South Africans can travel to these countries visa-free – the cost of food, drinks and transport compared

There are 106 countries where South Africans can travel around the world without needing a visa – including notable destinations such as Argentina, Brazil, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and even Ireland.

This is according to the latest Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2023, which shows South Africa places around the middle of the pack in the 52nd position out of 104 countries with a visa-free score of 106. Compared to the previous year, the country has gained three positions from 55th.

As a result, there are 106 countries spread across the globe that a South African passport holder can travel to visa-free. Burundi and Gambia have now allowed visa-free South African passport holders to enter the country.

Travelling to a visa-free country offers a multitude of advantages for globetrotters seeking seamless exploration and cultural immersion.

Visa-free travel eliminates the cumbersome visa application process, saving time and reducing stress. You can book a last-minute trip without the need for extensive paperwork. Choosing one of these countries is also a substantial cost saver.

Visa fees can be substantial, especially for frequent travellers. By choosing visa-free destinations, you can allocate your travel budget towards experiences, accommodations, and memorable activities. Another benefit to travelling to some of these countries is the fact that the exchange rate of the rand is stronger.

Travelling with a stronger currency can also provide peace of mind and security, especially when visiting unfamiliar or potentially dangerous locations. Being able to afford better accommodation and transportation can make it easier to feel safe and secure while exploring a new place.

All the countries considered can provide a unique and enriching travel experience that is unavailable in more developed countries. So, if you want to get more out of your travel budget and experience something new, consider visiting the countries listed in this article.

Out of the 106 countries, BusinessTech looked at nine notable travel destinations – comparing the cost of food, drinks and travel to what you would pay locally.

The costs of food, drinks and travel in these nine countries were done using data from Numbeo – one of the world’s largest database of user-contributed data regarding cities and countries worldwide.

The base cost of the various measures in South Africa are listed below for comparison purposes:

• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R150
• Cappuccino: R31.88
• Draught Beer (500ml): R35
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R14.29

Note: These comparisons focus more on travel and touring rather than general living costs. Currency conversions as of 4 September 2023.

These countries, the price of general tourist costs, and how much more or less they are compared to South Africa (in brackets) are listed below.

Argentina (Buenos Aires) 

• R1 will buy you: 18.49 Argentine pesos
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R124 (-R26)
• Cappuccino: R29.49 (-R2.39)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R36 (-R1)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R15 (+R0.71)

Brazil (Brasília)

• R1 will buy you: 0.26 Brazilian Real
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R103.63 (-R46.37)
• Cappuccino: R31.32 (-R0.57)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R33.92 (-R1.08)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R15 (+R0.71)

Ireland (Dublin)

• R1 will buy you: 0.049 Euros
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R323.75 (+R173.75)
• Cappuccino: R71.31 (+R39.43)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R111 (+R76)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R30.35 (+R16.06)

Japan (Tokyo)

• R1 will buy you: 7.73 Japanese yen
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R128.36 (-R21.64)
• Cappuccino: R56.35 (+R24.47)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R51.34 (+R16.34)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R52.63 (+R38.34)

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

• R1 will buy you: 0.25 Malaysian Ringgit
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R48.36 (-R101.64)
• Cappuccino: R46.91 (+R15.03)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R60.45 (+R25.45)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R12.09 (-R2.2)

Mauritius (Port Louis)

• R1 will buy you: 2.46 Mauritian rupees
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R123.80 (-R26.20)
• Cappuccino: R41.84 (+R9.96)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R41.27 (+R6.27)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R44.78 (+R30.49)

Singapore

• R1 will buy you: 0.072 Singapore Dollars
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R207.92 (+R57.92)
• Cappuccino: R85.12 (+R53.24)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R138.61 (+R103.61)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R13.86 (-R0.43)

South Korea (Seoul)

• R1 will buy you: 69.64 South Korean won
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R128.16 (-R21.84)
• Cappuccino: R68.91 (+R37.03)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R56.96 (+R21.96)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R11.39 (-R2.90)

Thailand (Bangkok)

• R1 will buy you: 1.86 Thai baht
• Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R42.72 (-R107.28)
• Cappuccino: R35.22 (+R3.34)
• Draught Beer (500ml): R37.38 (+R2.38)
• Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R20.44 (+R6.15)

Read: 106 countries you can travel to visa-free with a South African passport in 2023