What $1 USD Buys Around the World

A dollar won't get you as much as it used to, in America at least. In some other nations, a single US dollar carries quite a bit more weight. Here are just a few examples from around the globe where a handful of dollars can buy quite a few handfuls of things. Maybe start packing your bags now to save time.

In the United States, $1 isn’t much. A single U.S. dollar can’t even buy me my favorite candy bar, because Milky Way Midnights are $1.39 before tax. I’d have to scrounge in the parking lot for loose change, picking up the pennies that get thrown away (because the only people who like pennies are toddlers who eat dirt, like shiny things, and don’t understand that the only thing pennies will get you are heavy pockets and regret). Outside of the U.S., however, $1 actually stretches pretty far, enabling those with good ol’ American greenbacks to score some incredible deals, as long as they’re willing to travel for it.

Hungary

($1 USD = 277.27 Hungarian Forint)

The next time you find yourself in Central Europe and feel the need to get absolutely ripped, head over to Hungary, where $1 can buy you a bottle of wine, $100 can buy you liver disease and an angry AA sponsor, and $1000 can get you a trip home in a body bag, because that much alcohol will probably kill you, either directly or indirectly.

If you’re on the wagon, for $1 you can have one of several different kinds of Hungarian goodies, such as palacsinta (a crepe-like pancake), a fánk (similar to a doughnut), or lángos (deep-fried flatbread with a lot of topping options).

Italy

($1 USD = 1709.66 Italian Lira)

Come back from a trip to Italy and you’ll likely be ready to tell Starbucks exactly where, when, and how they can metaphorically die. Why? Because you can spend $1 and get an espresso or cappuccino. It probably won’t be the best you’ve ever had, but when you need your caffeine fix on a budget, it’s hard to beat a $1 price tag.

If coffee isn’t your thing, don’t worry--$1 can also buy a bottle of cheap wine. And if you have $2, you can buy the alcohol plus several bottles of water and some ibuprofen, just in case you want to prepare for your future hangover.

Malaysia

($1 USD = 4.22 Malaysian Ringgit)

When I went grocery shopping a few days ago, one carton of one dozen eggs cost me over $5. That’s almost $0.50/egg! In Malaysia, however, you can purchase a dozen eggs for the sweet, sweet price of only $1. For what I spent in the States, I could have bought 60 eggs in Malaysia.

Vietnam

($1 USD = 22357.50 Vietnamese Dong)

In Vietnam, $1 can be spent in a variety of ways. You can buy a non la, though you may know it as “that pointy hat you see rice paddy workers wearing in Vietnam War movies”, OR 3 pairs of sandals, one pack of cigarettes (for lung cancer on the cheap), OR five packages of instant noodles, OR one DVD. In other words, with $4 or $5 in Vietnam, you can buy everything you need for the world’s cheapest date, including new footwear and a spiffy new hat.

India

($1 USD = 68.78 Indian Rupee)

In India, you can buy an unlimited rice meal, which comes with curd, sambhar, papad, and rasam, all served on a banana leaf, or you can eat a little lighter and purchase a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a city trip on a public bus.

Egypt

($1 USD = 7.83 Egyptian Pound)

Egypt is another country where you can eat like a king while sticking to a peasant’s budget. In the land of the pharaohs, $1 can buy a koshary plate, a dish that consists of spaghetti, rice, fried onions, and lentils.

Nepal

($1 USD = 109.60 Nepalese Rupee)

In Nepal, for the price of $1, not only can you purchase momo (ten pieces of dumplings), but a little taste of home as well, in the form of a 250ml bottle of Coke.

Philippines

($1 USD = 47.62 Philippine Peso)

The Philippines is another country where just a few dollars can buy you a pretty spectacular day. One single U.S. dollar is enough to buy 30 to 45 minutes of foot massage time OR a lunch consisting of rice, sautéed veggies, fried chicken, and a bottle of soda.

South Korea

($1 USD = 1232.35 South Korean Won)

If public humiliation is your thing, stop by Seoul, South Korea--$1 there is enough to buy three songs in a karaoke. Unfortunately, there’s neither an option to re-buy your lost pride nor enough money to bribe your friends to delete their videos of your performance.

Indonesia

($1 USD = 13495.00 Indonesian Rupiah)

Even in the tourist hot spot Bali, $1 USD can get you pretty far in Indonesia, especially in regards to food. One single dollar is enough to purchase either a rice cone (a banana leaf with rice, vegetables, and some type of meat) from a street vendor or nasi gore, Indonesia’s national dish, which consists of fried rice, eggs, vegetables, and sometimes fish or beef, and that is topped with a spicy sauce.

Where Does the Dollar Go Farthest?

In places like England, Australia, Canada, and Israel, you will barely notice a difference in prices; $1 USD there will get you about as much as it would here in the States. Generally speaking, if you’re looking to get the most out your money, then Southeast Asia is going to be where you will find the best deals.