Discover the complete list of Asian countries and their currencies
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Meaning of Currency
- The Role of Currency in Asia’s Economic Growth
- Overview of the Asian Currency System
- Complete List of Asian Countries and Their Currencies
- Regional Currency Patterns in Asia
- Strongest and Weakest Currencies in Asia
- Countries Using Multiple or Foreign Currencies
- Importance of ISO Currency Codes in Asia
- Conclusion
1. Introduction – List of Asian Countries and Their Currencies
Asia, the world’s largest and most populous continent, is also home to one of the most diverse currency systems on Earth. With over 40 countries, each with its own economic structure, culture, and political system, Asia’s currencies reflect its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern economic power.
From the powerful Japanese Yen (JPY) and Chinese Yuan (CNY) to the smaller and emerging currencies of Southeast Asia, the continent’s monetary diversity highlights both its global influence and regional complexities.
This article provides an updated and comprehensive list of Asian countries and their currencies in 2025, including official currency names, ISO codes, and key notes on their usage and importance in the global market.
2. Meaning of Currency
A currency is the official money system used by a country or region to facilitate trade, measure value, and store wealth. It includes paper money, coins, and increasingly, digital forms of payment.
In Asia, currencies are vital to both local economies and international trade. They serve as a measure of a nation’s economic health, political stability, and participation in the global financial system.
3. The Role of Currency in Asia’s Economic Growth
Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, such as China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The currencies of these nations play a central role in trade, investment, and monetary policy.
Key functions of currencies in Asia include:
- Trade facilitation: Currencies enable exports and imports between Asian nations and the rest of the world.
- Investment attraction: Stable and convertible currencies attract foreign investment.
- Economic identity: Each currency reflects the economic independence and national pride of its country.
- Tourism and remittances: Currencies are crucial for cross-border travel and international remittance flows.
Asia’s combined financial power, driven by diverse currencies, makes it a key player in global economic stability.
4. Overview of the Asian Currency System
The Asian currency system is complex and varied, consisting of powerful global currencies, regionally used ones, and some pegged or dollarized systems.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY) and Japanese Yen (JPY) stand out as global trade currencies, while others like the Indian Rupee (INR) and Saudi Riyal (SAR) dominate their respective regions.
Some countries link their currencies to stronger ones, like the US Dollar (USD), to maintain stability — particularly in the Middle East and smaller economies such as the Maldives or Brunei.
5. Complete List of Asian Countries and Their Currencies
| Country | Currency Name | Currency Code |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Afghani | AFN |
| Armenia | Dram | AMD |
| Azerbaijan | Manat | AZN |
| Bahrain | Bahraini Dinar | BHD |
| Bangladesh | Taka | BDT |
| Bhutan | Ngultrum | BTN |
| Brunei | Brunei Dollar | BND |
| Cambodia | Riel | KHR |
| China | Yuan Renminbi | CNY |
| Cyprus | Euro | EUR |
| Georgia | Lari | GEL |
| India | Indian Rupee | INR |
| Indonesia | Rupiah | IDR |
| Iran | Iranian Rial | IRR |
| Iraq | Iraqi Dinar | IQD |
| Israel | Israeli New Shekel | ILS |
| Japan | Yen | JPY |
| Jordan | Jordanian Dinar | JOD |
| Kazakhstan | Tenge | KZT |
| Kuwait | Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD |
| Kyrgyzstan | Som | KGS |
| Laos | Kip | LAK |
| Lebanon | Lebanese Pound | LBP |
| Malaysia | Ringgit | MYR |
| Maldives | Rufiyaa | MVR |
| Mongolia | Tugrik | MNT |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Kyat | MMK |
| Nepal | Nepalese Rupee | NPR |
| North Korea | Won | KPW |
| Oman | Omani Rial | OMR |
| Pakistan | Pakistani Rupee | PKR |
| Palestine | Israeli New Shekel (de facto) | ILS |
| Philippines | Philippine Peso | PHP |
| Qatar | Qatari Riyal | QAR |
| Saudi Arabia | Saudi Riyal | SAR |
| Singapore | Singapore Dollar | SGD |
| South Korea | Won | KRW |
| Sri Lanka | Sri Lankan Rupee | LKR |
| Syria | Syrian Pound | SYP |
| Taiwan | New Taiwan Dollar | TWD |
| Tajikistan | Somoni | TJS |
| Thailand | Baht | THB |
| Timor-Leste (East Timor) | US Dollar | USD |
| Turkey | Turkish Lira | TRY |
| Turkmenistan | Manat | TMT |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Dirham | AED |
| Uzbekistan | Uzbekistani Som | UZS |
| Vietnam | Dong | VND |
| Yemen | Yemeni Rial | YER |
6. Regional Currency Patterns in Asia
Asia can be divided into several regions, each with distinctive currency systems:
(a) East Asia
Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan dominate the region’s economy. Their currencies — CNY, JPY, KRW, and TWD — are widely traded internationally.
