Cost is among the most important considerations when planning a trip, especially when heading abroad. It’s also complicated by exchange rates, which can be confusing at first glance. For instance, knowing that a dollar is the same as 0.74 pounds is less helpful than knowing how many pounds a sandwich costs in London. You’ll still have to do some mental calculations when visiting these six countries where the U.S. dollar goes the furthest in 2026, but you’ll be pleased with how far your budget takes you.

Japan

Japan has long been a favorite destination of travelers the world over, and with good reason. Cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are among the most thrilling yet welcoming metropolises you can imagine, while Mount Fuji and other impressive natural wonders lure the outdoors-inclined to the country’s rural corners — not to mention the rejuvenating traditional onsen, or hot springs.

Because the yen has been struggling lately, the country is receiving historic levels of visitors who are drawn to the favorable exchange rates. Japan recently set an all-time tourism record, with 42.7 million international visitors in 2025 — a huge increase over the previous record of 36.9 million set just a year earlier. You can walk into countless great restaurants in Tokyo and pay less than $10 for a meal right now, but make sure your trip is a mindful one: Japan is such a desirable location that it’s experiencing overtourism, in large part because of the exchange rate. A dollar is equal to about 162 Japanese yen at the time of publication in August 2026.

Colombia

In addition to being named one of Kiplinger’s best places to retire in recent years, Colombia is also among the countries where you’ll get the most bang for your buck for 2026 travel. The average cost of food comes to $23 per day, and a one-week trip costs an average of $440 (not including airfare) for solo travelers. As of August 2026, a U.S. dollar comes out to about 3,158 Colombian pesos.

Colombia’s wildlife and architecture make it one of the most attractive destinations in South America, while its status as the continent’s northernmost country means that your flight will be relatively short.

Hungary

Despite joining the European Union in 2004, Hungary has never adopted the euro. Its currency, the forint, was introduced in 1946 and currently trades for a fraction of a dollar — $1 USD equates to 314 HUF.

You’ll want to spend quite a few of those forint in Budapest, one of the most exciting cities in Europe. From the way its landmarks are lit up at night to its delicious food — goulash is a must-try — Hungary’s enchanting capital city gives more well-known spots like London and Paris a run for their money. (And you’ll have to shell out considerably less to visit.)

South Africa

The South African rand isn’t just legal tender in its namesake country but also in the entire Common Monetary Area, which includes the neighboring nations of Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia. First introduced in 1961, the rand comes in five banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200.

In 2026, the exchange rate is quite favorable for Americans, as $1 will get you R16. Safaris, one of the main draws for travelers, are less expensive than you might think, often less than $200 for a daylong experience. Make sure to spend time exploring South Africa’s other wonders, too, from Table Mountain to the Blyde River Canyon, Earth’s largest “green” canyon.

Vietnam

As of August 2026, $1 USD is equivalent to around 26,211 Vietnamese đồng, whose name comes from the Sino-Vietnamese word for copper. The currency has depreciated over the last few years, and now, an average day of travel in the country — including food, transit, accommodations, and sightseeing — will cost American visitors about $65, according to travel website Budget Your Trip.

Considering the abundance of things to see and do in Vietnam — from natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay and the Marble Mountains to ancient cities like Hoi An — that can be considered an absolute bargain.

Argentina

South America’s third-most-populous nation has always been an economic paradox, a curious plight that has rarely been truer than it is today. Though its hyperinflation woes have decreased over the last year, its inflation rate still stands at 33.5% (America’s is 3.5%). The Argentine peso remains weak — $1 trades for 1,491 ARS as of August 2026. 

That’s good news for anyone who’d like to visit Buenos Aires — nicknamed the “Paris of South America” or the vast natural expanses of Patagonia, home to the jaw-dropping Perito Moreno glacier, among many other wonders.