For Chinese travelers seeking affordable international destinations, several countries in Europe, South America, and North America offer budget-friendly options. Mexico, known for its rich culture and history, provides low daily travel costs, especially when travelers opt for local transportation and street food. Bolivia, with its diverse landscapes and ancient ruins, allows budget-conscious visitors to explore on a shoestring budget. Romania, situated in Eastern Europe, offers unique experiences like medieval castles and charming villages without straining the wallet. Nearby Bulgaria, with its historical cities and beautiful coastlines, also boasts low travel costs, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget. Hungary, famous for its vibrant culture and historic sites, is another Eastern European gem offering affordable travel options for Chinese citizens. Colombia, in South America, attracts travelers with its colorful cities, beaches, and lush forests, all while keeping travel costs to a minimum. These destinations offer not only inexpensive lodging, meals, and transportation but also ease of entry with visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for Chinese passport holders. Each country provides unique experiences, from cultural immersion to nature exploration, without requiring a hefty budget, making them perfect options for affordable travel.
This report surveys government‑verified information and traveller‑reported costs for destinations where Chinese citizens can travel on a tight budget. Official data come from the Chinese consular service website (cs.mfa.gov.cn) and other government sources, while cost estimates use BudgetYourTrip data and are converted to Chinese yuan (CNY) using mid‑2025 exchange rates
- Official information – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China provides country‑specific pages describing local price levels, currency and exchange rates and payment methods. These pages are considered government‑verified.
- Cost estimates – BudgetYourTrip publishes traveller‑reported daily budgets (budget, mid‑range and luxury) for many countries. The budget category is used here. Costs are given in US dollars and converted to CNY using the approximate July 2025 rate (1 USD ≈ 7.1 CNY). These figures are not official but provide realistic guidance for expenses.
- Visa requirements – Whenever available, official Chinese consular pages and government advisories were used. Where no government source exists, widely‑accepted secondary sources (e.g., IATA, reputable travel advisories) were consulted and indicated as such.
Overview
Europe
| Country (Europe) | Government‑verified notes (cs.mfa.gov.cn) | Typical budget traveller costs* (USD/CNY per day) | Visa policy for Chinese citizens |
| Romania | Traditional agricultural country; goods plentiful and prices cheaper than Western Europe. Currency is the Romanian leu (RON); in July 2025 1 leu ≈ 1.60 RMB, 1 USD ≈ 4.48 lei and 1 EUR ≈ 5.28 lei. Value‑added tax (VAT) is 19% (food, medicine etc. taxed at 9 % or 5 %. Payment cards (Visa/MasterCard) widely accepted; travellers should purchase health insurance and note emergency number 112. | ≈ 52 USD / 370 CNY per day (budget). Breakdown (USD): accommodation ≈ $14, transport ≈ $9.75, food ≈ $24, entertainment ≈ $4.22. A month of budget travel costs around $1 559 USD (≈ 11 070 CNY). | Chinese citizens require a visa. They may apply for a tourist or business visa through Romanian consulates. Holders of valid Schengen visas/residence permits may enter Romania visa‑free. |
| Bulgaria | Bulgaria’s fertile climate makes vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy abundant; price levels are described as moderate, though imported goods are more expensive. Currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN), pegged to the euro at 1 EUR = 1.95583 lev. Most shops accept Bulgarian lev; major credit cards (American Express, Diners, Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted; some exchange offices accept Chinese renminbi. VAT is 20 % (9 % for hotel services). Travellers should buy health insurance. | ≈ 39 USD / 278 CNY per day (budget). Breakdown (USD): accommodation ≈ $17, transport ≈ $6.06, food ≈ $11, entertainment ≈ $4.72. A month of budget travel costs ≈ $1 163 USD (≈ 8 260 CNY). | Chinese citizens need a visa. Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits may enter Bulgaria without a Bulgarian visa. |
