6 countries you can travel to where the rand is stronger in 2025

 ·22 Jan 2025

As South Africa grapples with the rand reaching a nine-month low in early 2025, South Africans might feel disheartened about international travel.

However, there are still destinations where the rand holds considerable strength, allowing for affordable exploration.

These countries—Colombia, Egypt, India, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam—not only offer favourable exchange rates but are also renowned for their vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique travel experiences.

While the currency exchange rate is crucial, the true measure of affordability lies in the buying power of your money, and these six countries stand out for their value.

Here, we’ve compared typical costs of food, drinks, and travel to give you a clearer picture of what your money can achieve in each location.

The costs of food, drinks and travel in these 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 at restaurants in South Africa are listed below for comparison purposes:

  • Eating out at a restaurant for one: R160.00
  • Cappuccino: R35.40
  • Draught Beer (500ml): R40.00
  • Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R18.00

Colombia presents a compelling case for budget-conscious travellers, with R1 fetching 232 Colombian pesos. Eating out at a local restaurant for one costs around R86.02, significantly less than South Africa’s R160.

A cappuccino is priced at R27.73, a draught beer at R21.50, and an average taxi ride per kilometre at R30.

These low costs, coupled with Colombia’s rich history, colourful festivals, and diverse natural beauty, make it an attractive option for South Africans.

In Egypt, R1 equates to 2.68 Egyptian pounds. Dining out at a restaurant is remarkably affordable at R74.43, while a cappuccino costs R25.58, and a draught beer is R26.05.

Getting around is particularly inexpensive, with a taxi trip averaging R5.58 per kilometre.

India is another destination where the rand goes far. R1 buys 4.62 Indian rupees, making meals at an inexpensive restaurant work out to just R54.04.

A cappuccino is R34.40, and a draught beer is R36.75, while a taxi ride per kilometre is only R5.40.

India’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landmarks like the Taj Mahal make it a destination of immense value.

Thailand has long been a favourite for South African travellers, and with R1 buying 1.83 Thai baht, it remains a cost-effective choice.

Dining at a local restaurant will set you back R54.45, while a cappuccino costs R37.60, and a draught beer is R38.

Transportation is also affordable, with an average taxi trip per kilometre priced at R21. Thailand’s pristine beaches, bustling cities, and welcoming locals add to its enduring appeal.

Turkey offers a fascinating blend of East and West, with R1 converting to 1.90 Turkish lira.

Dining out costs R157, cappuccinos are priced at R55, and a draught beer is R57.80. Taxi fares are reasonable at R12 per kilometre.

Despite slightly higher restaurant prices compared to other countries on this list, Turkey’s stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant bazaars make it a must-visit destination.

Vietnam is another gem where the rand stretches far, with R1 equivalent to 1,349 Vietnamese dong.

Meals at local restaurants cost a mere R36.96, while cappuccinos are R32.20, and draught beers are exceptionally cheap at R18.48.

Taxi rides average R11.83 per kilometre. With its lush landscapes, bustling cities, and delectable street food, Vietnam is a paradise for travellers on a budget.

Note: These comparisons focus more on travel and touring rather than general living costs, and conversions were done on 20 January 2025.


Colombia

  • R1 will buy you: 232 Colombian pesos
  • Eating out at a restaurant for one: R86.02 ($19,914)
  • Cappuccino: R27.73 ($6,419.57)
  • Draught Beer (500ml): R21.50 ($4,977.31)
  • Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R30 ($6,945.08)

Egypt

  • R1 will buy you: 2.68 Egyptian pounds
  • Eating out at a restaurant for one: R74.43 (E£199.29)
  • Cappuccino: R25.58 (E£68.65 )
  • Draught Beer (500ml): R26.05 (E£69.49)
  • Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R5.58 (E£14.95)

India

  • R1 will buy you: 4.62 Indian Rupees
  • Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R54.04 (Rs249.41)
  • Cappuccino: R34.40 (Rs158.76)
  • Draught Beer (500ml): R36.75 (Rs169.61)
  • Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R5.40 (Rs24.92)

Thailand

  • R1 will buy you: 1.83 Thai baht
  • Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R54.45 (฿99.49)
  • Cappuccino: R37.60 (฿68.94)
  • Draught Beer (500ml): R38 (฿69.43)
  • Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R21 (฿38.37)

Turkey

  • R1 will buy you: 1.90 Turkish lira
  • Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant for one: R157 (₺297.92)
  • Cappuccino: R55 (₺104.37)
  • Draught Beer (500ml): R57.80 (₺109.68)
  • Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R12 (₺22.77)

Vietnam

  • R1 will buy you: 1,349 Vietnamese dong
  • Eating out at a restaurant for one: R36.96 (49,888 VND)
  • Cappuccino: R32.20 (43,463 VND)
  • Draught Beer (500ml): R18.48 (24,944 VND)
  • Average taxi trip (per kilometre): R11.83 (15,968 VND)

Read: Warning for shopping malls across South Africa

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