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When it comes to exchanging currency, the Australian dollar is usually compared with the US dollar, British pound and euro. We’d like to flip that idea on it’s head.
We’ve taken a look at where the Australian dollar has seen some of the biggest growth in the past year. These ten destinations aren’t just fascinating places with stunning landscapes, delicious cuisines and interesting cultures, they’re some of the best-value places you can visit right now.
Looking for the cheapest places to travel in 2017? Check out our new list of destinations.
You’ll now get 36 more Argentine peso for every 100 you would have gotten last year. That’s enough for a couple of extra choripans, six more empanadas or a dozen medialunas.
Home to a unique combination of South American culture and European charm, Argentina has seen a pretty steep decline against the Australian dollar this year. That, combined with some really low airfares from airlines like LAN makes it one of the cheapest places to visit right now.
Why should you go to Argentina?
With the Olympic Games coming up in Rio de Janeiro later this year, Brazil has already been high on the tourist radar. Like its neighbour to the south, Argentina, Brazil’s currency drop means Australians are getting 30% more than they were a year ago. Pair that with all of Brazil’s attractions, Rio’s newly revitalised waterfront, new bike paths and an additional tram line and you’ll be packing your bags before you know it.
Why should you go to Brazil?
Spotting the Big Five doesn’t need to mean spending the big bucks. This year, that luxury safari in South Africa is just a bit more affordable since you’ll get almost 20% more rand than you would have last year. Alternatively, stretch your dollars even further and seek out elephants, lions and rhinos on a budget tour with companies like Intrepid and G Adventures.
Why should you go to South Africa?
Home to the otherworldly Namib and Kalahari deserts, the Namibian dollar is at par with the South African rand (which can also be used in Namibia's legal tender), making the neighbouring African nations twice as appealing to visit separately or on one extended trip.
Why should you go to Namibia?
Only open to international tourists for six years, it’s no surprise that Myanmar is cheap to most Western travellers. You’ll find ornate temples, untouched Andaman Sea beaches, $20 hotel rooms, and local meals and drinks that cost little more than $1. The exchange rate in January 2016 would have given you 954 kyat, which is 13% more that you would have received in early 2015.
Why should you go to Myanmar?
Turkey is where east meets west, a unique blend of Mediterranean Europe and Middle Eastern essence. It’s full of colourful bazaars, coastlines meeting turquoise seas and mouthwatering cuisines. And now the decline of the lira will make spending that extra day or two exploring the country’s fascinating corners a little bit more affordable.
Why should you go to Turkey?
From Borneo’s orangutans and volcanoes to Penang’s beaches and unrivalled cuisine, to Kuala Lumpur’s cosmopolitan shopping, Malaysia really has it all. The exchange rate has always been pretty affordable for Australians, and now it’s even more favourable. Plus, with direct budget flights from most Australian cities available with AirAsia, you’ll really have to find an excuse NOT to go.
Why should you go to Malaysia?
Canada is known for its snow-capped mountains and pristine blue lakes in the west, charming, brightly coloured fishing villages and rocky coastlines in the east, and the world’s most multicultural city thrown into the middle. The Australian and Canadian dollars are about par again after a few years of fluctuation, so a trip to the great white north this year won’t put you back any more than staying at home for a couple of weeks. So get over there and start exploring.
Why should you go to Canada?
Scandinavia has a reputation for being one of the most expensive places in the world to visit, which is why the decline of the Norwegian krone is incredible exciting for budget travellers. It’s now just a bit more affordable to visit Norway’s stunning fjords and see the northern lights.
Why should you go to Norway?
One of our closest neighbours has always been a favourite travel destination, and it’s also a more accessible one this year. You’ll get an extra few cents on each New Zealand dollar you purchase, which will surely come in handy when you go skydiving, bungee jumping or jet boating at some of the South Island’s most beautiful destinations.
Why should you go to New Zealand?
Currency | January 2015 exchange rate (equal to AUD$1) | January 2016 exchange rate (equal to AUD$1) |
---|---|---|
Argentine peso | 6.91 | 9.44 |
Brazilian real | 2.17 | 2.89 |
South African rand | 9.45 | 11.33 |
Namibian dollar | 9.45 | 11.33 |
Burmese kyat | 843.81 | 954.24 |
Turkish lira | 1.91 | 2.13 |
Malaysian ringgit | 2.86 | 3.14 |
Canadian dollar | 0.95 | 1.01 |
Norwegian krone | 6.09 | 6.46 |
New Zealand dollar | 1.05 | 1.07 |
*Exchange rates are based on the rate on 1 January 2016
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