Most Russians keep a close eye on the exchange rates of currencies such as the Euro and the US dollar. Although, if we talk about purchasing power, then these monetary units will not be among the leaders in comparison with other currencies.
Today we propose to study in more detail Top 10 most expensive currencies in the world... It is a shame for the Russian ruble, but the leaders of the dozens were the currencies of the oil-producing countries of the East.
10. Swiss franc (CHF, 34.41 rubles)
Banknotes of francs are issued by the Central Bank of Switzerland, and coins are minted by the federal mint. The Swiss currency is the only franc that has survived on the territory of modern Europe. One Swiss franc equals one hundred rapens.
9. Cayman Islands dollar (KYD, 39.16 rubles)
The currency was introduced in 1972 and replaced the Jamaican dollar in the Caymans. The Cayman Islands dollar exchange rate is clearly pegged to the US dollar exchange rate at a ratio of 1 KYD = 1.2 USD. In total, about 75 million KYD are circulating in the world.
7. Jordanian dinar (JOD, 39.84 rubles)
On the banknotes of the Jordanian currency, portraits of representatives of the country's royal dynasty are depicted. Both coins and banknotes have inscriptions in two languages: Arabic and English. The currency appeared in 1949, replacing the Palestinian pound.
8. Azerbaijani manat (AZN, 40.18 rubles)
The design of the manat banknotes is very similar to the Euro, since the same Austrian designer Roberto Kalina worked on the development of the appearance of both currencies. The Azerbaijani manat was denominated twice - in 1992 and in 2006.
6. Euro (EUR, 42.62 rubles)
The official currency of the European Union is the only legal one for 17 countries, and in another 9 countries it operates along with other monetary units. The Euro appeared in non-cash circulation in 1999, and in the form of cash, the Euro currency has been used since 2002.
5. British pound (GBP, 49.45 rubles)
The monetary unit of the United Kingdom has been called the Pound Sterling since 1694, at the same time banknotes were issued in the country. The pound is the third most widespread currency in the world. One pound consists of one hundred pence, until 1971 shillings, groats, crowns, and fartings were also in circulation.
4. Latvian lats (LVL, 57.48 rubles)
The lats served as the official currency of Latvia from 1922 to 1940, and then returned to circulation in 1993. After the Cypriot pound and Maltese lira were withdrawn from circulation, the lat became the most significant currency in the Eurozone. True, the Latvian lats will remain in circulation only until January 1, 2014 - then the country will switch to the Euro.
3. Omani rial (OMR, 81.11 rubles)
Omani rial banknotes have inscriptions in both English and Arabic. But the coins do not have English "dubbing". It is very possible that in the near future the currencies of the oil-producing states of the East will be replaced by a certain single currency, a kind of "Arab Euro".
2. Bahraini dinar (BHD, 82.97 rubles)
Until 1973, this currency circulated not only in Bahrain itself, but also in the UAE, until the dirham replaced it there. The Bahraini dinar exchange rate directly depends on the US dollar, although in value it exceeds the American currency by 2.5 times.
1. Kuvetian dinar (108.74 rubles)
Every fifteenth Kuwaiti resident is a millionaire. The dwarf oil-producing state has 10% of the world's oil reserves on its territory. It is not surprising that the currency, used by only 3 million people, is so highly valued.
Each country has its own national currency in circulation. The list of currencies of the countries of the world is very wide. However, it can be roughly divided into several main groups. So, for example, there is the currency of European countries, African, countries of North and South America, as well as Asian countries, Australia and Oceania. In addition, the list of world currencies can be divided into two categories: the most expensive and the cheapest monetary units.
What affects the value of the currency
One of the most important indicators affecting the value of a currency is the presence of a strong and well-developed economy. It should inspire confidence among partners and investors who will invest in government securities. In addition, the availability of minerals and their export by the country has a great influence.
If you carefully study the rating list of the currencies of the countries of the world, you can see that the strongest and most expensive are the banknotes of the Arab peninsula. But, despite this, this currency is of little interest to other countries. This is due to the fact that it directly depends on oil. And this natural resource can run out at a certain time. Accordingly, the income of the exporting country will also fall.
