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The dollar gives American travelers an advantage in most foreign countries. As long as there’s green in your bank account, you almost always have a leg up. The dollar is strong, stable and widely recognized as the international business currency. So where does Mr. Washington go the furthest? We’ve compiled a list of the top cities where the dollar is strongest.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The dollar has a reputation for going far in Argentina. In December 2015, the Argentine peso was hugely devaluated, and the USD’s value went from 9.81 pesos to 13.3 pesos overnight! Meaning you can really get more bang for your buck. The USD has only increased in strength still, and it’s a country where the dollar can go far. Five-star hotels can be booked for under $80 in Buenos Aires and flight prices are down 10 percent from 2016. Whether it’s shopping in Palmero or sitting down to ceviche at i Latina, the dollar is met with open arms.
Cape Town, South Africa
Flights have gotten more affordable over the past few years, but the real savings kick in when you hit the ground. The dollar is equivalent to almost 13 rands, compared to 11 in 2015. Whether you’re hiking through Table Mountain National Park or walking along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, you can enjoy the best of Cape Town for less than you might imagine.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
According to Travel and Leisure’s calculations, the dollar is almost 13 percent stronger in Malaysia than it was in 2016. So checking out the Petronas Towers or making the trip to the eastern coast to island hop, your dollars will open doors.
Medellín, Colombia
Twenty years ago, a trip to Medellin would come with some very serious security concerns. Today, tourists are more concerned with covering everything on their list of things to see. You can expect prices to be about a third of what they are in the US. You can hop around the city on the metro, take the metro cable up to the hills surrounding the city, check out a museum, and make it out at night to a salsa or reggaeton club for $20 — or less!
Auckland, New Zealand
Over the last four to five years, the gap has grown between the New Zealand dollar and the US dollar, meaning there’s never been a better time to visit New Zealand. With epic mountains, milky-blue lakes and stunning countryside, it’s one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and well worth a visit. As of the close of 2018, 1 USD can buy you 1.47 NZD, making accommodation, transport, and food very affordable. Check out these awesome things to do in North Island, New Zealand, if you’re looking for some ideas.
Mexico City, Mexico
The USD in Mexico offers an appealing exchange rate of 1 USD to 20 MXN (Mexican Peso). Due to a series of devastating earthquakes in the past years, alongside economic factors, the value of the dollar has risen, meaning there’s never been a better time to visit Mexico. Accommodation is very reasonable, and with a street-food culture, grabbing breakfast and lunch in Mexico will feel like extremely good value.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The US dollar is going very far in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with 1 USD buying over 23 Vietnamese Dong (VND). As with most cities in South East Asia, the dollar is always strong, and there are plenty of great destinations to immerse yourself in a completely different culture, try new foods, and experience tropical weather. Vietnam is also one of the best places in the world to get clothing made at great prices, so if you’re in need of a few suits, or a dress for an upcoming event, it’s worth considering.