If you are holding greenbacks, the world is really your oyster except for the euro which is top of the heap right now.
If you are from the US, there are five places where you can be sure your money’s worth will stay constant.
Panama has been using the U.S. dollar as its own for more than 100 years.
Ecuador also uses the dollar as its own currency. The land is best known as the home of the Galapagos Islands. A little digression here. Studies have shown that the Galapagos Islands are constantly moving eastwards nearer to the South America landmass and in time to come they will merge but it won't happen tomorrow or next ten years, of course.
It is interesting to note that Ecuador gets its name from the equator passing through, but much of it is not all that hot because of altitude: this is the one spot where you can find snow on the equator-on Volcán Cayambe at nearly 19,000 feet.
Belize's exchange rate hovers around a constant 2:1, i.e., 2 Belize dollars for every 1 American dollar.
Caribbean and Atlantic Islands
There are several Caribbean islands and clusters of islands that peg their currency to the greenback.
- Barbados -- trades at a stable 2 to 1 with the dollar
- Bahamas or Bermuda -- you have the option to use their dollars or your own as the value is the same
- Turks, Caicos and the British Virgin Islands - the exchange rate is stable
- Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands - the U.S. dollar is the principal currency
Argentina may not be a permanent example as their currency has improved but Argentina's high inflation makes it still a bargain place for the U.S. traveller and Buenos Aires is the best substitute for a visit to a European city.
What about the Malaysian Ringgit? Let's not even go there..
