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The 10 cheapest countries to visit in 2025: Where to get the most for your dollar
Traveling from the US? Here’s our list of the best cheap countries to visit as a US tourist, including Mexico, Laos, Vietnam, and more.
If you’re planning a budget-friendly vacation and are traveling from the US, you definitely have a significant advantage: the exchange rates.
As a US traveler, you can comfortably explore destinations such as Mexico, Indonesia, and Thailand with only a $35-50 daily spend. And you don’t have to compromise on comfort and luxury or break the bank for a great trip.
Below, you can find 10 of the cheapest countries to visit in 2025 — especially for those traveling on the dollar. Follow through to learn more about conversions from USD to local currency, budgets for daily expenses, accommodation, food, and activities, and which states to fly out from for the cheapest flights.
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Vietnam
If you’re wondering which country is the best value for money, look no further than Vietnam. Its natural beauty and a never-ending list of affordable activities make it an ideal destination for making memories on a budget. Plus, with increasing exchange rates in favor of the dollar, you’ll find that Vietnam is arguably the cheapest country for US travelers.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Vietnam:
- Exchange rate: 1 United States Dollar = ~25,000 Vietnamese Dong
- Budget guide: $25-45/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $500-600 (LAX to Ho Chi Minh City)
How to get the best value for money in Vietnam
Take a day cruise from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay for as low as $34! Explore Thien Cung Cave, punctured with thousands of vibrant stalagmites dating back millions of years, and end your day with a mouth-watering local seafood meal on the boat.
Mexico
While Cancun, Cabo, and Tulum may be popular destinations in Mexico, they’re not the best choice when planning budget-friendly travel. Instead, look at roads not taken and paths less traveled but nonetheless beautiful, safe, and cheap. Oaxaca City is a great and affordable place to visit in Mexico, and it has historical Mayan sites such as Monte Alban. You don’t have to spend more than $10 on enjoyable excursions; many activities are free or incredibly cheap for US tourists (only $2).
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Mexico:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~21 Mexican Peso
- Budget guide: $40-65/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $450-500 (Boston Logan Airport to Mexico City Toluca Intl)
How to get the best value for money in Mexico
Rent a kayak for 100 pesos ($5) and explore Bacalar’s crystal-clear blue lagoon! Or go sailing on a catamaran; a 3-hour tour equipped with beer and snacks is only $38.
South Africa
South Africa might not be the first choice on your list when thinking of vacation destinations. However, US tourists looking for the cheapest countries to visit should definitely keep South Africa on their radar. It’s the perfect balance of wildlife, adventure, and diverse landscapes, and the dollar can stretch quite far here. Plus, you don’t have to necessarily miss out on classic vacation ventures such as lounging on the beach. South African beaches are known to be luxurious, secluded, and free!
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to South Africa:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~18 South African Rand
- Budget guide: $49-75/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $800-850 (New York John F Kennedy Intl to Johannesburg or Tambo)
How to get the best value for money in South Africa
Book a full-day safari at Kruger National Park for as little as $70! Embark at sunrise and enjoy the bumpy ride across the park’s rugged terrain. Watch for elusive leopards, trumpeting elephants, and giraffes munching on acacia trees.
Indonesia
While Bali is clearly the favorite, Indonesia has many alternative and more affordable locations. When it comes to the dollar, US travelers can get their money’s worth by exploring cheaper islands such as Lombok and Java. Venture away from tourism hotspots like Bali, which is now expensive for US tourists too, and have a unique experience worth more than the money you’ll spend.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Indonesia:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~16,150 Indonesian Rupiah
- Budget guide: $30-55/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $590-650 (New York John F Kennedy Intl to Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Intl)
How to get the best value for money in Indonesia
Swim inside the magical Rangko Cave and witness the pristine blue waters for only $55 on a half-day tour in Labuan Bajo. You can also do some snorkeling at Boleng Beach, the one clear snorkeling spot in the area.
Laos
Suppose you’re looking for the cheapest country to visit, and Thailand doesn’t meet your budget constraints. Consider Laos instead. You’ll get to experience the same things Thailand has to offer: mountains, adventure, and jungle treks, with an extra advantage for US tourists: an even better exchange rate! Recently, improved infrastructure has made Laos even more travel-friendly without costing its natural beauty.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Laos:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~22,000 Laotian Kip
- Budget guide: $25-45/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $700-750 (Los Angeles to Vientiane Wattay)
How to get the best value for money in Laos
Unleash your wild side, head over to the Rock Viewpoint, and cross the spider net bridge, among other exhilarating experiences, for only $59.
