Countries South Africans can travel to where the rand is stronger in 2024

​​You've been putting off that overdue anniversary holiday, that 2nd honey moon, the 40th-50th birthday surprise trip for your loved one, or maybe send your recently high school graduate on an overseas, gap year overseas tour.  But the obvious worry is, which country in the world will my rand stretch?  

​

Well, we've just celebrated the 100 days of our new GNU (Government of National Unity) in office and already we've seen the worlds reaction to our country's new democratic system.

​

This year South African  travelers can take advantage of the strengthening rand to explore various international destinations where their currency stretches further.

​

Over the past few months leading to October 2024, the South African rand (ZAR) has shown signs of improvement against several global currencies. Thanks to our new GNU (Government of National Unity) as well as a combination of other factors, including lower inflation in South Africa, improved fiscal policies, and a relatively stable economic environment.

​​

Additionally, external factors such as slower growth in certain economies and geopolitical tensions elsewhere have made emerging market currencies, like the rand, more attractive to investors.

​​

Countries like Argentina, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, Mauritius, and Thailand present ideal opportunities for South Africans looking to maximize their travel budgets.

​

For South Africans, this means that once-pricey experiences in Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Mendoza are now far more affordable.

​Dining in world-class restaurants, exploring vibrant cultural scenes, and indulging in outdoor adventures can all be done on a tighter budget, thanks to the favourable exchange rate.

​

South Africans will find that their rand goes further in accommodation, dining, and tours in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.

​

Colombia’s appeal is further enhanced by its rich culture, vibrant history, and famous coffee regions, all of which can be explored at a more budget-friendly cost.

​

In Europe, destinations like the Czech Republic and Hungary are attractive for South Africans.

​

Egypt, another destination where the rand is stronger, has become increasingly affordable for South Africans.

​

​As a result, the rand’s buying power has increased in several key travel destinations.

​

Argentina is one of the most striking examples where the rand is performing well. The Argentine peso has experienced significant depreciation due to long-standing inflation and economic instability in the country.

​

The once-pricey experiences in Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Mendoza are now far more affordable.

​

Now going to decent restaurants, vibrant cultural scenes, and experiencing outdoor adventures can all be done on a lekke tighter budget, this due to a favourable exchange rate.  Similarly, Colombia has seen its peso weaken, offering South African travelers an excellent opportunity to explore its diverse landscapes, from the Caribbean coast to the Amazon rain-forest.

​

South Africans will find that their rand goes further in accommodation, dining, and tours in cities like Bogotá, Medellin, and Cartagena.

​

Colombia’s appeal is further enhanced by its rich culture, vibrant history, and famous coffee regions, all of which can be explored at a more budget-friendly cost.

​

In Europe, destinations like the Czech Republic and Hungary are also attractive for South Africans.

​

While the Czech koruna and Hungarian forint have not weakened as dramatically as some Latin American currencies, they still offer better value for the rand compared to more traditional European destinations like the UK or France.

South Africans can enjoy Prague’s Gothic charm or Budapest’s historic thermal baths without the hefty price tags typically associated with Western Europe.

​

Additionally, the cost of dining, transport, and entertainment remains relatively low in both countries, making them appealing to budget-conscious travellers.

​

Egypt, another destination where the rand is stronger, has become increasingly affordable for South Africans.

The Egyptian pound has struggled in recent years due to the country’s economic challenges, particularly after the pandemic. This opens up opportunities for travellers to explore iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the Red Sea coast, all at a fraction of the cost compared to previous years.

​

Closer to home, Mauritius remains a favourite holiday destination for South Africans.

​

Though not as dramatic as other countries, the slight gains of the rand against the Mauritian rupee still make a difference in the overall cost of accommodation, meals, and activities in this tropical paradise.

​

Whether lounging on pristine beaches or exploring the island’s lush landscapes, South African travellers can enjoy a more affordable vacation experience.

​

Thailand, a long-time favourite among budget travellers, continues to offer great value for South Africans.

The Thai baht has remained relatively stable, but South Africa’s improved currency strength means cheaper experiences overall.

Whether it’s enjoying street food in Bangkok, island hopping in Phuket, or visiting ancient temples in Chiang Mai, the rand can cover more experiences than before.

Because of this new positive swing in rand and its recent gains, BusinessTech did a comparison in the cost of food, drinks and traveling in these countries to what you would pay her in Mzanzi, this will pleasantly surprise you.

​

The costs of food, drinks and travel in these countries were done using data from Numbeo – one of the world’s largest database of user-contributed data regarding cities and countries worldwide.