Why is the price of currency falling
The currency of Vietnam is the dong. The name of this monetary unit is translated as "copper" or "bronze". But, despite this name, the banknotes themselves are made of special water-repellent paper. This makes them more durable.
On the third place of this list of world currencies should be placed good. Dobra is the currency used in circulation in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. The economy of this state is based on the tourism business and the cultivation of coffee and cocoa.
The Belarusian ruble, which is familiar to many, is in fourth position. It is often called the "bunny".
The fifth position in the list of the cheapest currencies in the world is occupied by the rupee, which is used in Indonesia. In the local dialect, the monetary unit is called "perak". But its official name was taken from
Freely convertible currencies
Some of the most popular currencies accepted for circulation around the world are the dollar and the euro. But, despite all their popularity, these monetary units are approximately in the middle of the list of the most expensive bills in the world. At the same time, the euro is slightly ahead of its counterpart in conversion.
These currencies are reserve currencies for the whole world, thanks to the most stable and developed economies of their countries.
A complete list of the names of the world's currencies can be found on the official websites of companies that buy / sell, as well as exchange currencies.
What do you think is the most expensive currency in the world today?
Most believe that the British pound is the most expensive currency, however, as it turned out, this is not the case.
Especially for blog readers, we have compiled a list of the strongest currencies in the world (as of January 20, 2020).
So, the most expensive currency in the world ...
# 1 - Kuwait Dinar ($ 3.29)
Currency code - KWD.
Kuwaiti dinar rate:
1 KWD = 3.29 USD(Kuwaiti dinar to dollar).
1 KWD = 202.94 RUB(Kuwaiti dinar to the ruble).
The most expensive currency in the world is the Kuwaiti dinar(in relation to the dollar and the Russian ruble).
Kuwait is a small country with immense wealth. The high value of its currency is explained by the significant export of petroleum products to the world market.
With a stable economy and a highly developed oil production and export industry, Kuwait is considered one of the richest countries in the world.
More than 80% of the country's income comes precisely from the oil industry, since the extraction of black gold here is the easiest and, accordingly, the cheapest in comparison with other countries.
Until 2003, the Kuwaiti dinar was pegged to the dollar, but in 2007 the government decided to peg it to a multicurrency basket.
Apart from a very stable economy, Kuwait is a country with almost no taxes and a very low unemployment rate.
# 2 - Bahrain Dinar ($ 2.66)
Currency code - Bhd.
Bahraini dinar rate:
1 BHD = 2.66 USD(Bahraini dinar to dollar).
1 BHD = 163.78 RUB(Bahraini dinar to the ruble).
The Bahraini dinar is the second most valuable currency in the world.
Bahrain is an island state in the Persian Gulf with a population of just over 1 million. As in the first case, the main source of income for this country is the export of black gold.
Interestingly, the Bahraini dinar is pegged to the dollar exchange rate, and its value against the dollar has not changed for 14 years.
# 3 - Oman Rial ($ 2.60)
Currency code - OMR.
Omani rial rate:
1 OMR = 2.60 USD(Omani rial to dollar).
1 OMR = 160.17 RUB(Omani rial to ruble).
Oman is a country on the Arabian Peninsula. Due to its strategic location, it enjoys a developed economy and a high standard of living.
The Omani rial, like the Bahraini dinar, is pegged to the dollar.
Interestingly, the purchasing power of this currency is so high that the government has to issue paper notes in denominations of 1/2 and 1/4 rial. In the picture above, you can see 1/2 rial.
# 4 - Jordan Dinar ($ 1.41)
Currency code - JOD.
Jordanian dinar rate:
1 JOD = 1.41 USD(Jordanian dinar to dollar).
1 JOD = 1.36 RUB(Jordanian dinar to the ruble).
It is rather difficult to explain the high cost of the Jordanian dinar, since the country is not particularly developed economically, and it lacks important resources such as oil. However, 1 Jordanian dinar costs about $ 1.41, making it one of the 10 most expensive currencies in the world.