| Hungary | Hungary’s abundant natural resources and strong agriculture mean the price level is among the lowest in the EU. The forint (HUF) is the currency; July 2025 exchange rates: 1 USD ≈ 342 HUF, 1 EUR ≈ 400 HUF and 1 RMB ≈ 47.7 HUF. Shops seldom accept USD/EUR; exchange money at licensed bureaux; avoid “zero‑fee” offers. Major credit cards widely accepted; UnionPay cards work in some hotels and shops. | ≈ 46 USD / 322 CNY per day (budget). Breakdown (USD): accommodation ≈ $18, transport ≈ $5.10, food ≈ $16, entertainment ≈ $6.44. One month on a budget costs ≈ $1 366 USD (≈ 9 700 CNY). | Chinese citizens need a Schengen visa to enter Hungary. Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit can travel freely. |
| Moldova (optional cheap alternative) | Moldova’s agricultural economy produces wine, fruit and nuts; however, recent energy‑price shocks pushed inflation to 33.9 % in 2022 and the price level is higher than China but lower than Russia and Western Europe. Currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL); July 2025 rates: 1 USD ≈ 16.9978 MDL, 1 EUR ≈ 19.7260 MDL. | No BudgetYourTrip data; travellers generally report low‑cost rural areas but rising prices in Chișinău due to inflation. Fuel prices (July 2025) were 23.61 lei/L (≈ 10 CNY/L). | Chinese citizens need a visa. Holders of multiple‑entry Schengen visas or residence permits may enter visa‑free. |
South America
| Country (South America) | Government‑verified notes | Typical budget traveller costs* (USD/CNY per day) | Visa policy for Chinese citizens |
| Peru | Shops and supermarkets in Lima supply abundant goods and many Chinese restaurants; overall price level is middle‑range within Central and South America. The currency is the Peruvian sol (S/). In July 2025 1 USD ≈ 3.55 sol; money‑exchange offices are common, often offering better rates than banks; avoid street dealers. Consumer goods are subject to an 18 % VAT. Traveller’s cheques are seldom used; ATMs are common and accept Visa/MasterCard; UnionPay cards work in many places. | Budget data unavailable from BudgetYourTrip (Peru not covered in the original dataset). Based on traveller reports, budget costs in Peru (dormitories, street food, local buses) often range US$25–35 per day (≈ 175–250 CNY). | Chinese citizens generally require a visa. However, holders of valid US/UK/Schengen/Canadian/Australian/Japanese visas or residence permits can visit Peru visa‑free for up to 180 days. |
| Bolivia | Bolivia has low average income and a price level similar to mainland China. The Boliviano (BOB) is used; the exchange rate is about 1 USD = 6.96 BOB. Cash is the main payment method, though card usage is increasing; large supermarkets and restaurants sometimes accept USD. Foreign currency exchange is regulated and difficult; fees are high. | ≈ 25 USD / 177 CNY per day (budget). Breakdown (USD): accommodation ≈ $6.61, transport ≈ $4.25, food ≈ $11, entertainment ≈ $7.24. A month on a budget costs ≈ $750 USD (≈ 5 325 CNY). | Chinese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival (up to 90 days) when carrying proof of onward ticket or confirmed hotel booking. An online visa is also available. |
| Colombia | Agriculture and mining are key industries; Colombia is the world’s largest emerald exporter and second‑largest flower exporter. Inflation was 10.99 % in September 2023. (The consular page does not give currency/exchange data; unofficially the currency is the Colombian peso (COP).) ATMs and cards are widely used in cities. | ≈ 20 USD / 141 CNY per day (budget). Breakdown (USD): accommodation ≈ $5.04, transport ≈ $2.68, food ≈ $7.20, entertainment ≈ $5.32. A month costs ≈ $607 USD (≈ 4 311 CNY). | Chinese citizens need an e‑visa. However, those holding valid US/Schengen visas or residence permits (valid ≥180 days) can enter Colombia visa‑free for up to 90 days. |
| Ecuador (alternative) | Ecuador’s main crops include potatoes, maize, rice, cacao, bananas and coffee. The country uses the US dollar as its currency; many hotels and larger shops accept credit cards. Living costs are moderate but imported goods are expensive. | Travellers often report US$30–45 per day for budget travel. | Chinese citizens require a tourist visa but those with a valid US or Schengen visa may enter visa‑free for up to 90 days. |
* Budget costs come from BudgetYourTrip data (traveller‑reported averages, not official). Daily budgets were converted to CNY using 1 USD ≈ 7.1 CNY. Accommodation assumes dormitory/guesthouse rates; food reflects local eateries or street food; transport uses public buses and trains.
