Most expensive cities for international tourists

- Average daily spend: $45
- Average length of visit: 14.0 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 9.4 million
- Top countries of origin: Russia (31.7% of arrivals), Germany (22.0% of arrivals), Ukraine (8.4% of arrivals)

Compared with the #1 city on this list, Antalya, Turkey, is a steal. The ninth-largest city in Turkey and the fourth most visited city in the world, Antalya is located on the Mediterranean coast and is a resort city at its heart. Enriched by over 2,000 years of history and centered around a quaint old quarter, the miles of beaches draw nearly 10 million visitors each year. Foreigners have been snapping up property in this gorgeous beach town over the past few years, which has caused the city to become pricier. Still, average daily expenses for an international traveler are under $50 each day.

- Average daily spend: $48
- Average length of visit: 10.9 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 4.1 million
- Top countries of origin: Mozambique (20.0% of arrivals), Lesotho (12.4% of arrivals), Zimbabwe (12.0% of arrivals)

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, with an estimated 4.4 million people living there year-round. After gold was discovered in 1886, Johannesburg became a boom town, but apartheid caused the city to lose much of its wealth and luster a century later. Today, tourists are drawn by the city's hip vibe, mild year-round weather and its growing food scene. An exchange rate that heavily favors the U.S. dollar makes this one of the cheapest cities on our list for international visitors.

- Average daily spend: $61
- Average length of visit: 10.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 1.9 million
- Top countries of origin: Argentina (17.8% of arrivals), United States (12.6% of arrivals), Chile (7.1% of arrivals)

Sao Paulo is both a city and a state in Brazil, but it's the city proper that draws the most tourists. Sao Paulo, the city, is home to two soccer teams, the largest gay pride parade in the world, and a road race that draws more than 15,000 runners each year. In addition, 90 museums and 12,500 restaurants give visitors a plethora of options to explore during their stay. The city is wealthy; it ranks on Forbes' list of “top billionaire cities,” which helps make it one of the more expensive cities on the planet for international visitors.

- Average daily spend: $72
- Average length of visit: 8.2 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 5.1 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (58.0% of arrivals), China (6.2% of arrivals), United Kingdom (5.1% of arrivals)

Most famous for its NBA team and rapper Drake, Toronto is the most populous city in Canada. Tourists come to attend the Toronto International Film Festival, visit the Art Gallery of Ontario or the Royal Ontario Museum, or see one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the CN Tower. While the exchange rate favors the U.S. dollar, the hefty tax rate makes this city more expensive than you might imagine.

- Average daily spend: $75
- Average length of visit: 12.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 1.7 million
- Top countries of origin: United Kingdom (14.4% of arrivals), Germany (12.4% of arrivals), United States (10.9% of arrivals)

Almost 900 miles from Johannesburg, Cape Town is South Africa's other major tourist destination. Table Mountain is the gorgeous city's most iconic landmark, but the miles of beaches, the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and the Boulders Penguin Colony draw almost two million international visitors each year. There are also large wine tourism and whale-watching industries in the city, making this a hotspot for many adventurous travelers and making the city more expensive than Johannesburg.

- Average daily spend: $83
- Average length of visit: 10.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 2.5 million
- Top countries of origin: Argentina (27.7% of arrivals), Brazil (18.7% of arrivals), United States (7.2% of arrivals)

Surrounded by mountains—the Andes on one side, and the Chilean Coastal Range on the other—Santiago, Chile, has a Mediterranean climate, which attracts large numbers of globetrotters each year. The old Plaza de Armas, the bustling La Vega Market, and the nearby wine region, Casablanca, are top tourist spots in the city, but the outdoor activities and the inventive food scene keep people coming back year after year. The U.S. dollar goes far here, but as tourism increases so do prices, making this a relatively expensive city for most international travelers.