Albania
Ever dreamed of vacationing in the European countryside by the mountains? Now, you can do it for half the price in Albania. This mountainous country in the Balkan peninsula is currently having its moment as a top travel destination, and the best part is that it might be one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Due to Albania still being under the radar as a popular tourist destination, you’ll find the best travel deals, accommodation, and activities to experience without spending big bucks.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Albania:
- Exchange rate: United States Dollar = ~95 Albanian Lek
- Budget guide: $25-50/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $450-500 (New York to Tirana Rinas)
How to get the best value for money in Albania
Experience the Blue Eye Springs’ strong currents push you to the water’s surface on a $29 excursion from Sarande, Albania.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is next on our list of cheap travel destinations. This European country is delightfully under-visited even in peak seasons, making it a top destination for budget travelers. Here you’ll find an abundance of old quaint towns, cobbled streets and cafes, and historical structures. Bulgaria has a way of satisfying every travel itch and preference, along with some of the best budget-friendly attractions.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Bulgaria:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~2 Bulgarian Lev
- Budget guide: $40-70/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $470-800 (Boston Logan Intl to Sofia)
How to get the best value for money in Bulgaria
A full-day tour exploring the city of Plovdiv for only $36, and you’ll see some of Bulgaria’s most historic landmarks, museums, and Roman amphitheaters!
Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia, and the country is unspoiled, full of natural beauty, and home to stunning archeological sites. With humongous religious monuments like those at Angkor Wat and unfragmented rainforests in the Cardamom Mountain region, Cambodia should definitely be on your list for the adventure of a lifetime. And the dollar’s power here doesn’t hurt. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, consider visiting Cambodia.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Cambodia:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~4,000 Cambodian Riel
- Budget guide: $25-45/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $590-650 (San Francisco to Phnom Penh Pochentong)
How to get the best value for money in Cambodia
Begin your trip with a three-day fully serviced trek in the Cardamom Mountain region starting from only $9! Explore the jungle, mountainous landscapes, and bamboo forests at a price some US tourists might consider almost free.
Nicaragua
Many overlook Nicaragua, not knowing that it is Central America’s most budget-friendly travel destination — especially if you’re a dollar carrier. Not only are flight costs often more affordable than other regional destinations, but if you’ve ever wanted to visit Costa Rica and enjoy more value for your money, consider Nicaragua instead. With bouts of ecotourism similar to its well-known neighbors, Nicaragua also offers surging, volcano boarding, and even jungle hiking at a fraction of the price.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Nicaragua:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~437 Nicaraguan Córdoba
- Budget guide: $30-40/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $220-250 (Miami to Managua Augusto C Sandino)
How to get the best value for money in Nicaragua
Visit Apoyo Lagoon and Masaya Volcano for only $65 for a single-day trip. Perfect for budget-minded US tourists, and no compromise on the panoramic views!
Cape Verde
Everyone loves a beach holiday, and as someone carrying green bills, you might be thrilled to hear that Cape Verde is scattered with multiple inexpensive resorts. This small country is one of Africa’s cheapest places to vacation, offers good value for money for US tourists, and is incredibly travel-friendly. Journey to the Island of Sal and enjoy a multitude of experiences for bargain prices. Overall, Africa is an exotic continent with an abundance of various ecosystems. Places like South Africa or Tunisia might be worth visiting in April due to good weather and lower prices.
Here’s some information to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Cape Verde:
- Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~105 Cape Verdean Escudo
- Budget guide: $45-70/day (backpacker-midrange)
- Best flight deals: $550-600 (Boston Logan Intl to Praia Nelson Mandela)
How to get the best value for money in Cape Verde
For only $40, you can book an experience on the Island of Sal, discover volcanic pools, trek through salt deserts, see lemon sharks, and float in Salinas.
Unlimited data on a budget with Holafly
When planning your trip on a budget, one final thing to consider is finding a way to stay connected to your loved ones without breaking the bank. With unlimited data and plans that get cheaper the more days you travel, Holafly eSIMs give you unrivaled value for money during your travels.
Simply search the Holafly shop for your chosen destination – including the countries mentioned in this list – and make your purchase in a few simple steps, no signup required! Holafly gives you peace of mind as you travel. With unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and easy top-ups, staying connected as your travel has never been easier.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
