Asia comprises 49 recognized countries and is the largest and most populated continent in the world. It is also considered one of the key drivers of the global economy, with unmatched diversity.

That’s why Asian currencies play a crucial role in international trade. From the most consolidated, such as the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen, to emerging ones like the Indian rupee.

But which ones are truly relevant? Find out below.

Asian Currencies: The 10 Most Important and Their Impact on the Global Economy

Top 10 Most Important Currencies in Asia

Although Asia does not hold the world’s most expensive currency, many of its currencies have a decisive weight in the global economy. They strongly influence international trade, export prices, and investment decisions.

Here is a top 10 list of the most important Asian currencies and their influence beyond the continent:

1. Chinese Yuan (CNY)

The yuan, also known as the renminbi, is one of the world’s strongest currencies. It is the official currency of China, the second-largest economy on the planet.

Its prominence has increased since China joined the OMC in 2001, gaining relevance in international trade—especially in the manufacturing industry, where China leads globally.

The yuan is also part of the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights basket, reinforcing its status in financial markets.

Exchange rate today: 1 CNY = 0.14 USD.

2. Japanese Yen (JPY)

The yen is Japan’s official currency, a country known for its leadership in innovation and technology. That’s why its currency remains strong and reliable, even in times of global uncertainty.

It is also a reserve currency and a symbol of financial stability for a country essential to the world economy. Additionally, it is the third most traded currency in international markets.

Interesting fact: Its highest denomination bill, the 10,000 yen note, features the portrait of prominent Japanese thinker Yukichi Fukuzawa.

Exchange rate today: 1 JPY = 0.006 USD.

3. Indian Rupee (INR)

The rupee is the currency of one of the world’s major emerging powers—India. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word rupya, meaning “wrought silver,” with a history dating back to the 16th century.

As the currency of the fifth-largest economy by nominal value, the rupee reflects both the country’s economic dynamism and demographic weight.

It also plays a key role in South Asian trade and has gained importance thanks to India’s agreements with other nations aiming to diversify trade beyond the dollar.

Exchange rate today: 1 INR = 0.01 USD.

4. South Korean Won (KRW)

After World War II, the won replaced the old Korean yen. Today, it reflects a highly export-oriented economy with significant weight in global trade.

The won represents South Korea’s economic strength—a country leading in technology, innovation, and industrial production.

Its stability and moderate volatility against the dollar position it as a reliable currency in international markets. That’s why it continues to grow in trade alongside the prominence of major South Korean brands.

Exchange rate today: 1 KRW = 0.0007 USD.

5. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and holds the largest economy in Southeast Asia, according to an IMF report.

Its currency, the Indonesian rupiah, was introduced in 1946 and has undergone various phases of volatility due to the country’s political and economic changes.

Despite that, its role has strengthened thanks to Indonesia’s growing weight in international markets. Additionally, its rich reserves of oil, gas, coal, and minerals keep the rupiah relevant in global commodity trade.

Exchange rate today: 1 IDR = 0.00006 USD.

6. Singapore Dollar (SGD)

The Singapore dollar, in addition to being one of the most stable currencies in Southeast Asia, is also one of the most respected. It was introduced in 1967 after separating from Malaysia and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which enforces a strict and transparent monetary policy.

It has also been established as a reserve currency in several countries. Being the currency of a nation with a strong economy and strategic location, it plays a key role in international trade and finance.

Exchange rate today: 1 SGD = 0.76 USD.

7. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

Hong Kong stands as one of the world’s most important financial hubs and a key pillar of the Asian economy. In fact, its currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar, which ensures stability in a volatile global environment.

This peg has made the currency essential for global financial transactions. As a result, it is widely used in regional investments and in operations related to the U.S. dollar, the U.S. currency.

It is also the ninth most traded currency.

Exchange rate today: 1 HKD = 0.12 USD.

8. Saudi Riyal (SAR)

The official currency of Saudi Arabia—an economy deeply tied to the global energy market—is the Saudi riyal. It has been managed by the Saudi Central Bank since 1925.

Saudi Arabia uses its currency as a strategic tool in international crude oil transactions, being a key member of OPEC and one of the largest oil producers in the world.

It’s worth noting that the riyal’s stability is also linked to its peg to the U.S. dollar.

Exchange rate today: 1 SAR = 0.26 USD.

9. UAE Dirham (AED)

This is one of the most stable currencies in the Gulf region, widely used in regional trade and international operations.

The dirham, used in the United Arab Emirates, has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1997. This has allowed the country to maintain a predictable and controlled monetary policy.

Furthermore, the Emirati economy relies on oil, along with diversification into tourism, finance, and aviation. This economic strength supports the dirham as a reliable currency for investors in the Middle East.

Exchange rate today: 1 AED = 0.27 USD.

10. New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Taiwan enjoys a highly specialized economy focused on technology and advanced manufacturing. It leads in semiconductor production, electronic components, and high-precision goods. It is also a critical link in global supply chains.

All these factors have been crucial to the strength of its currency, which is becoming increasingly relevant in international tech trade.

Exchange rate today: 1 TWD = 0.03 USD.

• To check the current value, visit the official sources. Exchange rates as of April 30, 2025.

Table of the 10 Most Important Asian Currencies and Their Global Relevance:

List of Official Currencies of Asian Countries

The Influence of the Yuan in Latin America

The yuan is gaining ground against Latin American currencies in certain international transactions. This is part of China’s strategy to strengthen its currency and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.}

Brazil and Argentina, for instance, have signed agreements with China to conduct bilateral transactions directly in yuan.

In Brazil, the yuan has already surpassed the euro as the second most used reserve currency. Meanwhile, in Argentina, it is used to preserve U.S. dollar reserves. Even Bolivia has incorporated the yuan into its commercial transactions.

Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua are other countries that have joined free trade agreements with China. In addition, yuan clearing banks have been established in countries such as Chile, Brazil, and Argentina.

China’s strategy to promote yuan usage in Latin America has been in motion for the past decade. But it’s in the last two years that major progress has been seen, further solidifying its presence.

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