North America
| Country (North America) | Government‑verified notes | Typical budget traveller costs* (USD/CNY per day) | Visa policy for Chinese citizens |
| Mexico | Mexico is a major energy and agricultural producer; goods and consumer products are plentiful in Mexico City and prices are comparable to China’s top cities. The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN); July 2025 rates: 1 USD ≈ 18.62 pesos and 1 peso ≈ 0.39 CNY. The government imposes a 16 % VAT; in the free‑trade border zone VAT is 8 %. Foreign visitors can exchange up to US$1 500 per month and $300 per transaction. Major supermarkets and shopping centres accept pesos cash and Visa/MasterCard; USD cash is generally not accepted except in tourist cities. | ≈ 49 USD / 348 CNY per day (budget). Breakdown (USD): accommodation ≈ $17, transport ≈ $6.73, food ≈ $17, entertainment ≈ $8.08. One month costs ≈ $1 464 USD (≈ 10 397 CNY). | Chinese citizens normally require a visa. Holders of diplomatic or official passports are visa‑exempt. People with valid US/Canada/Japan/UK/Schengen/Chile/Colombia residence permits or visas, or an APEC Business Travel Card with “MEX” listed, may enter Mexico without a Mexican visa for visits under 180 days. Since 22 October 2023, even transit passengers need a visa. |
| Canada | Canada’s major specialty products include ginseng, ice wine, maple syrup and smoked salmon. The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD); banknotes come in 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5‑dollar denominations with coins of 2, 1, 50¢, 25¢, 10¢ and 5¢. CAD is fully convertible to USD and EUR and in July 2025 1 CAD ≈ 0.73 USD. Canada operates a universal public medical insurance system; visitors must buy insurance and medical costs are expensive. | Budgets are higher than Latin America: travellers typically spend US$80–120 per day (≈ 570–850 CNY) for lodging, meals and transport. | Chinese citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) or eTA if entering by air. Applicants must provide biometrics and proof of funds; holders of US non‑immigrant visas may apply for an eTA but still need a visa in most cases. |
| United States (not as cheap) | The currency is the US dollar. Living costs vary widely; major cities are expensive, but rural areas can be cheaper. Budget travellers often spend US$70–100 per day. | Chinese citizens need a B‑type tourist visa; the US has no visa‑on‑arrival for Chinese nationals. |
Practical advice for budget travellers
- Exchange currency through authorised channels – Government pages warn against using street currency dealers. Exchange offices or bank ATMs often offer better rates than hotels or airports.
- Carry international cards and some cash – Most countries listed accept Visa/MasterCard; some (Mexico, Bulgaria) accept UnionPay. However, rural areas may be cash‑only, so carry small denominations of local currency.
- Beware of high altitude and health risks – Bolivia and Peru have high‑altitude cities; the consular site advises travellers to watch for altitude sickness and to buy international health insurance.
- Plan for taxes and service charges – Many countries charge VAT on goods and services (16 % in Mexico, 19 % in Romania, 20 % in Bulgaria). Tips may be expected in restaurants (5–10 % in Bolivia).
- Understand visa requirements – Always check visa validity, the type of visa needed and whether a third‑country visa or residence permit can substitute. Some countries (e.g., Bolivia) offer visas on arrival for Chinese citizens; others (Mexico) require advance visas even for transit.
- Safety and planning – Although these destinations are generally safe, travellers should follow local advice, be cautious with belongings and avoid high‑crime areas. Keep copies of important documents and register with the Chinese embassy or consulate for emergencies.
Sources
BudgetYourTrip – for estimating daily travel expenses across various countries.
Chinese Consular Service (cs.mfa.gov.cn) – for visa and entry requirements, price levels, and official government information regarding various countries.
U.S. Department of State – for per diem rates and government-issued travel data.
GSA (General Services Administration) – for per diem and travel guidelines for U.S. citizens traveling internationally.
Tags: Europe, South America, North America Chinese travelers affordable international destinations
