7 Foreign Countries Where You Can Use US Dollars ...

Cambodia is currently enjoying a reputation as being one of the best cheap places to visit as well as being one of the countries where you can use US dollars. From hotels and accommodation to eating out, this is certainly a budget-friendly country where locals clamor for cash - especially American dollars. For less than $50 per day, travelers are certainly able to survive and not go hungry. If you carry enough American cash then you may never need to buy the Cambodian riel however it is recommended you carry at least $10 worth of riels for the odd expenses such as in the markets or transport.

These Caribbean islands were once a pirates’ haven. Nowadays Turks and Caicos is one of the top tax havens in the world. Thousands of visitors and tourists pour into these islands annually, drawn to its clear waters and wonderful beaches. The US dollar is the official currency but an added bonus is that there's no sales tax or VAT. You will not be disappointed with spending your American dollars in the upscale shopping malls and boutique shops on the island of Providenciales. Great bargains include jewelry and handmade crafts and artwork.

Nicaragua is a very affordable country to visit. There’s lots of stunning scenery and plenty of beaches to keep anyone happy. The currency here is the cordoba, but as in many Central American countries using US dollars, you may find a sudden hike in prices if you want to pay in greenbacks. It’s advised that travelers have some local currency with them as well as their dollars

The official currency of Vietnam is the dong. It has been unofficially acknowledged that Vietnam is one of the Asian countries accepting the US dollar especially the tourist-friendly cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Hotels, restaurants and tourist places gladly accept the dollar, however the government and State Bank of Vietnam are begun to limit the flow of US dollars coming into their unsteady economy. Prices in US dollars are no longer allowed to be listed, especially in hotels and restaurants, and fines are imposed if this is breached. It’s therefore recommended you use the dong but carry some dollars to use where you can.

Have a desire for some Caribbean sunshine and the hospitality of welcoming people? The Bahamas are a very attractive proposition for American travelers. Although it’s not a cheap destination, the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar and therefore enjoys a 1:1 exchange rate. Businesses on the islands accept both the Bahamian dollar and the US dollar.

The currency of Ecuador has always had an identity crisis. Originally the peso was used as its official currency but then briefly changed to the franco before being changed back to the peso until finally being converted to the sucre. However in the late 1990s, the sucre's value plunged during a virtual collapse of the economy. To try and stabilize the economy, the government then accepted the US dollar as its official currency however, this divisive vote caused the ousting of the then president. Ecuador is one of the countries where you can use US dollars officially.

This once former British colony with its high influences of easy-going Caribbean culture is a Central American country. The official currency is the Belizean dollar and is rated to the US dollar ratio at 1:2 making the country quite expensive, but on the other hand it’s one of the least expensive in the Caribbean and it is also one of the upcoming destinations for green holidays. It should be noted businesses frequently list both its own dollar and the US dollar, so it’s best to check beforehand which dollar is being used before you enjoy the considerable charms of Belize.

One of the most important things to remember when visiting countries where you can use US dollars is to carry some of the local currency. Even though US dollars might be perfectly acceptable, you can easily encounter a situation where you can’t use them. Are exchange rates something you factor in when choosing a foreign destination?