- Average daily spend: $88
- Average length of visit: 7.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 4.3 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (56.3% of arrivals), China (7.0% of arrivals), Australia (5.6% of arrivals)

While visitors flock to Toronto for city vacations, they come to Vancouver for outdoor adventures. Surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, visitors to Vancouver can explore Stanley Park (ranked the best park in the world by TripAdvisor in 2014), the Seawall (part of Seaside Greenway, the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path), and have easy access to a handful of ski resorts. Vancouver has been ranked as the third most-expensive city in the world in which to live, thanks to its astronomical housing prices.

- Average daily spend: $89
- Average length of visit: 9.1 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 1.9 million
- Top countries of origin: Brazil (23.8% of arrivals), Chile (9.7% of arrivals), United States (7.4% of arrivals)

Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been nicknamed “the Paris of the South.” A charming mix of old-world grandeur and modern minimalism, Buenos Aires boasts a thriving nightlife and some of the world's best food and wine. Visitors can wander cobblestone streets and eat at outdoor cafes in between exploring the Recoleta Cemetery, visiting the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, dancing the tango at one of the city's many dance clubs, and browsing at the San Telmo Market, which dates back to the city's golden era. A dip in the Argentine peso at the end of 2018 may make this city more affordable for international travelers in coming years.

- Average daily spend: $94
- Average length of visit: 4.4 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 3.9 million
- Top countries of origin: France (25.5% of arrivals), United Kingdom (10.3% of arrivals), Germany (5.4% of arrivals)

Once an imperial capital, Marrakech, Morocco is the exotic locale of globetrotters' dreams. Striking and colorful, Marrakech's picturesque medieval medina, souks (markets), and legendary main plaza are must stops for travelers. Fodor's placed Marrakech first on its 2018 Go List, describing it as “a dreamy maze of spice-scented streets filled with vendors, cafes, and hidden palaces.” Foreigners like it here so much they've been snapping up property, driving up not only residential prices but commercial rents, which in turn can affect how much tourists spend each day.

- Average daily spend: $95
- Average length of visit: 4.3 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 1.9 million
- Top countries of origin: Zimbabwe (77.7% of arrivals), Botswana (6.9% of arrivals), United States (2.5% of arrivals)

Off the beaten path for most international travelers, Polokwane, South Africa, is the capital of Limpopo. A buzzing urban city, Polokwane is full of museums, art galleries, jazz clubs, and shopping centers. It's also a gateway city—the stepping stone to mountain ranges, game reserves, and other wilderness areas. Polokwane is a smaller city compared to many others on our list, with under 700,000 year-round residents according to the most recent census, and its more limited options for tourists make this city relatively expensive to visit.

- Average daily spend: $98
- Average length of visit: 5.0 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 2.9 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (20.0% of arrivals), Chile (11.0% of arrivals), Argentina (7.0% of arrivals)

Lima is the capital city of Peru and a UNESCO World Heritage site, but many travelers skip it in their haste to get to Machu Picchu. However, traveling all the way to Peru and then missing the Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of Kings), the historic center of downtown Lima, the Plaza del Armas, the Huaca Pucllana ruins, or the Barranco would be a mistake. The sheer number of travelers to this ancient city has made it increasingly expensive for international visitors over the past few years, but those who've gone describe it as well worth the money.

- Average daily spend: $99
- Average length of visit: 5.6 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 3.1 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (62.4% of arrivals), France (13.4% of arrivals), Mexico (2.4% of arrivals)

Montreal was first founded as a French settlement in 1642, a history that's still evident in “old Montreal.” The most popular tourist destination in this Canadian city, old Montreal is lined with cobblestone streets and heritage sites, which make you feel as if you're in Europe. Sightseers can stop at the Notre-Dame Basilica and visit the Pointe-à-Callière, which lies right over the spot settlers first landed their boats nearly 400 years ago. The city also hosts over 100 multi-day festivals every year, which draw huge crowds and cause major spikes in prices for international travelers.