# 5 - British Pound ($ 1.32)
Currency code - GBP.
British pound rate:
1 GBP = 1.32 USD(British pound to dollar).
1 GBP = 80.18 RUB(British pound to the ruble).
It is the British pound that everyone considers the most expensive currency in the world, but, as it turns out, it is only in 5th place.
By the way, the British colonies issue their own bills, which are visually different from the bills issued by the Bank of England, but are quoted 1 to 1.
So, there are also: Scottish, Northern Irish, Manx, Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar pounds, as well as the St. Helena pound and the Falkland Islands pound.
Ironically, native British people don't always want to accept “other” pounds as payment.
# 6 - Cayman Islands Dollar ($ 1.22)
Currency code - KYD.
Cayman Islands dollar rate.
1 KYD = 1.22 USD(Cayman Islands dollar to US dollar).
1 KYD = 75.01 RUB(Cayman Islands dollar to ruble).
The Cayman Islands are one of the world's top tax havens. These islands have provided power to hundreds of banks, hedge funds and insurance companies.
In particular, due to its leadership in tax havens, the Cayman Islands dollar is worth about $ 1.22.
# 7 - European Euro ($ 1.11)
Currency code - EUR.
Euro rate:
1 EUR = 1.11 USD(euro to dollar).
1 EUR = 68.31 RUB(euro to ruble).
Even considering that the Euro has lost about 20% of its value over the past year, it is still one of the strongest in the world.
Part of its strength is due to the fact that it is the official currency in 17 European countries, including several economic “heavyweights”.
In addition, the Euro is the world's second reserve currency, covering 22.2% of all world savings (for the dollar - 62.3%).
# 8 - Swiss Franc ($ 1.01)
Currency code - CHF.
Swiss franc rate:
1 CHF = 1.01 USD(Swiss franc to dollar).
1 CHF = 63.61 RUB(Swiss franc to ruble).
Switzerland is not only one of the richest countries in the world, but also one of the most stable. Its banking system is known for its unshakable "Banking Secret".
In addition, their high-tech products are appreciated all over the world.
Pay attention to the original look of this bill. This is the only currency I've seen that "looks" vertically.
# 9 - US Dollar
Currency code - USD.
Dollar rate:
1 USD = 0.90 EUR(dollar to euro).
1 USD = 61.58 RUB(dollar to ruble).
Due to America's leadership in the world arena, its currency has achieved the title of “world reserve currency.” In other words, you can pay in dollars anywhere in the world.
# 10 - Canadian dollar ($ 0.75)
Currency code - CAD.
Canadian dollar rate:
1 CAD = 0.75 USD(Canadian dollar to US dollar).
1 CAD = 47.14 RUB(Canadian dollar to ruble).
The Canadian dollar is the world's fifth largest reserve currency. It is often called the "loonie" after the bird depicted on the $ 1 coin.
Dropouts from the top ten
Due to the dynamically changing economic and political situation in the world, it is difficult for a currency to stay in this rating, so here is a list of currencies that have come out of the top ten in previous periods.
Australian dollar($0.68)
Currency code - AUD.
Australian dollar rate:
1 AUD = 0.68 USD(Australian dollar to US dollar).
1 AUD = 42.35 RUB(Australian dollar to ruble).
Interestingly, the new series of Australian banknotes, like the one pictured above, will have a tactile function (Braille) to help the visually impaired community determine the denomination of the banknote.
Azerbaijani manat($0.59)
Currency code - AZN.
Azerbaijani manat rate:
1 AZN = 0.59 USD(Azerbaijani manat to dollar).
1 AZN = 36.30 RUB(Azerbaijani manat to ruble).
It is certainly surprising to see the Azerbaijani manat on this list, but the currency of this Middle Eastern country is only slightly cheaper than the US dollar.
It should be noted that the local economy is actually quite strong and the unemployment rate in the country is low.
Seborg Luigino?
Have you ever heard of a currency called Seborgan Luigino?
