What is the most expensive currency in the world in 2025? Check out the full ranking

When we talk about valued currencies, many people immediately think of the dollar, euro, or British pound. However, this perception is far from the reality of the international market. There are several currencies that are much more expensive and stronger than the US dollar, offering interesting opportunities for those seeking to diversify investments in 2025.

The most expensive currency in the world today is the Kuwaiti Dinar, which significantly surpasses the dollar in exchange value. This reality surprises many Brazilian investors, who are accustomed to considering only the “traditional” currencies of the global market.

Why investing in foreign currencies is strategic for 2025

Investing in foreign currency goes far beyond seeking the most expensive currency. It is a defensive strategy against the devaluation of the real and persistent inflation in Brazil.

Internationally valued currencies offer:

• Protection against exchange rate fluctuations of the real
• Access to stable economies with growth prospects
• Opportunities in developing markets with high liquidity
• Hedge against local macroeconomic instability

The ranking of the 20 most expensive and valued currencies globally

Based on average quotations against the dollar and contemporary economic indicators, this is the scenario in 2025:

Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) - The most expensive currency: exchange rate of 1 KWD = 3.30 USD. Its strength comes from vast oil reserves and conservative fiscal management.

Bahraini Dinar (BHD) - Exchange rate: 1 BHD = 2.72 USD. The diversified financial sector drives its appreciation.

Omani Rial (OMR) - Exchange rate: 1 OMR = 2.65 USD. Political stability and investments in renewable energies attract international capital.

Jordanian Dinar (JOD) - Exchange rate: 1 JOD = 1.52 USD. Strategic geopolitical alliances reinforce its position.

British Pound (GBP) - Exchange rate: 1 GBP = 1.35 USD. Post-Brexit recovery and technological advancement boost demand.

Gibraltar Pound (GIP) - Exchange rate: 1 GIP = 1.34 USD. Linked to the British pound, benefiting from tourism and financial services.

Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) - Exchange rate: 1 KYD = 1.25 USD. Attractive regulatory environment for international investors.

Swiss Franc (CHF) - Exchange rate: 1 CHF = 1.12 USD. Considered a safe haven during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

Euro (EUR) - Exchange rate: 1 EUR = 1.10 USD. European investments in digital transformation and sustainability drive its demand.

US Dollar (USD) - Although no longer the most expensive, it remains the most traded globally. Its position has been consolidated over decades, despite losing currency supremacy due to market crises and recent inflationary pressures.

Emirati Dirham (AED) - Exchange rate: 1 AED = 0.30 USD. Dubai emerges as a global center for cryptocurrencies and financial technology.

Singapore Dollar (SGD) - Exchange rate: 1 SGD = 0.75 USD. Leadership in technology and maritime trade sustains appreciation.

Norwegian Krone (NOK) - Exchange rate: 1 NOK = 0.11 USD. Clean energy exports attract ESG-focused investments.

Australian Dollar (AUD) - Exchange rate: 1 AUD = 0.70 USD. Natural resources and Asian trade partnerships increase relevance.

Mexican Peso (MXN) - Exchange rate: 1 MXN = 0.06 USD. Structural reforms and nearshoring strengthen its position.

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) - Exchange rate: 1 MVR = 0.065 USD. High-income tourism and infrastructural development sustain demand.

Turkish Lira (TRY) - Exchange rate: 1 TRY = 0.04 USD. Despite volatility, it offers opportunities in commodities.

Canadian Dollar (CAD) - Exchange rate: 1 CAD = 0.78 USD. Energy and mineral exports ensure stability.

Israeli New Shekel (ILS) - Exchange rate: 1 ILS = 0.28 USD. Technology ecosystem and startups energize the economy.

Saudi Riyal (SAR) - Exchange rate: 1 SAR = 0.27 USD. Economic diversification through Vision 2030 strengthens the currency.

What makes a currency expensive and valued in 2025

The most expensive currency in the world is determined by structural economic factors, not just nominal dollar value. Among the elements that define whether a currency is considered expensive and valued are:

• Controlled inflation rate
• Liquidity and volume of international transactions
• Political and institutional stability
• Floating exchange rate in developed markets
• Positive trade balance
• External economic factors (global demand, reserves, etc.)

In Latin America, the New Peruvian Sol stands out as the most expensive currency in the region when compared to the Brazilian real in conversions to dollar or euro.

Strategy: which currencies to choose for investing in 2025

For those seeking currency diversification, the best options combine stability with potential appreciation:

Safe haven currencies: Swiss Franc (AUD/CHF), which offers protection during volatility

Emerging currencies with liquidity: Australian Dollar (AUD/USD), Japanese Yen (AUD/JPY)

Global reserve currencies: US Dollar (AUD/USD), Euro (EUR/USD), Canadian Dollar (AUD/CAD)

The combination of strong currencies (like CHF and KWD) with dynamic emerging market currencies (MXN, TRY) can create a balanced portfolio.

Step-by-step to invest in foreign currencies in 2025

1. Choose a reliable platform: Open an account with a broker that offers currency pairs with competitive spreads

2. Study macroeconomic trends: Follow reports from central banks, IMF, and economic indicators

3. Diversify your exposure: Do not concentrate on a single currency; spread across developed and emerging markets

4. Monitor global events: Political changes, conflicts, and monetary policy decisions significantly impact quotations

Important note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.