If you’re a South African looking for cheap places to travel to, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the top 5 cheap places to travel to for South Africans, taking into account currency exchange rates, crime rates, activities, and cuisine.
- Thailand – Affordable and Culturally Rich
Thailand is a popular destination for South African travelers due to its affordability and rich culture. With a favorable exchange rate of 1 South African Rand (ZAR) being worth around 2.5 Thai Baht (THB), Thailand is a budget-friendly destination. The cost of accommodation, food, and activities is also relatively cheap, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers.
When it comes to activities, there’s plenty to do in Thailand, from exploring the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, to relaxing on the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui. Thai cuisine is also a highlight of any trip to Thailand, with flavorful dishes like Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai.
It’s worth noting that crime rates can be a concern in Thailand, particularly in tourist areas. However, by taking basic precautions like avoiding dark alleys at night and keeping an eye on your belongings, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Indonesia – Budget-friendly Paradise
Indonesia is another cheap place to travel to for South African travelers, with a favorable exchange rate of around 1 ZAR to 1,040 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). The cost of accommodation, food, and activities is also relatively cheap, particularly outside of the popular tourist areas.
When it comes to activities, Indonesia offers a range of options, from exploring the temples of Bali and Yogyakarta, to hiking the active volcanoes of Java and Sumatra. Indonesian cuisine is also a highlight of any trip, with dishes like Nasi Goreng and Sate.
Crime rates can be a concern in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas like Jakarta and Bali. However, by taking basic precautions like avoiding dark alleys at night and keeping a close eye on your belongings, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Vietnam – Fascinating and Affordable
Vietnam is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, and it’s also a cheap place to travel to for South African travelers. With a favorable exchange rate of 1 ZAR being worth around 1,621 Vietnamese Dong (VND), Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination. The cost of accommodation, food, and activities is also relatively cheap, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers.
When it comes to activities, Vietnam offers plenty of options, from exploring the ancient city of Hoi An, to cruising the stunning Halong Bay. Vietnamese cuisine is also a highlight of any trip, with dishes like Pho and Banh Mi.
While Vietnam is generally a safe country for travelers, it’s worth being aware of scams and petty theft in tourist areas. By keeping a close eye on your belongings and avoiding suspicious situations, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Cambodia – Cheap and Historical
Cambodia is another affordable destination for South African travelers, with a favorable exchange rate of around 1 ZAR to 289 Cambodian Riel (KHR). The cost of accommodation, food, and activities is also relatively cheap, particularly outside of the popular tourist areas.
When it comes to activities, Cambodia offers plenty of options, from exploring the temples of Angkor Wat, to relaxing on the beaches of Sihanoukville. Cambodian cuisine is also a highlight of any trip, with dishes like Amok and Lok Lak.
Crime rates can be a concern in Cambodia, particularly in urban areas like Phnom Penh. However, by taking basic precautions like avoiding dark alleys at night and keeping a close eye on your belongings, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Conclusion
There are plenty of cheap places to travel to for South Africans, each offering their own unique experiences and cultural highlights. Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka are all budget-friendly destinations with favorable exchange rates and relatively low costs of accommodation, food, and activities. However, it’s important to keep in mind the crime rates in each destination and take basic precautions to stay safe while traveling. By doing so, you can enjoy a memorable and affordable trip, filled with new experiences and delicious cuisine. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and start planning your next adventure to one of these cheap and exciting destinations.
