Where is the cheapest country to visit?

Where is the cheapest country to visit?

Jason Behrmann, Extensive traveller that's experienced both 5 star hotels and living in a slum

I describe here one of my best and most affordable trips; I want to emphasize that this trip was the best in terms of value for money.

My prices are estimates—based on my sometimes fallible memory—in Canadian Dollars.

These are actual photos from my trip.

Ditch the stereotypes, Mexico is amazing.

Mexico City: Same as a world-class European city, but at 80% off

Mexico City is one of the world’s mega-cities, with a metropolitan population of 30 million. Beholden to a history that dates back several centuries, this immense capital is the country’s epicentre of culture and business.

These attributes provide all the offerings of a prominent European city at a fraction of the cost, primarily due to the low value of the Mexican Peso.

All noteworthy attractions are accessible by an extensive public transit system; it costs pennies to ride the metro great distances throughout the city. Transportation costs are negligible.

An ancient empire with an endearing culture

Like Rome, Mexico City was the centre of an ancient empire: the Aztecs. The Spanish colonizers destroyed most of the Aztec ruins within the downtown core, but a two hour bus ride away ($7), you can visit a UNESCO World Heritage site of a Teotihuan city with several pyramids, many of which are mind blowing in hight and size; you are free to climb on whatever you want.

Mexico invests heavily in arts and culture, so the city’s many museums are top-notch. My two favourites, the Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Modern Art, had entry fees of a couple of bucks. Many epic, and extensive, murals by the renowned nationalist painter, Diego, are in public buildings where you can view his most famous works for free.

Everywhere you go you can hear live music on the streets—seriously, it’s everywhere; walking along the bustling sidewalks, you will pass several people singing while playing instruments, as well as the occasional dance event in a public square. Of course, there is no charge for revelling in these public displays of an endearing culture.

A unique shopping experience

Markets and boutiques abound.
The extensive marketplaces, full of artisanal and hand-made goods, are a signature of the city. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any item over $15 here, whether it be shoes, or clothes, or giant bouquets of flowers. The central food distribution centre for the city, Central de Abasto, has literally mountains of produce piled to the ceiling in transport/warehouse facilities. Here you can buy any kind of produce for pennies.

Mountains of watermelons on display at Central de Abasto.

You will find the occasional designer clothing boutique in trendy neighbourhoods. While not cheap, I estimate that these designer items were sold at half the price I would pay in Europe or Japan. Everything was high quality.

(There is a high-end shopping district in Polanco; you’ll find no deals here because the prices are the same as those at any North American city).

Incredible Food, delicious wine, and a booming nightlife

Mexico is an agricultural powerhouse, producing incredible amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Cheap, quality food abounds; a sizeable lunch, with a beer, at a regular restaurant will set you back a few dollars. The country also produces great wine. Common wines are equivalent in quality to the average Californian wine, but at a third of the price.

I would randomly choose restaurants in the historic colonial neighbourhood and request their best tequila, best glass of red wine, and a full gourmet dinner with desert. The tab was never over $30. It was common to have live music performances accompany my meal.

Bars are lively and crowded; clubs are expansive, far cleaner that any club in my home town of Montreal, and offer quality service. A couple of bucks will get you a nice drink, five dollars will get you fancy one.

Overall, I was so impressed with the value for money I obtained from this trip that I plan on going back to Mexico City in the near future.