When the Thai Baht appreciates: 10 currencies that are cheaper in the global market Which country's currency is the cheapest

While investors and opportunity seekers look for low-risk money, there is another group interested in which country’s currency is the cheapest because understanding a weak currency can help investors make better decisions.

Why do some currencies keep depreciating?

It’s not just luck or coincidence. The value of a currency is caused by clear reasons: high inflation rates, lack of economic diversification, limited foreign investment, political instability, and economic sanctions. These factors intertwine and result in the currency fleeing the country irrationally.

Comparison table: 10 currencies with the lowest value in 2025

Overview: Which country’s currency is the cheapest and why

###Lebanese Pound (LBP) - “The defeated loser” in currency value

Lebanon is experiencing the most severe economic crisis in modern history since 2019. The country has been drained: triple-digit inflation, widespread poverty, and a fragile financial system. When the government defaulted on debt in 2020, the Lebanese Pound lost over 90% of its value on the parallel market.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 89,751.22 LBP = 1 USD
• Policy: Multi-tier exchange system

###Iranian Rial (IRR) - Decades of tension

The Rial has lost value over decades due to US sanctions forcing the country away from global markets. Geopolitical risks, dependence on oil, and inflation— all have caused the Rial to depreciate multiple times.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 42,112.50 IRR = 1 USD
• Policy: Pegged to the dollar (officially) but actually floating

###Vietnamese Dong (VND) - Growing economy but weak currency

Here’s an interesting story: Vietnam is a star of Southeast Asian economies, but the dong is controlled to make exports cheaper. The central bank does not allow the dong to appreciate much. As a result, the currency remains low, but Vietnamese goods sell well worldwide.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 26,040 VND = 1 USD
• Policy: Managed float, referencing a basket of currencies

###Laotian Kip (LAK) - Weak economy

Laos is the least developed country in ASEAN. Agriculture, mining, and no strong industries. Foreign investment prefers other countries, especially after COVID.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 21,625.82 LAK = 1 USD
• Policy: Managed float, pegged to the dollar and Thai baht

###Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) - Weakening giant

Indonesia has a large population (300 million) and a big economy, but the rupiah is still weak. Why? The country relies on palm exports, mineral ores, and steel. When commodity prices fall, the rupiah depreciates. The central bank has limited firepower to defend it.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 16,275 IDR = 1 USD
• Policy: Free float

###Uzbek Sum (UZS) - Closed economy

Uzbekistan left the Soviet Union in 1991 but has not fully opened its economy. Tight controls, limited foreign investment, and reliance on natural resources—all contribute to Uzbekistan being at the bottom of the list.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 12,798.70 UZS = 1 USD
• Policy: Free float (believe it or not)

###Guinean Franc (GNF) - Resource-rich but unstable

Guinea has various mineral resources, but political instability, corruption, and weak infrastructure make the Guinean franc an unappealing currency.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 8,667.50 GNF = 1 USD
• Policy: Managed float

###Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) - Agricultural country out of balance

Paraguay has used the Guarani since 1880, but crises and inflation have caused its value to fluctuate. The country depends on soybeans and other agricultural products. When prices fall, the Guarani depreciates.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 7,996.67 PYG = 1 USD
• Policy: Free float

###Madagascar Ariary (MGA) - An island economy

Madagascar switched from the franc to the Ariary in 2005, and the Ariary operates on a different system. (1 Ariary = 5 Iramanistran). The economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and later on vice industries, so the Ariary’s value is weak.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 4,467.50 MGA = 1 USD
• Policy: Managed float

###Burundian Franc (BIF) - The lowest in the year

Burundi is the poorest country in the world. Its economy is subsistence-based, with chronic trade deficits and reliance on foreign aid. The Burundian franc is the weakest in this table.

Currency info:

• Exchange rate: 2,977.00 BIF = 1 USD
• Policy: Inflation targeting

Which country’s currency is the cheapest: the ultimate reason

There’s no secret formula. The exchange rate reflects the country’s economic well-being:

• Interest rates: If high, attract foreign money → currency appreciates
• Inflation: If high → currency depreciates (reducing purchasing power)
• Current account: Deficit → more foreign money needed → currency depreciates
• Political stability: If unstable → investors flee
• Economic diversification: If reliant on one commodity (like oil) → high risk

A low-valued currency still has opportunities if the country can adapt. Until then, the question which country’s currency is the cheapest remains an answer with no change.