- Average daily spend: $104
- Average length of visit: 6.1 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 3.1 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (31.6% of arrivals), Colombia (14.1% of arrivals), Venezuela (6.5% of arrivals)

Mexico City is one of the largest and most populated cities in the world, and, second only to Paris, has the most museums of any city. It's also home to pre-Hispanic pyramids, colonial buildings, to-die-for gourmet and local food scenes, and the oldest forest in the Americas—Bosque Chapultepec, which is twice the size of New York City's Central Park. The sprawling city has an eclectic, electric vibe. It's pretty affordable for visitors, especially those from North and South America, but the high season can drive prices up considerably.

- Average daily spend: $108
- Average length of visit: 5.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 10.7 million
- Top countries of origin: Russia (11.3% of arrivals), Iran (6.8% of arrivals), Germany (6.5% of arrivals)

While the U.S. government recently released a travel advisory for Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions, Istanbul has been a favorite of international globetrotters for years. One reason for its popularity is that it offers the same experiences and glamour as other major European capitals but for a much smaller cost; compared with Paris, for example, Istanbul is a steal. Most visitors spend plenty of time wandering through the Grand Bazaar; taking tours of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, or the Topkapi Palace; or lounging on a Bosphorus strait boat tour.

- Average daily spend: $115
- Average length of visit: 6.0 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 1.6 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (22.0% of arrivals), Chile (10.0% of arrivals), Brazil (6.0% of arrivals)

The ancient Inca city of Cusco, Peru, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as a springboard to Machu Picchu—the city lies near the start of the Inca trail that leads to the new wonder of the world. Pilgrims to Cusco often take day trips to the Sacred Valley, visit Sacsayhuaman and Coricancha, wander through the San Pedro Market, and spend time learning about the region's history at the Inca Museum. While compared to other destinations this city isn't all that expensive, its connection to Machu Picchu definitely drives prices up.

- Average daily spend: $121
- Average length of visit: 3.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 7.0 million
- Top countries of origin: Germany (18.9% of arrivals), United States (11.1% of arrivals), Austria (8.9% of arrivals)

There's recently been worry that the sheer number of tourists who head to Venice, Italy, each year is damaging the old city beyond repair, and that eventually it may cease to exist as we know it today. The local government has announced a “tourist tax” for potential visitors intended to allay some of the damage, but the tax also will make this an even more expensive destination for international travelers. The romantic city of canals is among the most visited places in the world, with tourists making time for gondola rides, seeing St. Mark's Square, climbing the Campanile di San Marco, and lingering on the Rialto Bridge.

- Average daily spend: $124
- Average length of visit: 5.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 12.6 million
- Top countries of origin: China (16.8% of arrivals), Thailand (11.8% of arrivals), Indonesia (10.3% of arrivals)

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a tourist's dream, as most of the must-see spots are clumped in the same general area, meaning you'll spend less of your valuable vacation time traveling to see things and more time actually experiencing them. For example, the picturesque nature reserve is located in the heart of the city, next to the KL Tower and the iconic night markets. And for those who love to shop, the upscale malls with designer brands are located beside the connected street markets that sell more local items. While the U.S. dollar is still strong in Malaysia, global brands tend to be more expensive here than in other places, so tourists looking for a comfortable experience can end up spending quite a bit.

- Average daily spend: $129
- Average length of visit: 2.7 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 1.7 million
- Top countries of origin: Russia (30.0% of arrivals), Algeria (22.1% of arrivals), Libya (11.6% of arrivals)

Djerba is a Tunisian island that lies just off the country's southern coast. With whitewashed buildings, clean sandy beaches, and turquoise water, Djerba is one of the most popular destinations for Europeans seeking a relaxing beach vacation. What makes it unusual, however, is how seamlessly and peacefully its Jewish and Muslim populations live side by side. The culture here is unlike anything you'll likely experience anywhere in the world. Getting to Djerba seems to be the most expensive part of the journey for international travelers, and the cost of staying at one of the island's many luxury resorts can add up quickly, as well.

