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5 surprisingly cheap destinations for Aussies in 2025 that won’t hurt your hip pocket

Got wanderlust but no funds? Despite the pain of the Australian dollar depreciation (yep, that hurts), there are still some cheap destinations for Aussies where your coin will go further in 2025, and some of these international spots will definitely surprise you.

Got wanderlust but no funds? Despite the pain of the Australian dollar depreciation (yep, that hurts), there are still some cheap destinations for Aussies where your coin will go further in 2025, and some of these international spots will definitely surprise you.

According to a new Skyscanner survey, January is a popular month for travel planning, but with the Australian dollar at its lowest exchange rates since the beginning of the pandemic, some destinations may seem out of reach for now.

However, Skyscanner has crunched the data to find five destinations where the Australian dollar is still valuable – and four out of five are close to home in Asia – and where to go to stretch your travel budget even further. Here are the top five cheap destinations for Aussies in 2025.

1. Indonesia

Gili Trawangan beach in Lombok, Indonesia. Image: Shutterstock 5 surprisingly cheap destinations for Aussies
Gorgeous Gili Trawangan beach in Lombok, Indonesia. Image: Shutterstock

Indonesia tops the list of cheap destinations for Aussies with favourable exchange rates, budget flights and low prices for day-to-day expenses. Skyscanner travel expert Jarrod Kris recommends going beyond Bali to explore the likes of Lombok or the Gilli Islands.

2. Vietnam

Women on bike against yellow wall in Hoi An, Vietnam. Image: Shutterstock 5 surprisingly cheap destinations for Aussies
Small town, big savings in Hoi An, Vietnam. Image: Shutterstock

Like Indonesia, the Aussie dollar also goes further in Vietnam when it comes to flights, dining, stays and experiences. Coastal cities such as Da Nang and Nha Trang and smaller towns like Hoi An offer even more cost-saving options as cheap destinations for Aussies.

3. Thailand

Couple drinking tea at homestay in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Image: Shutterstock
Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand is a world away from busy Bangkok. Image: Shutterstock

Despite its popularity, Thailand’s cost of living outside the tourist hotspots is an attractive option. Seek out lesser-known destinations such as Chiang Rai, the Isan region, Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe for local experiences at lower prices.

4. South Africa

Hiker on Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
Cape Town is simply stunning as one of the cheap destinations for Aussies. Image: Unsplash

If you thought South Africa was too expensive, think again. The AUD is still strong against the Rand, plus its vibrant cities, wildlife and landscapes make South Africa a compelling and cost-effective holiday destination for budget-conscious Australians.

5. India

Jaipur, Rajasthan India travel Image: Shutterstock
Make your Aussie dollar rain rupees in Rajasthan. Image: Shutterstock

The Aussie dollar is historically strong in India, so 2025 is a great time to explore the Subcontinent. India offers diversity in spades, from beaches in Goa and hiking in the Himalayas to cultural hubs, such as Rajasthan, all at a fraction of the cost.