Weakest Currencies in the World In 2026

The Iranian Rial is considered the world's weakest currency, primarily due to long-standing economic sanctions, high inflation, and political instability. Despite Iran's vast natural resources, these challenges have severely devalued its currency over time. As of January 20261 Indian Rupee is equal to approximately 466.98 Iranian Rials.

Updated On - 21 Jan 2026
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While strong currencies are usually well-known, the lowest-valued ones often go unnoticed. Understanding the weakest currencies provides insights into global economic conditions and financial stability.

World’s Cheapest Currency Infographic

List of the Top Cheapest Currencies in the World for 2026

A list of the world’s least valuable currency is mentioned below -As of January , 2026

Currency

1 INR Value (As of Jan 20, 2026)

Iranian Rial

11,791.47 IRR

Vietnamese Dong

288.77 VND

Sierra Leonean Leone

265.50 SLL*

Lao/Laotian Kip

237.62 LAK

Indonesian Rupiah

186.27 IDR

Uzbekistani Som

131.30 UZS

Guinean Franc

96.24 GNF

Paraguayan Guarani

73.39 PYG

Cambodian Riel

44.26 KHR

Ugandan Shilling

38.02 UGX

Cheapest Currency in the World

Iranian Rial (IRR)

1 Indian Rupee = 461.74 IRR Currently, the Iranian Rial is considered the world's least valuable currency. This is the result of factors like political unrest in the country. The Iran-Iraq war and the nuclear program have also played a huge part in its continued devaluation.

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

1 Indian Rupee = 288.77 VND The nation has historically operated under a centralized economy. Although Vietnam has started establishing a market economy, there is still a long way to go. Currently, there is a significant devaluation of the Vietnamese Dong compared to global standards.

Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)

1 Indian Rupee = 265.50 SLL This African nation is severely impacted by poverty. 1 US Dollar is now worth approximately 24,150 Sierra Leonean Leones (SLL). The nation has a long history of scandals and corruption. Along with civil wars in Western Africa, it has seen terrible internal conflict. The nation's economy and the currency's value have both declined as a result.

Lao/Laotian Kip (LAK)

1 Indian Rupee = 237.62 LAK The Lao currency has not devalued significantly; since its establishment in 1952, it has maintained a low rate. Buying one US Dollar costs approximately 21,614 Laotian Kip. On the plus side, the currency's circulation value has increased over time.

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

1 Indian Rupee = 186.27 IDR There has been little improvement in the Indonesian Rupiah in the last 7 years. Its depreciation is linked to several issues, including declining foreign exchange reserves due to the central bank's challenges in safeguarding the currency. Indonesia is heavily reliant on its commodity export industry. Additionally, the currency's value fluctuates with commodity prices. Foreign investors hold a significant portion of Rupiah sovereign bonds, which risks capital flow.

Uzbekistani Som (UZS)

1 Indian Rupee = 132.43 UZS This nation's economy faces challenges, which result in a weak currency. While the economy was impacted by the global pandemic, data indicates that the nation's internal operations have been recovering since late 2022. However, fluctuations in industrial output continue to create uncertainty about the future of the currency.

Guinean Franc (GNF)

1 Indian Rupee = 96.23 GNF The Guinean Franc is the official currency of Guinea. The nation suffers from widespread corruption and political unrest, which has made its currency weak. Year after year, the purchasing power of the currency decreases.

Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)

1 Indian Rupee = 73.38 PYG The PYG is Paraguay's official unit of currency. High inflation, corruption, a high unemployment rate, and a rise in poverty have resulted from past economic challenges. Each of these elements has had a detrimental effect on the currency's value.

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

1 Indian Rupee = 44.25 KHR The Cambodian Riel is weak due to high dollarisation. Political instability in the late 80s and early 90s eroded trust in the Riel, leading to widespread use of the US dollar. Even today, the dollar makes up a massive portion of the money in circulation. Although the National Bank of Cambodia has increased Riel circulation significantly over the past two decades, the country remains heavily reliant on the US dollar.

Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

1 Indian Rupee = 38.02 UGX In 1966, the East African Shilling was replaced by the Uganda Shilling. The currency is now one of the least valuable ones in existence. Uganda, a nation in East Africa, suffered a serious setback under past political regimes. The country's progress is still being hampered by the long-term effects of economic deterioration. However, the currency has seen some relative stability in recent years.

Factors that have an impact on Currency Exchange Rates:

The following factors influence the rate of currency exchange:

  1. Current Account Deficits: A current account deficit occurs when a country imports more than it exports. This creates a higher demand for foreign currencies, reducing demand for the local currency. As a result, the local currency’s value falls.
  1. Economic Performance: Strong economic performance and political stability attract foreign investment. More investment increases demand for the local currency, raising its value. Stability reduces uncertainty and boosts the currency’s strength.
  1. Government Debt: High government debt can scare off foreign investors. Concerns about inflation and debt repayment can lead to currency devaluation. An oversupply of the local currency from investors selling off their holdings can further weaken it.
  1. Inflation and Interest Rates: Inflation measures how quickly prices rise. High inflation often leads to higher interest rates as central banks try to control it. Higher interest rates attract foreign investors, boosting the currency’s value. Low interest rates can increase borrowing and spending, potentially leading to inflation and a weaker currency.
  1. Recession: During a recession, economic activity slows, and interest rates often drop. Lower interest rates reduce the currency’s attractiveness to investors. This can decrease demand for the currency and weaken its value.
  1. Speculation: Investors buy currencies they expect to rise in value. Increased demand from speculation can strengthen the currency. If investors expect a currency to fall, they may sell it off, decreasing its value.
  1. Terms of Trade: Terms of trade compare export prices with import prices. If export prices rise faster than import prices, it improves the terms of trade. This leads to higher revenue and demand for the currency, increasing its value.

FAQs on World’s Weakest Currency in 2026

  • Which is the highest currency in the world?

    The highest currency in the world is Kuwaiti Dinar.

  • What determines the exchange rate?

    Exchange rates are set by two main systems: fixed and floating. Fixed rates used to be tied to gold or silver. Now, most currencies have floating rates that change based on market conditions and decisions by governments and central banks.

  • Which is the lowest currency in the world?

    The lowest currency in the world is the Iranian Rial.

  • Which is the second most expensive currency in the world?

    The second most expensive currency in the world is Bahraini Dinar.

  • Why are exchange rates important?

    Exchange rates are important because they show how strong or weak a country's currency is compared to others. This affects trade, investments, and the overall economy, much like how checking your bank balance shows your personal finances.

  • Is Dubai costlier than India?

    The cost of living in Dubai is 196% more than that in India.

  • Where does India stand in currency ranking based on popularity?

    India stands fourth in currency ranking based on popularity.

  • What factors affect the Vietnamese Dong's low value?

    The Vietnamese Dong is having difficulty adjusting to a market economy, and investors' hesitation to make capital investments in the nation continues to keep the value of the Dong low.

  • What factors impact the value of a currency?

    The value of a currency is impacted by various factors such as recession, interest rates, inflation, political instability, government debt, etc.

  • How do exchange rates impact the economy?

    Exchange rates affect how much a country’s exports and imports cost. When a currency weakens, exports become cheaper for other countries, which can increase sales, but imports become more expensive. When a currency strengthens, imports are cheaper, but exports may become pricier for other countries.

  • What happens when exchange rates go up?

    When exchange rates go up, your currency gets stronger. This makes things like foreign goods and vacations cheaper. However, it can also make your exports more expensive for other countries, which might reduce sales.

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