- Average daily spend: $134
- Average length of visit: 2.7 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 8.8 million
- Top countries of origin: Germany (18.4% of arrivals), France (7.5% of arrivals), United Kingdom (7.2% of arrivals)

One of the most stylish cities in the world, Milan, Italy, is a “must add” for any European itinerary. It feels less touristy than other popular Italian destinations—like Rome, Florence, and Venice—and is easy to navigate. Sightseers can take in Leonardo da Vinci's “Last Supper;” spend a day at Italy's largest church, the Duomo di Milano; shop all of the luxury brands; and eat all the gelato and pasta their stomachs can handle. The fluctuating exchange rate between the Euro and the U.S. dollar can make this a pricey destination; more often than not, the Euro is worth more.

- Average daily spend: $134
- Average length of visit: 7.3 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 3.6 million
- Top countries of origin: Canada (45.2% of arrivals), Australia (8.0% of arrivals), China (6.0% of arrivals)

For many Americans, Washington may not seem like an obvious vacation destination. The western state, however, pulls in an average of 3.6 million tourists each year, most of whom head straight for Seattle. The largest city in Washington, Seattle is home to Starbucks coffee and Amazon, but it’s the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, Pioneer Square, and the ferry tours that attract the most visitors. The cost of living in Seattle, and in all of Washington, is high, which results in inflated costs for international travelers, as well.

- Average daily spend: $134
- Average length of visit: 8.6 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 3.6 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (40.4% of arrivals), Canada (15.8% of arrivals), Russia (6.2% of arrivals)

Punta Cana has one of the Dominican Republic's longest white sand coastlines, making this area perfect for hundreds of luxury beach resorts. Almost all of the 3.6 million international visitors that head to Punta Cana each year go to unwind at one of these hideaways. Those who head off of a resort's property can visit places like Boca de Yuma (a Dominican fishing village), Casa Ponce de Leon (home of a 16th-century Spanish explorer), or the Don Lucas cigar factory. Price are more expensive here because almost all of the resorts are intended for international travelers who can afford the trip, so there's no need to make them budget friendly.

- Average daily spend: $135
- Average length of visit: 8.6 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 8.3 million
- Top countries of origin: China (24.3% of arrivals), Australia (19.2% of arrivals), India (4.8% of arrivals)

Bali is the most popular Indonesian vacation destination. The stunning island is home to dozens of ancient temples and palaces—the Monkey Forest (a Hindu temple complex) is one of the main tourist attractions. Bali is also a great place for those in search of outdoor adventures (hiking, surfing, and whitewater rafting are all popular activities among visitors), and for those seeking to improve their yoga practice. Taking an “Eat, Pray, Love”-type vacation here isn't cheap, though. Capitalizing on the 8.3 million visitors they see each year, Bali hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas have raised their prices considerably over the past decade or so, which has helped boost the nation's economy.

- Average daily spend: $135
- Average length of visit: 14.9 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 9.2 million
- Top countries of origin: Kuwait (11.3% of arrivals), Egypt (10.9% of arrivals), Pakistan (10.5% of arrivals)

The average visitor to Makkah, Saudi Arabia (alternatively spelled Mecca in many Western publications), spends a little over two weeks in the holy city. The city itself is only open to Muslims, who usually make the trip to perform Hajj or Umrah, but the larger region of Makkah is more welcoming to travelers not there to make a pilgrimage. The historically-minded can visit the Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the world, or the Thour and Al Nour Mountains, where the prophet Muhammad spent time. The exchange rate favors the U.S. dollar, but most arrivals are from other countries where their currency holds less value than the Saudi riyal.

