What Are the Cheapest Asian Countries to Volunteer?

One of the main reasons why people are often hesitant to volunteer abroad is that they think it’s expensive. While volunteering programs aren’t often expensive themselves, costs can quickly pile up when you consider flights, visas, spending money, in-country travel, and more. Knowing the cheapest countries in Asia is a great way to keep costs down and minimize spending to make your budget stretch further. 

At Volunteering Solutions, we aim to make your experience exceed your hopes and expectations. Work with us to find a perfect location to volunteer, no matter your passions, budget and preferences. Let’s explore some of the cheapest Asian countries to volunteer in. 

Nepal

Despite being home to Mount Everest and the Himalayas, Nepal is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia. Public transport and food options are mostly budget-friendly, so whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat on your lunch break or exploring the country during the weekend, you shouldn’t need too much spending money. 

Nepal’s volunteering opportunities are also budget-friendly, with one-week journeys for projects such as Women Empowerment, Teaching, and Early Years Childcare starting at just $285. Longer trips reduce the price per day, so to get the most value, we recommend two or even three weeks! 

India 

Surprisingly enough, India is generally considered a very affordable travel destination - especially when accommodation and food are covered by your volunteer program. However, visitors often have plenty of choice between luxury options and cheaper alternatives, so make sure you choose wisely when working with a tight budget. 

Both Delhi and Jaipur are cheap options for volunteering, with prices starting from $301 for a week in Delhi and $545 for two in Jaipur. Whether you’re passionate about Women Empowerment and Girl Education or want to get stuck in with Construction and Renovation Projects, India is a cheap country to make the most of your adventure through Asia.  

Bali 

Bali is home to some of the most beautiful marine wildlife in the world, and thanks to the volunteer programs Volunteering Solutions teams up with, you can make a difference for a reasonably low price. Most people assume Bali is on the expensive side, especially because of its crystal-clear oceans and private accommodation on the sea. However, if you know how to travel well on a budget, it can actually be very affordable and lucrative!

Volunteer to be a Teacher in Bali or help out in a Local Kindergarten in Tianyar for just $470 for the week. If you’d like to focus on Marine Conservation instead, Bali isn’t short of programs to fit the bill. Prices for these start at $475 for the week, increasing to between $897 and $1,059 for longer journeys. While these prices are slightly higher, Bali’s low costs can help you save money in other ways. 

Cambodia 

Cambodia is a very affordable country in Asia, ranking as one of the continent’s cheapest destinations for volunteers and tourists. The cost of living here is low, so things like food and travel are relatively cheap. Bargaining is also common here, although we’d always recommend practicing caution when doing this, as you don’t want to offend locals when picking up food or souvenirs. 

In terms of volunteering opportunities, Childcare and Teaching English programs start at around $570 in Cambodia. These programs last two weeks, so they’re more cost-effective than many realise! If community development inspires you, we also offer an NGO Support Volunteer Program in Cambodia, which runs for at least five weeks, starting at $970. That’s less than $200 a week! 

Vietnam 

Vietnam is another very affordable country, especially for travellers coming from countries with a stronger currency. Many volunteers in Vietnam have told us that they can see the sights and immerse themselves in the local culture with a daily budget of just $30-$50, especially when accommodation and food are included in the volunteer program. 

Speaking of programs, our Vietnam opportunities all run for at least two weeks, starting at $560. Whether you’re passionate about influencing young minds through Childcare in Ho Chi Minh City or Teaching English in Hanoi, Vietnam is a wonderful place to volunteer and explore Asia while on a budget. 

How to Make the Most of Volunteering in Asia on a Budget

Volunteering doesn’t have to be expensive - some people manage it with nothing but a shoestring budget and a little creativity. Here’s how you can make your budget travel as far as possible while volunteering: 

• Stick to your budget: It’s tempting to spend now, think later - but this isn’t always wise when volunteering. It helps to have savings should an emergency crop up, so choose a daily budget and stick to it by keeping a note of all your expenses. 
• Choose a valuable volunteering package: Some organizations charge only the program fee, leaving you to cover the rest. With Volunteering Solutions, your package includes airport pick-up, food, accommodation, and 24/7 support, so you don’t have to worry about these costs on top of the project fee. 
• Book off-peak flights: Don’t book the first flights you find - research off-peak times, deals on specific flights, and whether you can choose connecting rather than direct flights to prevent travel from eating into your budget too much. 
• Make a travel itinerary for your downtime: All volunteering programs give you time off to explore your chosen country. Some activities, like hiking or relaxing on the beach, are usually free, but other tourist attractions may cost money. Planning your days lets you budget and see if you can book in advance for a cheaper rate.
• Boost your savings: While we do our best to help our volunteers stretch their budget further, it always helps to have more savings to work with. Popular ways of doing this include sponsored challenges, online fundraising, and even garage sales before your big trip! 

Ready to Plan Your Affordable Volunteering Experience in Asia?

At Volunteering Solutions, we’re passionate about helping anyone who wants to volunteer live out their dreams. Volunteering should be about your passion for change and making a meaningful difference - not your budget. So, along with offering affordable programs in Asia, we’ll also offer 24/7 support should you need advice or help while in your chosen country. 

Check out our volunteering opportunities in Asia to find the perfect project and take the first steps in making a real difference.