Thanks to fluctuating currencies, there are actually dozens of destinations around the world that are now cheaper to visit than they were last year – some up to 50% less.

Since we love a deal here at Traveloka, we thought we’d help you out and share some of the countries with the biggest changes. Pair these with some of our ongoing deals and you’ve got yourself a very budget-friendly holiday.

Exchange rates are accurate as of 12 January, 2026

Currency: Argentine Peso

Difference vs the Australian Dollar: 53.63%

Inflation has been quite high in Argentina recently, but compared to the Australian dollar, it’s still an affordable destination for us. 

According to cost-of-living site Numbeo, you can still get a local beer for about $4.50 and a meal in a restaurant for less than AU$20. That’s almost half of what you’d pay in Paris, which the capital Buenos Aires is often compared to.

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 14.25%

Already affordable, Sri Lanka is now an even more budget-friendly country for Australians to visit. And it’s not just the 14% difference in the value of the Rupee against the Australian dollar. Budget carrier Jetstar now flies direct to the capital Colombo, making it an all-round cheap holiday.

Once on the ground, you’ll find meals for just a few dollars, accommodation for less than a pub meal at your local and plenty of affordable tuk tuks to ride. On a recent visit, I stayed in comfortable home stays that were well under $20 per night, including breakfast.

Currency: Indian Rupee (IND) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 14.03%

Double-town on destinations while you’re in the area and plan a Sri Lanka and India holiday as both have currencies that go 14% further for us Aussies.

One of our team members was just in southern India and says she found nice dinners costing around the $5 per person mark and comfortable accommodation was easy to find for $50 or less.

Currency: Nepalese Rupee

Difference vs the Australian dollar: 14.02%

If trekking to Mount Everest Basecamp is on your bucketlist, then 2026 might be the year to tick it off. Similar to nearby India and Sri Lanka, Nepal has also seen a change in rate against the AUD by 14%. 

So, don’t feel guilty when adding a few extra momos to your order. According to “travel math” they’re practically free.

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Difference vs the Australian dollar: 13.41%

Being based in Jakarta, our team visits Indonesia a lot and it really feels like it gets more and more affordable each time. And for our 2026 visits, that’s very much true. 

Although it’s so popular amongst Australians, I’m still finding Bali stays can be found for less than AU$20 per night. Local meals on the island are just a few dollars, too.

Currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 13.12%

Lots of destinations across Asia are more affordable this year, and, most fascinatingly, Mongolia is amongst them. Rugged, wild, and very much off the beaten track, the Central Asian country is home to vast, open spaces and will make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world.

Currency: Vietnamese Dong

Difference vs the Australian dollar: 12.79%

As if those street noodles and bahn mi carts weren’t affordable enough, travellers to Vietnam from Australia can now get up to 12.79% more bang for their buck.

Already one of the cheapest places for Australians to visit in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has loads of affordable things to do, ways to get around and accommodation to stay in. Central city stays already cost AU$20-AU$30 per night at local hotels and tours, like beautiful Halong Bay cruises, go for as low as AU$50.

Currency: Philippine Peso

Difference vs the Australian dollar: 10.55%

Move over Thailand, there’s a new country to go island hopping and beach-bumming in that just got even more affordable. You’ll now get 10.55% more pesos in the Philippines than you would have this time last year. So if Coron is calling, answer it.

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 9.20%

It seems like everyone in Australia is heading to Japan at the moment, and now we know why. Not only are the cheap Jetstar flights getting us there for just a few hundred dollars, the exchange rate has gotten much more favourable for Australians. 

Those bowls of ramen, JP rail passes and even ski tickets are now up to 9.20% less than they were last year.

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 8.98%

While accommodation in Hong Kong can add up, the extra 9% value you’ll get should certainly help cover some of that cost.

Our office’s Hong Kong local often tells us how affordable things are back home for her, and says that street snacks can cost just a few dollars while traditional Hong Kong cafe meals are only around $10 with a drink. There’s also plenty of tax-free shopping to do here and free activities like hiking in the country’s many mountainous parks.

Currency: South Korean Wan (KRW) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 8.98%

We knew Jetstar was onto something when it started pushing flights to Korea and it’s right. It’s less crowded with tourists than Japan, boasts incredible temple complexes like China and has one of Asia’s most underrated cuisines. And, it’s affordable.

Even better? Your dollar will go about 9% further this year in South Korea than it did last. 

Currency: Macau Pataca (MOC) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 8.96%

The only time you want to take a gamble in Macau is in a casino, not on whether you’re getting a good exchange rate. Luckily, you know in 2026 you will. The value of the Macau Pataca has dropped and Aussies now get almost 9% more than they did last year.

Whether you want to put that on the roulette table or toward an extra Portuguese egg tart is totally up to you, though.

Currency: United States Dollar

Difference vs the Australian dollar: 8.92%

After watching the US Dollar soar over the past few years, 2025 saw it come down (a bit) making those trips across the Pacific a bit more affordable. 

Outside of major cities (or Disney Parks), much of the US is actually quite budget-friendly for travellers. So if you’ve been thinking of listening to live music in Nashville, finally seeing the Grand Canyon or exploring the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, 2026 is the time to doit.

Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 8.88%

So much more than just airports, the UAE is home to vibrant cities, sizzling desert sands and traditional markets that are beckoning you to explore. And if you do, anything you buy will be cheaper this year. The Dirham’s value has decreased against the Australian dollar so it’s a great time to take advantage of those free stopover programs.

Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) Difference vs the Australian dollar: 8.87%

When most Australians think of Maldives, they think of uber-luxurious (read:uber-expensive) resorts. But, thanks to both a burgeoning guesthouses market, a lower-value currency and flights with budget-friendly carriers like AirAsia and Batik, it’s now so much more accessible to the average Aussie traveller than it was years ago.

Still not cheap enough? We’ve got this.

We’re constantly offering and updating our coupon codes to help you save the most you can on your next holiday. Here’s a few offers that may make trips to any of the above destinations even cheaper.

In our app:

On our website:

Web or app:

Written by: Alex Keshen

The content strategist and SEO lead for Traveloka Australia, Alex manages the blog and other pages across the site. An avid traveller, digital content creator and writer, she’s contributed to publications such as Australian Women's Weekly, Marie Claire, Elle, Gourmet Traveller, Finder and Explore Travel… and has found the time to visit 50+ countries while doing it. She loves good flight sale and will share some of the best ones she can find right here on our Explore blog. Follow her regular Deals of the Week column for the latest bargains on flights, hotels and more.