Currency values fluctuate constantly, but some currencies maintain exceptional strength compared to others due to economic stability, trade surpluses, and investor confidence. For Indian travelers, students, and forex users, understanding the most expensive currencies in the world in INR is crucial for smart international financial planning. In this blog, we break down the Top 10 strongest currency in the world in 2025, why they rank high, and how they compare to the Indian Rupee.
Table of contents
What Determines the Strength of a Currency?
Currency strength refers to the purchasing power of a nation’s currency relative to others. The stronger the currency, the more valuable it is when exchanged for foreign currency like the Indian Rupee. Currencies like the Kuwaiti Dinar or Swiss Franc stand out not only for their value but also for long-term financial stability, making them the most high-value currencies globally.
Key Factors Influencing Currency Strength:
- Supply and Demand: Scarce, in-demand currencies are more valuable.
- Foreign Exchange Reserves: A country with high forex reserves inspires confidence in its currency.
- Political and Economic Stability: Investors prefer stable environments.
- Inflation and Interest Rates: Low inflation and competitive interest rates maintain currency value.
Top 10 Strongest & Most Expensive Currencies in the World in 2025
Let’s explore the most expensive currencies in the world in Indian Rupees (INR) and US Dollars (USD), and the economic reasons behind their strength.
1. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
Value: ~₹270 per KWD | ~$3.25 USD
Country: Kuwait
Strength Factor: Backed by the world’s sixth-largest oil reserves.
Exchange System: Pegged to a basket of currencies.
Inflation: Very low, with a stable fiscal policy.
Circulation: Limited, making it rare and valuable.
The Kuwaiti Dinar remains the most expensive currency in the world in 2025, valued at over ₹270 per KWD. Originally introduced in 1961, it replaced the Gulf Rupee following Kuwait’s independence. Since then, its value has remained high due to vast oil reserves, low inflation, and strong fiscal policies. Additionally, KWD banknotes feature advanced anti-counterfeit technology. Moreover, its peg to a weighted currency basket helps maintain stability against global fluctuations.
Why It’s Strong: Backed by Kuwait’s vast oil reserves, economic surplus, and strict government monetary policies, the Kuwaiti Dinar remains the most expensive currency globally.
2. Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Value: ~₹220 per BHD | ~$2.65 USD
Country: Bahrain
Strength Factor: Oil-export-driven economy.
Pegging: Tightly pegged to the US Dollar.
Use Case: Commonly used in both business and tourism.
Stability: Government maintains a strict monetary framework.
The Bahraini Dinar is one of the strongest currencies, valued at approximately ₹220 per BHD. It was introduced in 1965, replacing the Gulf Rupee at par. Bahrain’s economy is driven by oil exports, banking, and finance, and the currency is pegged to the U.S. Dollar at a fixed rate. A notable fact is that despite Bahrain’s small size, its currency has maintained high value due to stable monetary policy. BHD coins are bilingual, featuring both Arabic and English inscriptions.
Highlights: With a thriving oil economy and a USD peg system, Bahrain’s currency remains consistently high in value.
3. Omani Rial (OMR)
Value: ~₹215 per OMR | ~$2.60 USD
Country: Oman
Peg System: Fixed to the USD at a high rate.
Inflation: Minimal inflation ensures value retention.
Oil Wealth: Similar to Kuwait and Bahrain, oil dominates the economy.
Tourism + Trade: Diversifying economy supports currency strength.
Valued at approximately ₹215 per OMR, the Omani Rial ranks third globally. Introduced in 1973, it replaced the Saudi Riyal as Oman’s official currency. Since then, Oman’s oil-driven economy, coupled with tourism and trade, has sustained its strength. Moreover, the Rial is pegged to the U.S. Dollar, features low inflation, and showcases national pride through culturally rich banknote designs.
Why It’s Strong: Oman maintains low inflation and pegs its currency to the US Dollar, keeping its value high.
4. Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Value: ~₹117 per JOD | ~$1.41 per JOD
Country: Jordan
Non-Oil Economy: Unusual for a high-value currency.
Fixed Peg: Strongly pegged to the USD.
Aid & Investment: Receives foreign aid and investment, stabilizing the currency.
Domestic Control: Strict capital flow regulation.
The Jordanian Dinar, worth around ₹117 per JOD, has maintained strength despite Jordan’s limited natural resources. Introduced in 1950 to replace the Palestinian Pound, JOD is pegged to the USD. The country’s economic policies, foreign aid, and remittance inflows support its value. Notably, the banknotes include Arabic calligraphy and historic images such as Petra. Jordan’s monetary policy is conservative, which helps maintain currency stability. It’s one of the few currencies to remain strong without major exports.
