The Most Expensive Currency and the Most Influential Passport: Different Leaders in Different Rankings

Often, people assume that the countries with the most valuable national currencies also have the most powerful passports in the world. However, reality shows a completely different picture. The 2025-2026 rankings clearly demonstrate that the economic power of a currency and a country’s diplomatic influence are two completely different indicators.

Leaders in the exchange rate: which currencies are the most expensive

The most expensive currency in the world is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). The currency has topped global rankings for many years thanks to Kuwait’s rich oil and gas resources and the country’s conservative monetary policy. One Kuwaiti dinar is worth significantly more than the US dollar.

It is followed by other currencies of the Persian region:

• Bahraini dinar (BHD) – second position
• Omani riyal (OMR) – third place
• Jordanian dinar (JOD) – fourth place

These countries, rich in hydrocarbon resources and politically stable, hold the position of leaders in the value of national currencies.

Top world currencies: from petrodollars to stable francs

In addition to Arab dinars, the list of the most valuable currencies includes representatives of developed economies:

The British pound sterling (GBP) is the fifth most expensive currency in the world. The Swiss franc (CHF) is also at the top of the rankings due to Switzerland’s reputation as a financial center and repository of stability.

The next echelon is represented:

• Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
• Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
• Euro (EUR) is the currency of 20 countries in the Eurozone
• US dollar (USD), the world’s reserve currency
• Bahamas Dollar (BSD) and Bermuda Dollar (BMD)
• Canadian dollar (CAD)
• Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Brunei Dollar (BND)

These currencies reflect the economic power of developed countries and stable financial centers.

Passport power: which documents open more borders

A very different picture emerges when it comes to the impact of the national passport. The absolute leaders here are countries whose citizens can travel almost without restrictions.

At the top of the passport ranking are:

• Singapore – first place
• South Korea – Second Place
• Japan – Third Place

These three Asian powers give their citizens access to the largest number of countries without prior visa processing.

The European bloc is also in a strong position:

• Germany, Spain, Italy, France
• Sweden, Netherlands, Finland
• Austria, Denmark, United Kingdom, Luxembourg
• Belgium, Switzerland, Norway

Next are:

• Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Malta
• Australia, New Zealand, Canada
• United Arab Emirates, United States

Rounding out the top 15 passports:

• Hungary, Poland
• Czech Republic, Iceland
• Slovakia, Lithuania
• Estonia, Latvia
• Slovenia, Malaysia

The ranking is based on the number of countries that citizens can visit without a prior visa, or with a visa obtained on arrival or through the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system.

Interesting paradox: a rich currency does not guarantee a strong passport

A curious discrepancy is found here. Kuwait, whose currency is the most expensive in the world, is not on the list of the most influential passports. The same applies to Bahrain and Oman. In contrast, Singapore, with its Singapore dollar (which is more expensive than many euros and dollars), ranks first in terms of passport power. Switzerland, the country of the Swiss franc, is also at the top of both rankings.

This is because the value of a currency is determined primarily by oil and gas resources and financial policy, while the strength of a passport depends on a country’s diplomatic ties, its membership in international unions (such as Schengen, the EU), and foreign policy. Two indicators characterize different aspects of the state’s international influence.