10 Most Expensive Currencies in Asia

Writing about the most valuable and strongest currencies is not easy, as exchange rates change daily, but still we managed to make a new list about the most expensive currencies in Asia.  Some time earlier, we made a list of The 10 Most Expensive Currency in the World too. A never-ending debate about “is money the most important thing in the world?” goes on a day by day. And rightly so. Many people believe that happiness and health are more important. Of course they are, but can you have any of those two in today’s world without a financial base?

Concentrating on the Asian Monetary Unit, we will talk about the 10 most expensive currencies in Asia. The AMU (short for Asian Monetary Unit) is a basket composed of 13 currencies, which are proposed by the Japanese government’s Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry. What’s important for you to know is that the most valuable currency doesn’t have to be the smartest investment. Economy is a tricky thing – what was yesterday’s leader can become tomorrow’s failure.

10. Saudi Riyal

In 10^th place lies the currency of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Riyal. The Riyal has been the currency of Saudi Arabia since the creation of it, with the name of the currency derived from the Spanish word “real”. For one Saudi Riyal, you can get about $0.26 in exchange.

9. United Arab Emirates Dirham

Ranked 9^th is the United Arab Emirates Dirham, which will get you $0.27 in exchange.  It was introduced on the 19^th of May, 1973, replacing the Qatar and Dubai Riyal at par.

8. Qatari Riyal

The Qatari Riyal, the currency of the State of Qatar is in 8th place. Until 1966, Qatar used the Indian Rupee as its currency, otherwise known as the Gulf Rupees. When India devalued the currency in 1966, Qatar, along with a few other neighboring countries, decided to introduce their own currencies. That is how the Qatari Riyal got created, and one of it in exchange will give you $0.274.

7. Singapore Dollar

We have an interesting situation here, as the currencies in the 7^th and 6^th place actually have the same value. The Singapore Dollar is also accepted as a “customary tender” in Brunei, according to the Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Likewise, the Brunei Dollar is equally accepted in Singapore. Both of the currencies will cost you about $0.73.

 

6. Brunei Dollar

As we’ve already said it above, the Singapore Dollar is managed together with the Brunei Dollar, which is the holder of the 6^th place in our list. The reason for this is that Singapore and Brunei are major trading partners. And today, both Brunei and Singapore dollar have found its spot among the 10 most expensive currencies in Asia.

5. Azerbaijani Manat

Some of you might be wondering what Azerbaijan is doing on this list, but, believe it or not, the currency of this country is around 25% more valuable than the US dollar.  To be precise, one Azerbaijani Manat will cost you $1.28. The local economy there is quite strong and the unemployment stands at a low rate, which is why the Manat lies in #5.

4. Jordanian Dinar

Jordan’s high-value currency was ranking high for the last decade, earning the 4^th place today. The nation lacks both strong economy and crucial natural resources. Nevertheless, one Jordanian dinar will cost you $1.41.

3. Omani Rial

The currency of Oman, holding the 3^rd place, is one of the most valuable currencies in the world, not only in Asia. The first use of the Omani Rial came in 1973, after replacing the Saudi Riyal. The reason for such a high value of the currency, lies probably in the strategic position of the country. Oman has developed a good economy in recent years, as well as a high level of human development. One Omani Rial will get you $2.60 in exchange.

2. Bahraini Dinar

The currency that  was first introduced in 1965, takes the runner-up spot. The Bahraini Dinar, the currency of Bahrain, is of similar value to the Omani Rial, as it will cost you about $2.65. The second most expensive currency in Asia, is also the world’s second most valuable currency.

1. Kuwaiti Dinar

Alone on the top of the 10 Most Expensive Currencies in Asia list, and remarkably on top of the world regarding expensive currencies, stands the Kuwaiti Dinar. It is, of course, the currency of Kuwait, a tiny country possessing huge wealth and riches. To date, six series of this currency have been printed, with the last announced last year. Huge oil exports and a fixed exchange rate, will enable you to get $3.46 for just one Kuwaiti Dinar.