- Average daily spend: $139
- Average length of visit: 6.2 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 6.0 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (55.8% of arrivals), Canada (12.9% of arrivals), United Kingdom (5.9% of arrivals)

Much like Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Mexico, is largely visited by tourists who want to spend time at luxury resorts and lounging on beaches. Major attractions in Cancun and the surrounding areas include the underwater museum (MUSA) made up of 500 life-sized sculptures that can only be visited by scuba divers, the El Rey ruins, and Chichen Itza. Cancun isn't super cheap; top-end resorts have made sure of that, and traveling here during such times as spring break means you might end up spending more than double the daily average.

- Average daily spend: $139
- Average length of visit: 9.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 4.6 million
- Top countries of origin: United Kingdom (21.5% of arrivals), Brazil (13.2% of arrivals), Canada (9.6% of arrivals)

Orlando, Florida, is a great place for family vacations. The biggest tourist draws in this central Florida city include theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Legoland. In fact, no place on Earth has more theme parks than Orlando. It's these expensive parks that actually make the average daily spend so high.

- Average daily spend: $147
- Average length of visit: 8.3 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 13.1 million
- Top countries of origin: United Kingdom (9.2% of arrivals), China (7.9% of arrivals), Canada (7.4% of arrivals)

New York has a reputation for being one of the most expensive places in the world to visit, but it actually ranks in the middle of Mastercard's 2018 Global Destination Cities Index. The cost of living in the city does drive up prices for tourists, but it doesn't stop them from coming. Over 13.1 million international visitors come to New York each year making stops at all the major landmarks: Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway, the Met, and the 9/11 Memorial.

- Average daily spend: $153
- Average length of visit: 5.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 19.8 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (12.2% of arrivals), France (10.5% of arrivals), Germany (7.7% of arrivals)

London has a nearly equal cost of living to New York City, which makes it another expensive destination for international travelers. London tourists will spend $6 more per day here than they would in NYC, but their stays tend to be shorter (5.8 days in London vs. 8.3 days in NYC). The major sights to see include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park, the National Gallery, and Camden Market.

- Average daily spend: $154
- Average length of visit: 6.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 11.9 million
- Top countries of origin: China (19.8% of arrivals), South Korea (19.2% of arrivals), United States (12.8% of arrivals)

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the world's most populated metropolis. It's grown from a small castle town in the 16th century to one of the most bustling, modern cities in the world. The Imperial Palace and Tokyo Skytree, as well as the hundreds of temples, shrines, markets, museums, and shopping centers draw 11.9 million visitors from around the world each year. Tokyo first earned a reputation for being expensive in the 1980s, when prices were truly exorbitant, but a stalled economy has lowered those prices for most international visitors. Still, up until 2013, Tokyo was the most expensive city in the world, meaning that all things considered, it's still not a cheap destination.

- Average daily spend: $155
- Average length of visit: 2.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 7.2 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (17.7% of arrivals), United Kingdom (8.4% of arrivals), China (8.1% of arrivals)

The ancient city of Rome had a truly epic beginning: the legend goes that twin brothers Romulus and Remus, fathered by a god and nursed by a she-wolf, founded the city centuries ago. The mythology surrounding its origins still clings to the city, giving it a magical, enchanting feel. The 7.2 million international visitors who descend on Rome each year spend time wandering through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, visiting the catacombs and the Pantheon, and spending time in the holy state of Vatican City. With so much art to see, pasta to eat, and locations to visit, it's a wonder most travelers spend only 2.8 days here. The strength of the Euro, compared to most other currencies, makes it hard for many to stay here as long as they'd like.

- Average daily spend: $157
- Average length of visit: 4.0 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 8.7 million
- Top countries of origin: China (31.3% of arrivals), Russia (10.1% of arrivals), South Korea (7.5% of arrivals)

Nicknamed “sin city,” Pattaya is best known for its nightlife and legal sex industry. But those aren't the city's only draws. Visitors also flock to the floating market, the Sanctuary of Truth (an ancient wooden temple), and the elephant village. This may not be the most family-friendly city on our list, but with 8.7 million international visitors each year, it's far from sleepy. The exchange rate favors the U.S. dollar, but steep inflation still makes this an expensive city to visit.

