In the present world, money is something that talks, speaks, or barks louder than a voice. Currencies from different countries do not carry the same weight or value. Some currencies can buy valuables without needing a ridiculous amount, while others just manage for what they can afford even with huge printed mints.
Many readers might think the US Dollar, Euro, or Pound Sterling will take charge of the frontline in this list. The actual truth might either shock or surprise you. The most valuable currencies in this world are not always from the biggest, most influential, or most powerful countries. That is not the case. Value and power might be synonymous, but they do not exactly mean the same thing. The same goes with influence.
One should take note that every currency in this list will be in contrast and comparison against the US dollar, because the US dollar is the most used, all-around currency around the globe. Its significance cannot just be overstated.
Some of the most valuable currencies in this list are from small countries, oil-rich kingdoms, or even places with tight economic controls.
10. Canadian Dollar (CAD)
The Canadian dollar, with the symbol $, is the currency of Canada. Its exchange rate is around 1 Canadian dollar to 0.74 US dollars. The Canadian dollar is one of the most stable currencies in the world. Even though it is not very strong in value compared to some others in this list, it holds fame because of Canada’s stable economy and natural resources, especially oil, and strong competent governance.
The lifestyle in Canada is very organized and civil. Cost of living is high in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, but quality of life is good. The Canadian dollar is often referred to as the loonie because of the loon bird on one of their coins.
9. US Dollar (USD)
The US dollar is the currency of the United States. Its symbol is $, and the exchange rate is 1 US dollar to 1 US dollar. Of course, the US dollar has to make this list. Even if it is not the most valuable by direct rate, it is the most used currency in the world, and that is the single most important reason why the US dollar has to take a slot even if it means it has to settle at just number 9. Almost every international transaction involves the dollar. Countries keep it as a reserve, and it is what people run to in times of crisis.
The US lifestyle is commercialized and fast. People use credit cards more than cash. The dollar has stayed strong because of the massive US economy and global influence.
8. Swiss Franc (CHF)
The Swiss franc is the currency of Switzerland. Its symbol is CHF and the exchange rate is 1 Swiss franc to 1.14 US dollars.
Switzerland is known for being neutral, peaceful, and wealthy. Their currency, the Swiss franc, shows all of that. It is one of the most stable and safest currencies to hold in the world. People run to it during crisis times, like the US dollar, mainly because of its stability. The banking system in Switzerland is very solid and secretive.
Life in Switzerland is quiet, clean, and expensive. People live healthy and live long here. And talking about the banking system, even the World Bank found its home in no other place but Switzerland.
7. Euro (EUR)
The Euro is the currency used by more than 20 countries in the European Union. Its symbol is € and the exchange rate is around 1 euro to 1.09 US dollars. The Euro is used by major European countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and many others. It is the second most traded currency in the world after the US dollar, this is as a result of many users that share one thing in common, that is their continent, Europe use it.
While some European countries like Switzerland and the UK kept their own currencies, many others adopted the euro. Cost of living varies across countries, but in general, the euro has maintained a high value due to the economic strength and influence of the region.
6. Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
The Cayman Islands dollar, or CI$, is the currency of the Cayman Islands. Its exchange rate is 1 Cayman Islands dollar to 1.20 US dollars.
Cayman Island might not be popular like other countries on this list, but its currency is stronger than the US dollar. The reason is because the Cayman Islands is a tax haven, with strong financial service industries in possession. Many international banks and companies are based there because of low taxes. The lifestyle in the Cayman Islands is luxurious and calm. Tourism and finance drive their economy.
5. British Pound Sterling
The British pound sterling, with the symbol £, is the currency of the United Kingdom. Its exchange rate is around 1 British pound to 1.28 US dollars.
Like the US dollar or euro, the British pound has to be in this list. The British pound is the oldest currency still in use and has always held high value. Even with Brexit and economic ups and downs, the pound has remained strong.
The UK has a huge financial industry, which is a huge advantage in itself, and London is one of the world’s top financial cities. Life in the UK is structured. The pound is used across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
4. Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
The Jordanian dinar, with the symbol JD, is the currency of Jordan. Its exchange rate is around 1 Jordanian dinar to 1.41 US dollars. Jordan is not a rich country like the US or UK, but their currency is stronger than both. Jordan has kept a very tight monetary policy that keeps its currency from falling. Even though the economy faces challenges, their government has done well to keep the dinar strong.
Life in Jordan is moderate, not too expensive and not too cheap, it is in between. People are friendly and culture is very deep. Islam is the dominant religion.
3. Omani Rial (OMR)
The Omani rial, with the symbol OMR, is the currency of Oman. Its exchange rate is 1 Omani rial to 2.60 US dollars. The Omani rial is extremely valuable. It is over twice the US dollar. Oman is an oil rich country in the Middle East and they have used that oil wealth to support a strong currency. Also, they do not just print money anyhow. The economy is tightly managed.
Life in Oman is traditional but peaceful. People wear long white robes, live in desert cities, and respect traditions. Islam is the main religion. Their cities are clean and their people are very hospitable.
2. Bahraini Dinar
The Bahraini dinar, with the symbol BD, is the currency of Bahrain. Its exchange rate is 1 Bahraini dinar to 2.65 US dollars. Bahrain is another small but mighty country. Their currency is stronger than almost every other in the world.
Bahrain is also an oil country, and like Oman, they have controlled inflation and kept their currency high. Though small in population and land, they have managed their economy very well. The country is a mixture of tradition and modern life. Skyscrapers and old mosques live side by side. Islam is the main religion and people mostly speak Arabic.
1. Kuwaiti Dinar
The Kuwaiti dinar, or KD, is the currency of Kuwait. Its exchange rate is around 1 Kuwaiti dinar to 3.35 US dollars. The Kuwaiti dinar is officially the strongest and most valuable currency in the world. One single Kuwaiti dinar will give you more than 3 US dollars.
Kuwait has oil and a lot of it. They have used their oil wealth carefully to maintain a powerful currency. The economy is stable and imports are cheap. Life in Kuwait is strict but comfortable.
People are rich and shopping is a big part of the culture. Expats also live there in large numbers.
