred dollars out of pocket.

FAQs

What country is the US dollar the strongest in?

The USD is strongest in Lebanon. One USD is worth 89,550 Lebanese pounds.

What are the 3 strongest currencies in the world?

Right now, the three strongest global currencies are the Kuwaiti dinar, Bahraini dinar, and Omani rial. One U.S. dollar equals 0.30, 0.37, and 0.38 of these currencies, respectively.

How far does $1 go in Argentina?

One U.S. dollar equals around 990 Argentine Pesos. In Argentina, you can get an inexpensive meal for $9.71 USD and a bottle of water for $1.05 USD.

The U.S. dollar often enjoys a favorable exchange rate internationally. With a little bit of research, you can travel without breaking the bank.

As always, be on the lookout for ways to be smart with your finances, such as signing up for a new credit card, researching your destinations ahead of time to compare pricing, and planning your trips during off seasons.