- Average daily spend: $157
- Average length of visit: 7.0 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 2.9 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (56.5% of arrivals), Canada (12.9% of arrivals), United Kingdom (5.8% of arrivals)

A stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico's northeastern peninsula, Riviera Maya attracts nearly three million visitors each year. Primarily a resort area, Riviera Maya also has a swinging nightlife, tons of luxury spas, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. Much of the region still isn't urbanized, giving it a wilder feel than Cancun. However, things are priced for monied travelers, making it an expensive beach vacation location.

- Average daily spend: $168
- Average length of visit: 8.1 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 5.8 million
- Top countries of origin: Canada (9.4% of arrivals), Colombia (7.7% of arrivals), Brazil (7.0% of arrivals)

Miami, Florida, is one of the only places in the continental United States where you can take a relaxed beach vacation in an urbanized area. South Beach, Miami, has miles of warm-water beaches, hundreds of outdoor restaurants, a lot of modern art, and one of the highest concentrations of art deco architecture in the world. Visitors can also stroll down Ocean Avenue to get their fill of shopping, nightlife, and people watching. A “tourist party town,” the high cost of living in Miami makes this an expensive, albeit worth it, party.

- Average daily spend: $172
- Average length of visit: 7.8 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 6.3 million
- Top countries of origin: China (18.4% of arrivals), Canada (11.6% of arrivals), Australia (6.9% of arrivals)

Next to New York, Los Angeles, California, is one of the most-visited cities in the United States. This West Coast destination has a mostly beautiful year-round climate, which means it's almost always perfect for lounging on the beach, exploring theme parks (Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood are the most popular), hanging out on the Santa Monica Pier, wandering through Hollywood, or shopping at one of the many outdoor malls. Like most major U.S. cities, L.A. is an expensive place to live, making the cost for tourists quite hefty—an average spend of $172 a day.

- Average daily spend: $173
- Average length of visit: 4.7 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 20.1 million
- Top countries of origin: China (34.3% of arrivals), Japan (7.1% of arrivals), South Korea (4.3% of arrivals)

If you're looking to take a family vacation in Thailand, you might consider Bangkok. While the city has a wild nightlife and a huge sex industry, there's still a lot to do during the day. Visiting temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun, spending time in major parks like Lumphini Park, browsing the floating market, and filling up on some of the best cheap eats in the world are all favorite tourist activities. However, like the city of Pattaya, inflation keeps Bangkok from being the cheap destination it once was.

- Average daily spend: $181
- Average length of visit: 3.4 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 8.4 million
- Top countries of origin: South Korea (36.9% of arrivals), China (23.0% of arrivals), Taiwan (9.0% of arrivals)

The second largest metropolitan area in Japan after Tokyo, Osaka is located on the island of Honshu. Once the country's capital, Osaka is centered around a castle (Osaka Castle) built in 1583. The castle remains one of the city's largest tourist stops, but the downtown region of Dotonbori (the hub of bars, restaurants, and cafes) gives the castle a run for its money. Osaka is not cheap, with international tourist here spending nearly $200 a day.

- Average daily spend: $181
- Average length of visit: 4.2 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 9.5 million
- Top countries of origin: China (31.1% of arrivals), Japan (17.8% of arrivals), Taiwan (7.7% of arrivals)

The Economist lists Seoul, South Korea, as the sixth most expensive city in the world. Still, almost 10 million international visitors travel here each year. They come to visit historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, stay in Buddhist temples, experience the newest cutting-edge technology, eat delicious foods, and dip their toes in the nightlife.

- Average daily spend: $185
- Average length of visit: 3.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 9.0 million
- Top countries of origin: South Korea (12.9% of arrivals), United States (9.6% of arrivals), Taiwan (9.5% of arrivals)

An autonomous territory in southeastern China, Hong Kong is one of the most frequently visited places in Asia. From the stunning views in Victoria Harbor to the endless hiking trails and shopping malls, Hong Kong has a lot to offer families. And for those seeking something a little more off the beaten path, the Mongkok neighborhood, junk boat tours, and tranquil places like the area surrounding the Big Buddha are perfect options. The cost of living in this tourist hot spot makes prices for travelers extremely high.

