5 Iconic Film Locations Abroad for Every Budget

Hollywood has a rich tradition of shooting films abroad, with film crews traveling globally to find extraordinary settings for notable movies. This is often driven by the availability of stunning and distinctive locations; however, the financial aspect also plays a role, as filming in less expensive countries can result in substantial cost savings. Below are five well-known movie locations situated in budget-friendly countries.

Tomb Raider — Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

The Tomb Raider series starring Angelina Jolie prominently showcases the spectacular Angkor temple complex, the largest religious monument on earth. The grand ruins of this expansive 12th-century site, particularly the Angkor Thom temple, are central to the film’s narrative and have contributed to an influx of tourists to the area. The site is renowned for its detailed religious sculptures, the trees whose roots intertwine with the temple walls, and the overall scale of the complex.

A single-day admission to this UNESCO World Heritage site is priced at $37, but this cost is compensated by the affordable living conditions elsewhere. Numbeo reports that living expenses in Cambodia are nearly 37% lower than in the United States. A meal at a budget eatery averages around $2.65, while a midrange hotel room can be as inexpensive as $10.

Having traveled extensively in Cambodia, I consider it one of the best-value travel destinations worldwide. (See also: Amazing Destinations You Can Go to With Rewards Points and Miles)

Eat, Pray, Love — Bali, Indonesia

Despite its mixed reviews, the film Eat, Pray, Love resonated with audiences and became a box office hit, partly due to its beautiful depictions of the locations where Julia Roberts’ character embarks on her journey. The movie was filmed in Italy, India, and notably, Bali, Indonesia, the island where protagonist Liz Gilbert discovers love and inner peace. You can explore Bali’s unforgettable sites like the stunning Padang Padang beach and the vibrant town of Ubud.

Bali and Indonesia are remarkably affordable travel destinations, with the cost of living being 45% lower than in the U.S., according to Numbeo. Based on my experiences, you can find a hotel room similar to the villa depicted in the film for around $20 a night. Entrance to the Ubud Monkey Forest featured in the film is approximately $3.75, and a meal at a budget restaurant will set you back less than $2. (See also: 5 International Destinations Anyone Can Afford)

Slumdog Millionaire — India

This vibrant film, which earned multiple Oscars, was set and filmed in Mumbai, India, successfully capturing the city’s unique charm and intensity. From the slums where Jamal, the main character, grew up to breathtaking scenes featuring the Taj Mahal, the movie is visually stunning. The film’s concluding scene, where Jamal reunites with Latika to dance with a crowd, was shot at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, one of the busiest railway stations in India.

Foreigners will pay around $15 to visit the Taj Mahal, but many filming spots are accessible at no charge. Numbeo indicates that India’s cost of living is nearly 65% lower than that of the U.S., with a basic meal costing around $2.30. A midrange hotel room is approximately $30, and you can take a guided walking tour of Mumbai’s slums for around $13, with the proceeds benefiting the local community. (See also: 25 Incredible Places You Must Visit Before You Die)

Frida — Mexico City, Mexico

The film Frida, based on the life of famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, received widespread acclaim, winning two Oscars. Much of the filming took place in and around Mexico City, where Kahlo lived for a significant part of her life. The iconic Casa Azul, the artist’s residence shared with husband Diego Rivera, is a museum you can visit for about $12.

A visit to the impressive Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan, where Kahlo mingles with Leon Trotsky in the film, is available for about $40 on an organized tour. Public transit is also an option, with entrance costing just $4.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Mexico is over 50% lower than in the U.S., with meals at budget restaurants costing around $5, and midrange hotel accommodations priced at about $30 per night.

The Beach — Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

The Beach significantly boosted tourism to Thailand by highlighting the unspoiled beauty of its islands. The film is predominantly set on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, which is now a popular tourist destination. While it no longer resembles the deserted paradise depicted in the movie, its charm remains undeniable. Tourists flock to its inviting turquoise waters and golden beaches, along with the lively nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi Leh itself is uninhabited but is part of the Koh Phi Phi archipelago, which includes Koh Phi Phi Don, where most visitors stay. From Koh Phi Phi Don, you can book a half-hour boat trip to Koh Phi Phi Leh. A sunset cruise, allowing for a more serene experience and the chance to see glowing bioluminescent plankton, costs about $50 per person.

Numbeo reports that Thailand’s cost of living is over 36% lower than in the U.S., with meals at inexpensive restaurants costing under $2. For accommodations on Koh Phi Phi Don, expect to pay around $30 for a double room in a midrange hotel or guesthouse.