You’ve probably heard tourists from abroad raving about how cheap South Africa is. A night out at a fancy restaurant is a rare treat if you’re paying in rands – but in US dollars, a meal at an upmarket South African restaurant will cost about as much as it would in a casual diner in the United States.

For instance, compare Spur in SA to TGI Fridays in the US, which targets a similar market. We took to Uber Eats to compare their prices. A cheeseburger with chips will cost $22.29 (approximately R394*) at TGI Fridays, whereas a cheeseburger with chips and onion rings would cost R146.90 at Spur. A chocolate brownie with ice cream will set you back $11.49 (R203.22*) at TGI Fridays, whereas at Spur you’d pay around R95 for the most expensive chocolate brownie and ice cream on their menu.

So, compared to the prices in dollars, pounds or euros, South Africa offers a great deal for tourists. Those currencies are all stronger than ours, so they buy much more in SA than they would in their own countries. That’s also why South Africans often find international travel so expensive – we usually have to pay for the trip and take along spending money in currencies much stronger than the rand.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t afford to travel the world. There are a few countries where the rand is stronger than the local currency, which makes international travel more affordable. You just need to know where to go.

Here are 5 popular options:

1. Thailand

Thailand is a popular travel stop for South Africans – the country is rich in history and diverse cultures while still offering vibrant nightlife. Its main attractions are clear beaches, sunny weather, and island hopping.

Exchange rate*

1:1.88

2. Turkey

From the majestic Hagia Sophia Mosque to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey is a melting pot of diversity. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy, with culinary influences that blend Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian flavours. 

Exchange rate*

1:1.93

3. Mauritius

Mauritius is a great option for a remote island vacation that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. As a South African citizen, you will need a travel visa to enter the country, but this is free, which is another plus when looking for an affordable holiday.

Exchange rate*

1: 2.61

4. India

If you’re keen to discover one of the world’s oldest civilisations, now a vibrant modern powerhouse, you’ll be glad to know that a visit to India won’t break the bank. India is renowned for its spices in a variety of dishes, from spicy breyanis and creamy kormas to sweet mango lassies. Street food is incredibly affordable. Whether your heart wants the tranquillity of the Himalayas or the party beaches of Goa, India has something for everyone.

Exchange rate*

1: 4.76

5. Mozambique

Mozambique is just a 2-hour flight from Johannesburg, so you won’t face any tedious long hauls. You go from the hustle and bustle of the city to reclining on our neighbour’s pristine beaches, in the time that it would take for you to watch a few episodes of The Amazing Race.

Exchange rate*

1: 3.66

*Average rates in September 2024. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, so check the current rates before planning your trip.

Travel tips

It’s tempting to book a flight to any country where the rand seems stronger, but always do your research – especially on the average prices at your destination. If a country’s currency is half the value of the rand, but you end up spending 3 times as much on meals, coffee, or a night out, you’re not really saving. You need to compare the cost of living as well as the currency of the country you’re visiting.

Here are a few tips to help plan your next affordable getaway:

Be smart about solo travel

Traveling alone? Consider joining tour groups and always be mindful of your surroundings. Research common scams beforehand so that you know what to look out for.

Use your credit card for travel benefits

Before you fly, have a look at the travel benefits of your credit card. With a Nedbank credit card, you get everything from lounge access to discounts on flights and travel insurance.

Explore foreign currency accounts and travel cards

If you want to avoid high currency conversion fees and rates, look into a Foreign Currency Account (FCA) and travel cards. They’re going to make managing your money abroad much easier.

Find destinations that don’t need a visa

Don’t want the hassle and costs of visa applications? There are a number of visa-free destinations that you can visit.

Stay connected with eSIMs

Staying connected while travelling helps you share your memories and moments with those close to you. eSIMs can save you money and keep you in touch without expensive roaming charges.

The world is full of places where your rand can still stretch a bit further. Contact us today to see how we can help.