- Average daily spend: $191
- Average length of visit: 3.9 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 3.6 million
- Top countries of origin: Kuwait (11.3% of arrivals), Egypt (10.9% of arrivals), Pakistan (10.5% of arrivals)

Much cheaper than Riyadh is the oil city of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Famous for its various man-made destinations, as well as Half Moon Beach and the Dammam Corniche, over three million international visitors spend time in Dammam each year. The exchange rate here favors the U.S. dollar, but inflation is through the roof, causing even the most basic attractions to be expensive.

- Average daily spend: $220
- Average length of visit: 6.2 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 8.8 million
- Top countries of origin: Germany (39.3% of arrivals), United Kingdom (30.5% of arrivals), Italy (4.7% of arrivals)

For those living on a budget, spending $200 in a single day probably seems outrageous. But the average visitor to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, spends a little bit more than that, at $220 a day. Palma de Mallorca is a resort city best known for its old city, Lonja fish market, Almudaina Palace, and luxury hotels. It caters to wealthy visitors who have shown they're willing to pay top dollar for exclusive treatment.

- Average daily spend: $224
- Average length of visit: 6.1 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 4.5 million
- Top countries of origin: Canada (15.3% of arrivals), China (14.5% of arrivals), United Kingdom (8.9% of arrivals)

For years, San Francisco and New York City have rivaled each other as the most expensive city in the United States. Recently, San Francisco became the most expensive rental market in the country, causing the costs of everything else in the city to rise. But most of the 4.5 million international visitors who come to the City by the Bay each year aren't apartment hunting. Rather, they're hanging out at Fisherman's Wharf, riding cable cars, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, or taking a boat to Alcatraz Island, among other activities.

- Average daily spend: $232
- Average length of visit: 4.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 4.5 million
- Top countries of origin: Canada (28.5% of arrivals), United Kingdom (12.5% of arrivals), China (8.8% of arrivals)

The other “sin city,” Las Vegas, Nevada, became the place we know today in the 1940s. Originally a city for gangsters and mobsters to launder their money, Las Vegas' main attraction today is still the strip, lined with some of the flashiest hotels, casinos, and shopping centers in the country. While hotels here are cheap, gambling can drive up the cost of visitors' vacations.

- Average daily spend: $239
- Average length of visit: 4.7 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 9.3 million
- Top countries of origin: China (28.8% of arrivals), Russia (9.2% of arrivals), Australia (6.1% of arrivals)

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and the most infamous place to party in the country. Visitors come for the party in Patong, but stay for the sandy white beaches and the temples like Wat Chalong, Phang Nga Bay, Bangla Road, and Monkey Hill. High season for tourists is November through January, when you can expect to see prices double from the average of $239 a day.

- Average daily spend: $242
- Average length of visit: 2.2 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 7.2 million
- Top countries of origin: United Kingdom (18.6% of arrivals), United States (14.2% of arrivals), Germany (12.5% of arrivals)

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has been popular with international travelers for centuries. The tall and colorful houses that line the city's many canals, the wealth of museums from the Rijksmuseum to the Van Gogh Museum, and the huge open parks like Vondelpark give Amsterdam an unforgettable vibe. Like nearly everywhere else in continental Europe, the Euro is the currency of Amsterdam, and unforgiving exchange rates, combined with inflation, make this a very expensive city to visit.

- Average daily spend: $258
- Average length of visit: 2.9 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 8.7 million
- Top countries of origin: France (17.5% of arrivals), United Kingdom (15.9% of arrivals), United States (12.5% of arrivals)

There have been complaints recently from globetrotters that the number of tourists who visit Barcelona each year (8.7 million) have cost the city its feel, making it a more sterilized place. Still, Barcelona feels very old world. Full of history, places like La Sagrada Familia, Guell Park, Boqueria Market, and Montjuic Castle are favorites with vacationers. If only the Euro didn't make the city so expensive.

