Want to enjoy the finer things on your next holiday? See where you can travel to where the rupee is strong.
Travelling overseas can be expensive if you pick the wrong country. Lunch in the UK or Australia can cost more than a full day's budget elsewhere in the world. Read on to discover countries where the Indian currency is strong.
We've put together a list of seven countries where the rupee is doing well this year, but since currencies can fluctuate, it's a good idea to check with your bank directly for currency conversions before you travel.
Cambodia
Cambodian riel
Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most magical things you can do in this world and, yes, Cambodia is one of the best places to visit where the Indian currency value is high. As well as this ancient site, be sure to explore Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, relax on the beaches at Otres and see the river dolphins at Kratie.
Colombia
Colombian pesos
Further from home, Colombia is another country where the value of Indian currency is higher. With quaint cobble stoned towns steeped in colonial charm, the mighty Andes standing tall, virgin Caribbean coasts and lush Amazonian jungles all rolled into one, Colombia is a treasure trove for a passionate traveller. Bogota, the capital city, has an easy-going and chic vibe, with the La Candelaria being its cultural centre. Make sure you try some of the aromatic, fresh Colombian coffee at one of the city’s many cafes or visit a coffee plantation in Fusagasuga, 1.5 hours away, as a day trip from the city.
Indonesia
Indonesian rupiah
Where else will you find a perfect mix of sandy beaches, ancient temples with scintillating architecture, rejuvenating massages that make you forget all your worries all in one country? Indonesia really takes the cake for a value for money vacation that literally has everything you’ve ever dreamed of. And of course, some of that dark, rich Kopi Luwak coffee!
Laos
Lao kip
As soon as you step into Vientiane, the country’s capital city, you'll be enveloped by the warmth and friendliness that the place exudes. Laos has amazing Buddhist temples, lush countryside and lip-smacking food, with half the tourist rush of Thailand. Visit former the capital city, Luang Prabang, a UNESCO heritage site, full of colours and vibrant culture.
Paraguay
Paraguaya guaraní
Immersing yourself in Guarani culture, soccer and delicious South American food is susprisingly cheaper than spending money at home. The capital Asuncion is a mix of old world charm, historical buildings and modern restaurants and bars. Visit the Palacio de los Lopez at dusk when the lights come on and catch a show at the Teatro Municipal. Take a trip to Encarnacion, Paraguay’s “Capital de Carnaval”, 370 km from Asuncion. The attractive city’s river beach is a huge draw, making it a perfect getaway to unwind in. Encarnacion is also the base for visiting the famous Jesuit reducciones of Trinidad and Jesus, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan rupee
If you don't want to travel too far, our charming neighbour to the south is a very attractive option - and the Indian rupee does very well compared to its Sri Lankan counterpart. Colombo is no longer just a stop over before venturing into the charming hill country or the cultural triangle. Walk around the quaint Dutch Hospital precinct with its chic cafes and bars, shop at Barefoot, and bargain at Pettah market. Head to Nuwara Eliya in the hill country to unwind amidst the endless tea plantations with a piping cuppa.
Vietnam
Vietnamese dong
Vietnam is one of the easiest places to travel well on a modest budget, which is why it keeps turning up on lists of destinations where the Indian currency value is high. A bowl of phở at a roadside stall, an iced Vietnamese coffee and a night in a comfortable guesthouse will together cost less than a single restaurant meal in most Western capitals. The country packs plenty into one trip too: cruise between the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, wander the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, trek the terraced rice fields around Sa Pa and unwind on the beaches at Da Nang or Phu Quoc. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City bookend it all with buzzing street-food scenes and layers of history.
Use our travel budget calculator before booking to get an idea of what your holiday is going to cost.
FAQ about budget holidays
Knowing about the countries where things are cheaper than spending Indian currency is a great way to decide where to travel next. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get about planning a budget holiday.Still working out where your money will stretch furthest? Our roundup of the cheapest countries to visit from India weighs up visa costs, daily spending and hidden extras across ten destinations, so you can compare the real cost of a trip rather than just the airfare. If you have a firm cap in mind, international destinations from India under ₹16,000 sticks to places you can reach on a return fare within that budget. And if Europe is the dream, our guide to travelling Europe on a budget from India maps out a 10-day Prague, Budapest and Bratislava itinerary that lands under ₹80,000, Schengen visa included.