Interesting Point: Despite limited natural resources, Jordan keeps its currency strong through a fixed exchange rate and foreign aid.
5. British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Value: ~₹107 per GBP | ~$1.30 USD
Country: United Kingdom
Global Influence: Oldest and one of the most traded currencies.
Economic Base: Diversified—finance, services, tech, and education.
Reserve Status: Often held as a global reserve currency.
Volatility: Influenced by post-Brexit policies and global trade.
The British Pound Sterling is the oldest currency still in use, dating back to the 8th century. As of 2025, it’s valued at about ₹107 per GBP. It remains a key global reserve currency due to the UK’s economic influence. The GBP was decimalized in 1971 and features famous British figures on its notes. Interestingly, it was once the world’s dominant currency during the British Empire. Today, it’s backed by a robust financial system and is widely accepted across Europe and beyond.
Why It’s Important: The GBP is the strongest mainstream currency, thanks to the UK’s global financial and political influence.
6. Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
Value: ~₹107 per GIP | Pegged to GBP
Country: Gibraltar (UK overseas territory)
Pegging: Fully interchangeable with GBP.
Usage: Mainly used within Gibraltar.
Tourism & Port Economy: Adds stability to local currency.
Legal Tender: Not accepted outside Gibraltar.
The Gibraltar Pound, pegged 1:1 with the British Pound, is used in Gibraltar and valued at around ₹107. Issued by the Government of Gibraltar, it’s legal tender only within the territory. The currency has a unique history, featuring local landmarks and British monarchs. Though accepted interchangeably with GBP, GIP is not accepted elsewhere in the UK. It symbolizes Gibraltar’s semi-autonomous governance. Interestingly, Gibraltar issues its own coins and notes, which are popular among collectors due to limited circulation.
Fact: Though less circulated, it’s valued equally to the British Pound and is used in Gibraltar.
7. Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
Value: ~₹100 per KYD | ~$1.20 USD
Country: Cayman Islands
Offshore Banking Hub: Major tax haven with strong currency policies.
Peg System: Fixed to USD at 1 KYD = 1.20 USD.
Inflation: Minimal due to limited money printing.
Use Case: Widely used in banking, tourism, and real estate.
The Cayman Islands Dollar is valued at roughly ₹100 per KYD and pegged to the U.S. Dollar. Introduced in 1972, it supports the offshore financial services sector that dominates the local economy. Despite being a small British Overseas Territory, the Caymans have no direct taxation, making the KYD a stable and trusted currency. Its notes feature Queen Elizabeth II and national symbols. KYD is known for its limited issuance and high monetary control, which help retain its value.
Strength Factors: The Cayman Islands is a major offshore banking center with low inflation and limited currency printing.
8. Swiss Franc (CHF)
Value: ~₹94 per CHF | ~$1.10 per CHF
Country: Switzerland
Reputation: World’s safest and most stable currency.
Financial Policies: Conservative fiscal policies and high reserves.
Banking Sector: Globally respected for confidentiality and stability.
Safe-Haven Asset: Preferred during economic uncertainty
The Swiss Franc ranks as the world’s safest currency, valued at approximately ₹94 per CHF. Switzerland and Liechtenstein jointly issue it, maintaining this version since 1850. Its strength stems from Switzerland’s political stability, low national debt, and a strong banking system. Known for their artistic design, Swiss Franc notes highlight the country’s culture, science, and linguistic diversity. During global crises, investors worldwide actively choose the CHF as a reliable safe-haven currency.
Why It’s Stable: Known as the world’s safest currency, the Swiss Franc is supported by strong banking systems and low debt.
9. Euro (EUR)
Value: ~₹89 per EUR | ~$1.07 per EUR
Region: Eurozone (20 countries)
Economic Size: Second-largest economy globally.
Adoption: Used by over 340 million people.
Global Role: Strong in international trade and reserves.
Diverse Backing: Supported by both strong and weak EU economies.
The Euro, currently valued at around ₹89 per EUR, is used by 20 of the 27 EU nations. Initially introduced in 1999 as a virtual currency and later as physical cash in 2002, it has since become the second most traded currency globally. Backed by the European Central Bank, its symbolic design and economic strength ensure long-term stability and trust.
Significance: The Euro represents multiple countries in the EU and is the second-most traded currency globally.
10. US Dollar (USD)
Value: ~₹83 per USD
Country: United States of America
Global Reserve Currency: Used in 80%+ of global trade.