- Average daily spend: $286
- Average length of visit: 4.3 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 13.9 million
- Top countries of origin: China (18.4% of arrivals), Indonesia (15.0% of arrivals), India (8.1% of arrivals)

As of 2018, Singapore was the most expensive city in the world. So it's no surprise that a four-day visit could cost an international traveler upwards of $1,100. Visitors to this city-state may choose among wandering the Gardens by the Bay or the Botanic Gardens, shopping on Orchard Road, visiting Universal Studios, or riding the Singapore Flyer, one of the world's largest observation wheels, among other activities. This ultra-modern city has something for everyone.

- Average daily spend: $301
- Average length of visit: 2.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 17.4 million
- Top countries of origin: United Kingdom (12.3% of arrivals), United States (12.0% of arrivals), Spain (8.6% of arrivals)

Paris, France is the fifth most Instagrammed city in the world, proving that our love affair with this 2,000-year-old city isn't dying. A romantic city through and through, Paris is famous for its distinct architecture, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Tuileries Gardens, and the Champs-Elysées. The high cost of living, the strength of the Euro, and the fact that this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world all combine to make this an expensive place to visit for international travelers.

- Average daily spend: $367
- Average length of visit: 8.0 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 1.5 million
- Top countries of origin: United States (19.1% of arrivals), Venezuela (17.1% of arrivals), Colombia (16.0% of arrivals)

Panama City will turn 500 years old in 2019, and the fiesta is expected to be huge. The oldest continuously occupied European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas, Panama City is often referred to as the “Miami of Central America.” Visitors should definitely make time to tour the Panama Canal and visit Casco Viejo, which is the city's old town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the official currencies of Panama is the U.S. dollar, but inflation will still make it a more expensive city than many Americans expect.

- Average daily spend: $377
- Average length of visit: 3.0 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 3.4 million
- Top countries of origin: China (11.0% of arrivals), India (10.7% of arrivals), United Kingdom (8.0% of arrivals)

The second most populated city in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi has become an incredibly popular, albeit very expensive, tourist destination. Tourists line up to tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Emirates Palace before dropping by Heritage Village, a museum that shows what life was like in the UAE a century ago. Ferrari World, Yas Mall, and the Observation Deck at 300 are also popular activities for wealthy globetrotters. While the U.S. dollar is stronger than the UAE dirham, the dirham is stronger than many other currencies and inflation here is high.

- Average daily spend: $411
- Average length of visit: 4.3 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 2.9 million
- Top countries of origin: Kuwait (11.3% of arrivals), Egypt (10.9% of arrivals), Pakistan (10.5% of arrivals)

It was recently revealed that the House of Saud (the royal ruling family in Saudi Arabia) is worth $1.4 trillion, making it the richest royal family in the world. It's not surprising, then, that the second most expensive city for international travelers is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. Not only will almost all visitors stay in luxury hotels—every hotel has at least 3 stars—they'll also visit places like Center Point, Masmak Fortress, and King Abdullah Park, and drop $411 per day to do so.

- Average daily spend: $537
- Average length of visit: 3.5 days
- Total international visitors in 2017: 15.8 million
- Top countries of origin: India (13.1% of arrivals), Saudi Arabia (9.7% of arrivals), United Kingdom (8.0% of arrivals)

Your pockets almost have to be lined with gold to go to the most expensive city in the world for international travelers. Visitors to Dubai, UAE, spend an average of $537 a day in one of the most welcoming and tourist-friendly cities in the Middle East. Essential places to see include the 2,716 foot-tall Burj Kahlifa, Palm Jumeirah (a palm-shaped island), Kite Beach, the Dubai Mall, the Dubai desert, and Al Fahidi.