Cheap Countries to Visit from Australia: Travel Destinations Reviewed

Whether you’re an Aussie or an international student spending time down under, there’s no denying that Australia offers an incredible opportunity to explore different landscapes and climates. However, if you’re feeling the itch to go abroad and discover a new destination, Australia is a great launch point from which to access a variety of equally amazing places.

While Europe or the USA may be off the table due to cost and distance, budget-friendly options to suit a mix of trip preferences are available, all within a day's travel time.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the cheapest places to travel to from Australia. Touching on what to expect cost-wise for flights, accommodation, and day-to-day spending, you can pack your passport and head overseas without breaking the bank. We'll also introduce to you Wise Travel Card that can help you save on international transactions with currency conversions at mid-market exchange rates.

5 cheap places to travel to from Australia

When it comes to finding an affordable travel destination, opinions about what this looks like can vary. Below, we’ve included a mix of destinations generally considered inexpensive for Aussies based on exchange rates and comparable costs at home.

All costs are averages based on country data available via a variety of sources including Numbeo, various travel booking platforms, resources such as TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, restaurant and hotel sites, airline websites and more.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Warm, with lush jungles, gorgeous beaches, a rich culture, and fascinating history, Bali in Indonesia is widely considered one of the best budget-friendly travel options from Australia. Thanks to its inexpensive accommodation and dining options and access to a wide variety of free or low-cost activities, you can be as busy or relaxed as you like without overspending.

From relaxing at the beach or poolside to exploring local markets and visiting rice paddies and temples, there is something for everyone in Bali.

As seen 04 March 2025

2. Thailand

A little further afield but still with direct flights available to Bangkok or Phuket, Thailand is a firm favourite with Aussies seeking an inexpensive holiday. From sandy white beaches to bustling cities, magnificent temples, tranquil mountain retreats and more, Thailand has a lot to offer.

If you’re seeking a cheap place to travel to from Australia that doesn’t require compromising on comfort, Thailand is ideal. With higher-star properties typically costing far less than an Australian equivalent, Thailand lets you indulge and stretch your budget further. Similar to Bali, food and drink are also very affordable if eating locally, and whether you opt to remain in one spot or travel around the country, you don’t have to spend a lot to make the most of your time.

As seen 04 March 2025

3. Cambodia

Next on our list of cheap countries to travel to from Australia is Cambodia. Sharing a border with Thailand and Vietnam, this is a great standalone destination or can be combined with other nearby inexpensive countries. While a little more travel time is involved, this is easily offset by the seriously low costs for accommodation, food, and tours once you arrive.

An emerging hotspot for Australian travellers in 2025¹, Cambodia is home to the famous Angkor Wat and a multitude of magnificent temple complexes. Whether you visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Siem Reap for access to these ancient jungle temples, the lively Capital Phnom Penh, or its sandy coastlines and islands, you can see and experience a lot without spending a lot.

As seen 04 March 2025

4. Philippines

Renowned for its crystal clear waters and hundreds of stunning islands, the Philippines, like much of Southeast Asia, is an easy-to-access and inexpensive destination to visit from Australia.

Discover wallet-friendly overwater bungalows, sleek city stays, and a hugely diverse cuisine that uniquely blends Asian, Latin, and American cultures. Whether you choose to explore the capital city of Manila, the surrounding countryside, or island hop to the popular islands of Cebu, Palawan, or Boracay, the Philippines offers a relaxed and friendly vibe.

As seen 04 March 2025

5. Fiji

The closest destination to Australia’s east coast, the Pacific island of Fiji offers a slower pace than the other cheap places to travel we’ve covered. While it can sit a little higher on the cost side by comparison with the above, it is possible to experience Fiji without spending a fortune. Primarily focused on poolside relaxation, lazy beach days, and snorkelling in its pristine waters, Fiji has accommodation options that range from seriously budget to super high-end.

Especially great for families, all-inclusive offers from mid-range resorts on some of the main islands accessible by ferry from Nadi, the main tourist hub, tend to be the best budget option. While it is possible to find cheaper dining options locally, this is uncommon and most guests have their meals at their accommodation.

As seen 04 March 2025

Don’t see your preferred destination listed here? Why not check out our holiday calculator for ideas and indications of what to expect cost-wise if travelling elsewhere.

Wise, helping your money go further when travelling

The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

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