This currency belongs to the virtual state of the Principality of Seborga, which is located on the border of Italy and France. Luigino circulates mainly locally and is not considered legal tender in any other country.
But interestingly, the local luigino rate is 1 SPL = 6 USD what could make this currency the most expensive in the world if it were officially recognized outside the principality.
Thus, despite the huge cost of SPL, Luigino cannot yet rank first on our list of the most expensive currencies in the world.
Is the high value of the currency a sign of a strong economy?
It is known that currencies of not particularly successful countries tend to decrease in value. However, when the economy is doing well, we can hardly see the opposite effect.
Indeed, in practice, there have been very few cases where the value of a currency has steadily increased. The reasons may be different, but in general, the state itself is not profitable for the constant strengthening of the currency, because the population begins to actively save money instead of spending it.
Thus, the high cost of the currency only indicates that inflationary processes in the country are under control.
In the context of this article, mention should also be made of Japan and its one of the strongest economies in the world. At the same time, the value of the Japanese yen is very small, $ 1 = ¥ 108.74.
Information about the highest value of currencies can hardly be used by investors to make any investment decisions. In this case, it is better to consider the most stable currencies.
By the way, did you know that you cannot use images of banknotes without the inscription “SPECIMEN”? Learning to abide by the laws, comrades!
The economic necessity of a developed human society today is the value of money. Each country has a national capital, and it is important not only within the state, but also in the world market. But only a few powers have monetary authority over the rest. Today, in various sectors of the economy, there is an increased density of international relations. And therefore, business people are forced to use the most recognized and fundamental currency. But it should be understood that in recent years, or rather, in the last few decades, the euro and dollar cannot be called stable. When financing a business project, it is best to use more stable world money, such as Kuwaiti dinars, British pounds and others. The most profitable currencies are Swiss francs and Polish zlotys.
So, what is the most expensive currency in the world in relation to the Russian ruble in 2018? What are the most valuable and expensive banknotes?
What is the most expensive currency in the world? Of course, this is the Kuwaiti dinar. Oil fields were localized in Kuwait, thanks to which the national currency of this country can be called reliable banknotes. According to long-term statistics, there is a stable position of millionaires in the ratio of 1:15, with a total population of 3 million people. The Kuwaiti dinar took a leading position in the world market back in 1961, at that time it changed rupees and was worth as much as the famous pound sterling. The rapid rise in price of this currency was observed in 2006-2007. To date, over 187 rubles are given for one banknote.
What is the most expensive currency in the world? Bahraini Dinar - second place
Considering the question of what is the most expensive currency, one cannot fail to mention the Bahraini dinar. Bahrain is an Arab state, or rather, a small administrative unit - an island. The national currency of this power was created in 1965, and from the next year, until 1973, it was the main capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Bahraini dinar ranks second on our list due to the fact that this country is small, but it has a well-developed oil and processing industry. The design feature of the banknotes is that they depict cultural monuments and ornament. Today one Bahraini dinar costs over 149 rubles. 
Omani rial - third place among leaders
What is the third most expensive currency in our ranking? This is the Omani rial. The state of Oman is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Initially, its main currency was the Indian rupee, however, after the country switched to the Said real, which later became Oman, a new currency was introduced. Today, one unit of it is equal to 146 rubles and 39 kopecks. 
Jordanian dinar - fourth currency rating
Paradoxically, it is almost impossible to explain why the Jordanian currency is in fourth place in our rating. This country is controlled by Israel, and since 1940 it has steadfastly kept its banknotes in leading positions. Compared to 2015, at that time this currency was in sixth place among the most expensive. Despite the fact that the country's economic system is not fully developed, and there is also a budget deficit, the Jordanian dinar is still one of the most expensive banknotes, and costs more than a dollar or euro, namely 79, 35 rubles per unit. 
Pound sterling - fifth place
The pound sterling has been the most historically stable currency since 1694. This currency did not lose its position after the American dollar, in the late forties of the twentieth century, absorbed the entire foreign exchange market. The pound sterling is expensive and constancy, and it can also be called an identification mark of territorial belonging, since its design was developed creatively. The British national currency has strengthened its position after the formation of the European Union. Today the price of one pound sterling is not a little short of 79 rubles. 
