A firmer dollar makes Poland and Morocco the easy wins this fall
In three months Poland got 6.7% cheaper in real terms and Morocco 6.3%. Mid-range days cost $94 and $71, and both score at least 4.2/5 for ease.
Over the past three months, Poland has got 6.7% cheaper in real terms for anyone spending dollars, and Morocco 6.3%. Among this week's movers, no easy-to-travel country has shifted further in the traveler's favor since late summer. Neither has had a crisis or a devaluation. The change comes from the dollar.
A dollar story on Europe's doorstep
Business Recorder reported on November 12 that the dollar rose against major currencies as markets came to expect a Federal Reserve rate rise after hot US inflation data, and that the euro hit its lowest level since May 2025. Cambridge Currencies tracks the euro falling from 1.1403 dollars on September 25 to 1.1165 on November 6.
Morocco's dirham is pegged to a basket that is 60% euro and 40% dollar, so it shadows the euro. When the euro slides, the dollar buys more dirhams. Over 12 months the exchange rate alone is +5.9% in the traveler's favor, local inflation is just +0.9%, and the real gain comes to +8.6%. A mid-range day costs $71, the advisory is Level 2 (Increased caution) and ease scores 4.2/5. The catch is timing. November is peak season, so the better rate arrives just as demand peaks, and the medina touts are relentless at any time of year.
In Poland, Wise's rate history shows the złoty at its weakest against the dollar in six months on November 12. Over 12 months the exchange rate alone is +8.9%, local inflation +3.3%, and the real gain +9.1%. The country scores 4.6/5 for ease, carries a Level 1 advisory and costs $94 a day at mid-range. Be clear about what this is, though. Poland is still −8.3% against its own five-year average, so it is getting back some of what it lost rather than turning into a bargain, and prices in the main cities have climbed quickly. November is off season.
| Country | Real 12m | Real 3m | Mid-range day | Advisory | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | +9.1% | +6.7% | $94 | Level 1 | 4.6/5 |
| Morocco | +8.6% | +6.3% | $71 | Level 2 | 4.2/5 |
| Indonesia | +9.6% | +2.1% | $65 | Level 2 | 4.2/5 |
| Taiwan | +7.8% | +2.9% | $93 | Level 1 | 4.7/5 |
| Kazakhstan | −20.5% | −5.8% | $93 | Level 1 | 3.3/5 |
| Colombia | −14.4% | +3.9% | $96 | Level 3 | 3.9/5 |
Indonesia hits a record low
Bloomberg reported that the rupiah fell to an all-time low on November 12, weakening to as much as 18,204 per dollar on a stronger dollar and the risk that MSCI removes Indonesian stocks from its emerging-market indexes. In the index, Indonesia is +9.6% in real terms over 12 months and +22.3% against its five-year average, with a mid-range day at $65 and an ease score of 4.2/5. November is off season.
That combination suits travelers prepared to go beyond Bali, which is congested and no longer cheap by local standards. Moving between islands is slow, and published timetables are best treated as a rough guide. Taiwan is the more polished option, at +7.8% over 12 months with a Level 1 advisory and an ease score of 4.7/5. At $93 a mid-range day it is not cheap, though, and hotels cost a lot compared with everything else.
Where the dollar lost ground
Kazakhstan has the steepest real loss among the countries highlighted this week, at −20.5% over 12 months. The currency did most of that: the exchange rate alone is −15.2%, with local inflation at +10.5%. The Times of Central Asia reported in August that the tenge had gained 9.7% against the dollar in 2026 as foreign investors bought government bonds. In April the same outlet quoted the central bank governor tying the tenge's strength to higher oil prices. A mid-range day now costs $93, the same as in Taiwan, but Kazakhstan's ease score is 3.3/5 and its sights are far apart.
Colombia is −14.4% over 12 months but +3.9% over three. The Rio Times put the peso's 2026 gain at about 19% by mid-August. Trading Economics linked an earlier surge to de la Espriella's unexpected first-round win in June. The Rio Times also reported that a surprise rate rise to 12.25% on September 30 strengthened the peso again. The three-month improvement is small next to a −28.3% reading against the five-year average, and the Level 3 (Reconsider travel) advisory reflects regional crime and kidnapping risk.
Zambia is +7.4% over three months after −14.3% over 12. The kwacha swings sharply in both directions, and the cause of this latest move is unclear from the reporting available.
What to do about it
The gains in Poland and Morocco come from the euro and the dollar, so they are the easiest to lose. Cambridge Currencies calls the Federal Reserve meeting on 8–December 9 the main event for the dollar this year and lists euro-area inflation data on November 18. If the Fed holds off, these gains could shrink quickly. Travelers who have already decided to go can lock in today's rate by paying deposits in local currency now.
For Indonesia, Trading Economics points to Bank Indonesia's policy meeting next week and MSCI's November review as the next tests for the rupiah.
Bolivia still tops the index at 87, with a $36 mid-range day, but its three-month reading has turned to −1.9%. It is a trip for people who can handle extreme altitude, rough roads and possible blockades. Check current conditions before booking.
Advisory levels and entry rules change, so check both for every country above before committing money.