(b) South Asia
This region includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, where currencies like the Indian Rupee (INR) and Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) are central to local trade and remittances.
(c) Southeast Asia
Nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines have vibrant economies supported by strong local currencies such as IDR, MYR, THB, VND, and PHP.
(d) Central Asia
Countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan use currencies derived from their post-Soviet transitions, reflecting independence and economic restructuring.
(e) Middle East and Western Asia
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Iran, and Iraq rely on oil-backed economies. Their currencies — SAR, AED, KWD, and OMR — are among the strongest in Asia.
7. Strongest and Weakest Currencies in Asia
Strongest Currencies in Asia (as of 2025):
- Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
- Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
- Omani Rial (OMR)
- Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
- UAE Dirham (AED)
These currencies are strong primarily due to high-value oil exports, small populations, and stable economies.
Weakest Currencies in Asia:
- Iranian Rial (IRR)
- Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Lao Kip (LAK)
- Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Weak currencies often result from high inflation, political instability, or limited export value.
8. Countries Using Multiple or Foreign Currencies
Certain Asian nations use more than one currency due to economic or historical reasons:
- Timor-Leste (East Timor) uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency.
- Brunei and Singapore share an interchangeable arrangement where the Brunei Dollar (BND) and Singapore Dollar (SGD) are accepted in both countries.
- Palestine uses the Israeli Shekel (ILS), Jordanian Dinar (JOD), and US Dollar (USD) in daily transactions.
- Myanmar and Cambodia widely accept the US Dollar alongside their national currencies.
9. Importance of ISO Currency Codes in Asia
ISO 4217 codes provide a standardized international system for identifying currencies. This is crucial in Asia, where numerous currencies coexist.
Examples of Common ISO Codes in Asia:
- CNY – Chinese Yuan Renminbi
- JPY – Japanese Yen
- INR – Indian Rupee
- KRW – South Korean Won
- SGD – Singapore Dollar
- AED – UAE Dirham
- KWD – Kuwaiti Dinar
- MYR – Malaysian Ringgit
- THB – Thai Baht
These codes are used in global trade, banking systems, and forex markets to ensure accuracy and transparency.
10. Conclusion – List of Asian Countries and Their Currencies
Asia’s currency landscape is as vast and diverse as its geography and culture. From oil-rich Middle Eastern states to the technologically advanced economies of East Asia, each currency plays a significant role in shaping both regional and global economic dynamics.
The Japanese Yen, Chinese Yuan, and Indian Rupee dominate trade and investment, while smaller currencies continue to power local economies across Southeast and Central Asia. Despite challenges such as inflation and currency fluctuations, Asia remains one of the world’s most vital financial regions.
Understanding the currencies of Asia offers insight into its rich economic diversity and growing influence on the global financial stage.
READ ALSO: List of Asian Countries and their Capitals – [Full List]
Frequently Asked Questions – List of Asian Countries and Their Currencies
1. How many countries are in Asia?
Asia has about 49 recognized sovereign countries, depending on international recognition criteria.
2. What is the most used currency in Asia?
The Chinese Yuan (CNY) and Japanese Yen (JPY) are among the most used and traded currencies in Asia.
3. Which is the strongest currency in Asia?
The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is the strongest currency in Asia and the world, based on exchange value against the US Dollar.
4. Which countries in Asia use the US Dollar?
Timor-Leste (East Timor) uses the US Dollar officially, while countries like Cambodia and Myanmar accept it widely.
5. What currency does India use?
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR).
6. Which country uses the Yen?
Japan uses the Yen (JPY).
7. What is the weakest currency in Asia?
The Iranian Rial (IRR) is currently one of the weakest currencies due to inflation and sanctions.
8. Which countries in Asia use the Euro?
Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR) as part of the Eurozone.
9. What currency does Saudi Arabia use?
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR).
10. Why do some Asian countries peg their currencies to the US Dollar?
Pegging to the Dollar helps maintain currency stability and supports trade with major global markets.