Euro - sixth place
The euro, which is the official currency of the European Union, today costs 70.17 rubles per unit. It has firmly held its position since 1999 (for payment by bank transfer), and since 2002 (for payment in cash) in all countries that are members of the European Union. It is very popular and competes with the US dollar. Many countries around the world use the euro as a backup currency. This currency is protected from falling by the gold and foreign exchange fund. 
Cayman Islands dollars - seventh place
What is the most expensive currency in the world, ranking seventh in our ranking? These are Cayman Island dollars that many have never heard of. Today, this currency, which once replaced the Jamaican dollar, costs 68.66 rubles per unit. It is tied to the American banknote, and therefore has a similar spasmodic instability. It became national in 1972 after the British Monetary Council was established. It is one of the leading banknotes because it has localized financial structures of the international level on the banks of the Cayman. There is an offshore zone with a tourist business, which employs 100% of the population of this state. 
Swiss franc - eighth place
Thanks to the stability and quality of the Swiss production of chocolate, cheese and watches, the national banknotes of this country are strengthened more and more all over the world. The vertical design of the banknotes is an original difference that you immediately notice. In Switzerland, the banking system is designed to ensure 100% non-disclosure of information. That is why the franc is characterized by stability in the world currency market. Today it costs 60.33 rubles per unit. 
American dollar - ninth place
What is the most expensive currency? This is not an American dollar. Although it is very popular and all the inhabitants of our planet know about it. This is because the US dollar can be used to pay for any product or service. Even despite the specifics of the American economy and the presence of a huge public debt, this currency is still among the leaders, accounting for more than 60% of world capital. The fluctuation of the dollar is influenced not only by the economic situation in America, but also by the financial affairs of Europe. The US dollar is closely related to the euro. Today it costs 56.3 rubles. 
Libyan dinar - tenth place
The tenth place in our ranking is occupied by the Libyan dinar. Today its price against the ruble is 42.32. One Libyan dinar is sibdivided into AED 1,000, not AED 100. 
The exchange rate of world currencies changes annually. But the first three leaders of our list have not yielded their positions to anyone for many years. Of course, banknotes are not made from, however, some copies are highly valued among numismatists.
Switzerland is not easy to find on a map, but its currency is the strongest in the world. At the beginning of February 2006, 1 Swiss franc was worth 21.9 rubles, and ten years later it rose to 73.74 rubles, having strengthened by 236.7%. This currency is in great demand among wealthy people. It is not without reason that all Swiss banks are considered the most reliable in the world.
However, market analysts tend to believe that the Swiss franc is greatly overvalued. In January 2015, the local Central Bank canceled the peg to the euro - and in 10 minutes the currency went up by 20-30%. The strong franc hurts the local economy, as the goods produced in the country have become expensive for foreign consumers. The authorities want to weaken their currency, but so far they are not doing very well.
The second place was taken by the Chinese yuan. Until July 2005, the currency was pegged to the US dollar, but in recent years the local government has embarked on a controlled devaluation of the yuan to boost economic growth. Despite all the weakening, the yuan has risen in price against the ruble by 228.1% over ten years. From October 1, 2016, the yuan will become the world's reserve currency. Russian banks already offer deposits in yuan, on which you can earn up to 4.25% per annum.
The Israeli shekel has become the third most reliable. This currency has appreciated against the ruble by 215.9% over ten years. The shekel exchange rate is floating, but stable - over ten years it has slightly depreciated against the dollar.
The American currency was only in seventh place. Since 2006, the dollar / ruble exchange rate has strengthened by 169.6%. Ahead were the Thai baht (+ 195.7%), the Brunei dollar (205.9%), the Singapore dollar (+ 206.1%) and the Bolivian Boliviano (+ 211.17%), the existence of which many Russians do not even have knew.
