Global ranking: What is the most expensive currency in the world and which passport grants access to the most borders?

At the beginning of 2026, international financial experts and mobility analysts compiled an up-to-date currency ranking, where the world’s most expensive currency continues to be held by Middle Eastern countries. It turns out that the country with the most expensive currency does not always have the strongest passport — these are two completely different indicators of economic power and political influence.

Who Has the Most Expensive Currency: Leading Currencies in the Global Market

At the top of the list of the most expensive currencies against the US dollar are the currencies of Arab states, which historically have established a special system of fixed exchange rates. Kuwait, with its dinar (KWD), holds the leading position among the most expensive currencies. One Kuwaiti dinar is equivalent to about three US dollars, making this currency the absolute record-holder in nominal value.

Following are other Middle Eastern countries that also possess rich oil resources. Bahrain offers the Bahraini dinar (BHD) and the Omani rial (OMR), ranking second and third among the most expensive currencies. Jordan, with its Jordanian dinar (JOD), completes the Middle Eastern quartet of leaders.

Middle Eastern Dinars vs Western Currencies: The Battle for Status

Interestingly, after the Middle Eastern currencies, European and North American monetary units begin to appear. The British pound sterling (GBP), Swiss franc (CHF), and euro (EUR) occupy honorable positions in the ranking of the most expensive currencies among developed economies. Gibraltar (GIP), the Cayman Islands (KYD), and the Bahamas (BSD), with their dollar variants, also make it into the top fifteen.

It is noteworthy that for Switzerland, the Swiss franc remains a symbol of financial stability, while for the US system, the US dollar (USD), despite its more modest nominal rate, remains the most used reserve currency in the world.

Passport Influence and Visa-Free Freedom: A Separate Hierarchy

When it comes to citizen mobility and their ability to travel visa-free, the distribution map is entirely different. Here, the leaders are not the Arab world but advanced Asian economies and European countries.

The top three leaders in visa-free access are Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Citizens of these countries can visit a record number of states without prior visa arrangements or with visas on arrival. Following are major European powers: Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, and Norway.

Next come Oceania, North America, and developed Asian economies: Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UAE, and the United States. Completing the extended top-15 are Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, and Malaysia.

An Interesting Paradox: The Most Expensive Currency Does Not Mean a Powerful Passport

What’s truly remarkable is that the world’s most expensive currency belongs to Kuwait, but its passport lags behind Asian and European competitors in the number of visa-free countries. This demonstrates that the nominal value of a currency depends solely on the country’s economic policies and historical factors, while the influence of a passport is determined by diplomatic relations, political stability, and membership in international organizations.

Thus, owning the most expensive currency is a sign of local economic prosperity, whereas the strength of a passport reflects a country’s integration into the global system and its authority on the international stage.