Economic Influence: Backed by the world’s largest economy.
Most Traded Currency: Dominates forex markets.
Policy Impact: US Federal Reserve interest rate decisions impact global currencies
The U.S. Dollar, valued at ₹83 per USD, is the most traded currency globally and the dominant global reserve currency. Introduced in 1792, it has played a central role in international finance ever since World War II. USD is accepted in many countries and is pegged to several others. It’s backed by the world’s largest economy and trusted for international trade, oil pricing, and investments. U.S. banknotes are iconic, with figures like Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.
Global Power: As the world’s primary reserve currency, the USD is used in over 80% of global trade transactions.
Other High-Value Currencies – Rank 11 to 20
| Rank | Currency | Code | Country | Value in INR (Approx.)* |
| 11 | Singapore Dollar | SGD | Singapore | ₹62 |
| 12 | Brunei Dollar | BND | Brunei | ₹62 |
| 13 | Australian Dollar | AUD | Australia | ₹56 |
| 14 | Canadian Dollar | CAD | Canada | ₹61 |
| 15 | New Zealand Dollar | NZD | New Zealand | ₹52 |
| 16 | Bulgarian Lev | BGN | Bulgaria | ₹49 |
| 17 | Azerbaijani Manat | AZN | Azerbaijan | ₹49 |
| 18 | Israeli New Shekel | ILS | Israel | ₹22 |
| 19 | Qatari Riyal | QAR | Qatar | ₹22.50 |
| 20 | UAE Dirham | AED | United Arab Emirates | ₹22.60 |
Why Is the Kuwaiti Dinar the Most Expensive Currency?
The Kuwaiti Dinar consistently tops global currency rankings due to several factors:
- Oil-rich economy: Kuwait has one of the largest oil reserves.
- Low inflation and fiscal surplus: Government controls inflation tightly.
- Pegged exchange rate: KWD is pegged to a weighted basket, ensuring stability.
- Limited circulation: Makes the currency rarer and more valuable.
FAQs About the World’s Strongest Currencies
1. What is the 3 strongest currency in the world?
The three strongest currencies in 2025 are Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Bahraini Dinar (BHD), and Omani Rial (OMR), based on their high exchange value compared to USD and INR.
2. Which is the lowest currency?
The Iranian Rial is currently the lowest currency in the world, primarily due to international sanctions, economic instability, hyperinflation, and low investor confidence.
3. Where is INR stronger?
INR is stronger in countries like Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, where Indian Rupees have better purchasing power for travel, food, and accommodation compared to other destinations.
4. Which is the richest country in the world?
Qatar, often ranked the richest country by GDP per capita, benefits from vast natural gas reserves and a small population. Meanwhile, Luxembourg and Singapore also follow closely due to their strong economies.
5. Which country has the highest currency value?
Kuwait has the highest-valued currency in the world. One Kuwaiti Dinar is worth more than 3 US Dollars and significantly more in Indian Rupees, reflecting its economic stability.
6. What is the most traded currency in the world?
The US Dollar (USD) is the most traded currency in the world, involved in over 80% of global forex transactions due to its stability, liquidity, and reserve currency status.
7. What is the safest currency?
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is considered the safest currency due to Switzerland’s economic neutrality, low inflation, political stability, and strong banking system trusted globally.
8. Which country uses Kuwaiti Dinar?
Kuwait exclusively uses the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) as its official currency; consequently, it is applied to all domestic purchases as well as international transactions conducted within the country.
9. Which is the cheapest country in the world?
India, Pakistan, and Vietnam are among the cheapest countries to live or travel in, offering affordable accommodation, transportation, and meals compared to global standards.
Also Read –
- https://www.supremeforex.com/blogs/travel-abroad/countries-that-accept-indian-rupees/
- https://www.supremeforex.com/blogs/travel-abroad/all-countries-currency-symbols/
- https://www.supremeforex.com/blogs/cheapest-currency-in-the-world-a-look-at-the-lowest-exchange-rates
Conclusion
Understanding which are the most expensive currencies in the world is essential for making smart decisions related to travel, education, or international remittances. After all, currency strength isn’t just about prestige—it directly influences how much you spend or save abroad.
If you’re planning to travel, study, or send money internationally, then choose Supreme Forex for a seamless experience. With features like live exchange rate tracking, doorstep currency delivery, secure prepaid forex cards, and competitive INR to KWD, EUR, and GBP rates, you’ll enjoy both convenience and savings..
Sources Used –
- NASDAQ
- FXSSI
- Forbes
*Data as per 10th July 2025