Top 10 strongest currencies in the world
| № | Currency | Cost as of February 1, 2006, rubles | Cost as of February 1, 2016, rub. | Growth against the ruble over 10 years |
| 1 | Swiss frank |
21,9 | 73,74 | 236,71% |
| 2 | CNY  |
3,48 | 11,42 | 228,16% |
| 3 | Israeli shekel  |
6,02 | 19,02 | 215,95% |
| 4 | Bolivian boliviano  |
3,49 | 10,86 | 211,17% |
| 5 | Singapore dollar  |
17,3 | 52,97 | 206,18% |
| 6 | Brunei dollar  |
17,3 | 52,92 | 205,90% |
| 7 | Thai baht  |
0,71 | 2,1 | 195,77% |
| 8 | U.S. dollar  |
28,13 | 75,84 | 169,61% |
| 9 | Japanese yen  |
0,23 | 0,62 | 169,57% |
| 10 | UAE dirham  |
7,65 | 20,55 | 168,63% |
The most expensive currency was the Kuwaiti dinar, which was sold on the stock exchange on February 1, 2016 for 247 rubles. 89 kopecks per unit. However, its growth against the Russian currency amounted to 157.5% (18th place). The euro gained 140.6% in ten years (25th place), and the British pound - 115.72% (32nd place).
Dollar check
If the dollar acts as the initial currency, then the Chinese yuan will come out on top among the dozens of leaders, which has strengthened against the dollar by 24.8%. The Swiss franc came in second with 20.3%. The third, as in the main study, was the Israeli shekel, which added 14.8%. It is also confirmed that the Thai currency turned out to be stronger than the American one - it increased by 8.7%.
Why is the ruble always weakening?
The national currency is a mirror of the solvency and development of the economy, says Sergei Alin, deputy director of the analytical department of the Okey Broker investment company. According to him, the ruble is highly dependent on the cost of oil. The solution to the problem can only be diversification of the economy and improvement of the investment climate.
“The ruble is mainly weakening against other currencies due to high inflation. It is a consequence of the outrunning growth in tariffs of natural monopolies, the expectations of the population and the fall in prices for raw materials, primarily for energy resources, ”says Natalya Levina, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board.
Invest wisely
Sergei Alin claims that investing in foreign currency in order to protect savings for the next 10 years will definitely pay off. The expert recalls that after the 1998 crisis, the dollar rose from 6 to 21 rubles, and today it has already approached 80 rubles.
If the situation on the market is heating up to the limit, then it is logical to keep part of the funds not in the bank, but in “paper” form, ”the expert advises.
“Nobody knows what will happen in the world on the horizon for 10 years. For example, no industry analyst predicted a sharp drop in oil prices to $ 27 per barrel. To protect your savings, you need to diversify your portfolio by investing in US dollars, rubles, highly liquid stocks and gold, ”warns Natalya Levina.
The head of the Sravn.ru analytical center Vadim Tikhonov also recommends diversifying risks by investing in several assets. Relying only on dollars is risky as the US currency has periods of growth and weakness. Each such cycle lasts about 15 years, the expert recalls.
Where to buy rare currencies?
Many exotic currencies can be purchased from Russian banks. For example, this applies to Swiss francs, yuan, Japanese yen, Israeli shekels, etc. “The main thing is to buy foreign currency at a real representative office of the bank, and not at an incomprehensible exchanger at a metro station or in a tent, etc. Better to take the time and compare by choosing the best deal. Of course, if you are going to buy foreign currency for the long term, then chasing a difference of several tens of kopecks is not necessary, "advises Sergei Alin from OK Broker.
The ideal option is to place your savings in 2-3 types of foreign currencies.
For those who need a larger amount, it is more profitable to go shopping in a country where the required currency is in circulation. For example, it is more logical to buy Thai baht in Thailand, and dirhams in the UAE. In this case, you will first have to buy American dollars for rubles. If you go somewhere with rubles, then the losses on the course will be significant.
Experts do not recommend buying euros if you are not a frequent visitor to the eurozone - the countries of the European Union are experiencing an economic crisis. Better to bet on the Singapore dollar, yuan and Swiss franc.
