We always complain about how expensive it is to even go abroad, let alone buy anything there. The States, the UK and a couple of other places have come to symbolise the world for us. While it’s true that our currency is pretty weak, there’s no denying that there are places you can go to and things you can see with our own desi rupaiya that will make you feel like a total king. Check out these places where you can get the best of those hallowed monies.
1. Bolivia : 1 INR = 0.11 Boliviano
Hotels in Bolivia are insanely cheap, so if you plan on heading there for a bit of sightseeing, don’t delay. Hit up Rurrenabaque, a small town with a jungle and river close by. A great place to drink, eat and stay for pocket friendly prices, despite the currency difference.
They’ve even got hot springs!
2. Paraguay : 1 INR = 74.26 Guarani
One Paraguayan Guarani is equal to 0.014 INR. If that doesn’t pique your interest, there’s also the fact that Paraguay is the CHEAPEST country in the world, according to a survey by Mercer. This means the rent is cheap, the food is cheaper ( and we all know cheap food tastes better) and the beer is practically free. Go now!
3. Zimbabwe : 1 INR = 5.85 ZWD
1.00 INR is equal to 5.85 Zimbabwe dollars, making this a pretty cheap getaway, in terms of immediate gratification. The stay might not be cheap, but that is offset by the fact that food and generally everything else is unimaginably low priced. This is due to their 1000% inflation rate in recent times. Yes… one thousand percent inflation! The US dollar has been adopted as their official currency since 2010 but the exchange rate above gives us an idea of their hyperinflation situation.
4. Costa Rica : 1 INR = 8.15 Colons
1 INR is the same as 8.15 Costa Rican Colons (Yep, their currency is actually called ‘colon’). That should be music to your ears, considering it’s an island paradise where you can live out your caribbean fantasies – sipping Pina coladas and sunbathing at the beach, waving your rupee notes like an uncle at a Jagrata.
5. Belarus : 1 INR = 216 Ruble
The Ruble, which is the currency to this landlocked country, actually clocks in at 0.0058INR. That is quite a blessing, as you can soak in the culture in their museums and visit quaint and charming cafes at prices that seem like they’re still in the Soviet era. There’s lakes and forests and all kinds of other attractions, so just give up on your preconceived notions of Eastern Europe.
6. Pakistan : 1 INR = 1.58 Pakistani Rupee
Combine that currency difference with the fact that it is supported by the US dollar and you’re in dreamland, at least in terms of food, petrol and things like snickers dark, which cost a bomb here. Real estate is also very affordable here.
7. Cambodia : 1 INR = 63.93 Riel
Cambodia’s currency is basically 0.015INR to 1 Riel. Stay, food and drink is cheap plus the place is steeped in history and culture. Go to Angkor Wat and read Dancing in Cambodia by Amitav Ghosh before you go to understand just how beautiful the place really is.
8. Vietnam : 1 INR = 338.35 Dong
Backpacker paradise starts at Vietnam. With places like Vang Vieng just a few hours away where you lumber down a river on a tyre while sipping on mushroom shakes from the adjoining shacks, this sounds like a no brainer. You can sort out stay, food, daaru and transport in Rs. 700 in Vietnam! (Yes our currency is stronger here)
9. Mongolia : 1 INR = 29.83 Tugrik
Hostels in Mongolia can go for as cheap as Rs. 400. Options for drinking are beyond your imagination, if that’s your jam. There’s vodka everywhere! Follow the horse trails in traditional Mongolian fashion and marvel at the unexpected beauty of this cultural rich place.
10. Hungary : 1 INR = 4.22 Forint
Hungary has several options for staying in hotels for as low as Rs 700 a night – rooms which have a bed, tv and fridge, right in Budapest. Trains ply for nominal amounts and the place itself is beautiful, so go check it out quick.
11. Nepal : 1 INR = 1.6 Nepalese Rupee
Our currency is stronger and Nepal’s food and drink scene is off the charts. That makes Nepal a cracker of a combo, plus the cost of sightseeing is also extremely reasonable. Try some of the local Kukri while you’re there.
12. Sri Lanka : 1 INR = 2.08 Sri Lankan Rupee
There are several options for guest houses in Colombo as well as the rest of the country where you can get a places to stay for as cheap as Rs. 1000 a night. Sightseeing is also very reasonable – Check out the palace of Sigiriya or climb Adam’s peak and marvel at the unusual rock formations at the top, all while staying within budget and economical.
So there you go, a bunch of places where you can spend a little to get a lot!