List of Weakest Currencies: Where Does Indonesia's Rupiah Stand?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Currency exchange rates serve as a barometer of national economic strength in global trade. Looking closely at the weakest currencies in the world reveals deep-seated economic challenges, ranging from geopolitical conflicts and hyperinflation to crushing foreign debt burdens.

Among these struggling legal tenders is Indonesia's rupiah, which continues to navigate complex macroeconomic headwinds despite the country's status as a dominant regional economy.

According to data compiled from Forbes Advisor, which tracks exchange rates against the US dollar as of May 5, 2026, the values of these currencies reflect prolonged structural vulnerabilities across various developing and frontier markets.

Top 10 Weakest Currencies in the World

1. Iranian Rial (IRR)

One Iranian rial is worth US$0.000001, meaning US$1 can purchase 1,315,000 Iranian rials. The Iranian rial was first introduced in the late 1700s. The currency's value has hovered roughly within this exchange band against the dollar for the past several years.

Iran is situated in the Persian Gulf between Iraq and Afghanistan. The country stands as one of the world's major exporters of oil and natural gas, but sweeping economic sanctions have severely depressed its currency. The IRR dropped sharply following recent geopolitical conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

2. Lebanese Pound (LBP)

One Lebanese pound is currently equal to US$0.000011. In other words, US$1 trades at 89,432.68 Lebanese pounds. Lebanon borders the Mediterranean Sea, sharing boundaries with Israel and Syria in the Middle East. The country's economy is predominantly service-based, supplemented by exports of precious stones, metals, chemical products, and food and beverages.

The Lebanese pound has faced relentless pressure against the US dollar for several years, battered by a slumping economy, runaway inflation, high unemployment, a protracted banking crisis, and political turmoil.

3. Vietnamese Dong (VND)

The Vietnamese Dong ranks third on this list, with one unit of the currency equal to US$0.000038. This means that US$1 can buy 26,319.32 Vietnamese dong. Vietnam borders the South China Sea, neighboring China, Laos, and Cambodia. The service sector contributes the largest share of the country's GDP, followed by manufacturing industries such as electronics, energy, and textiles.

The value of the Vietnamese currency has been weighed down by restrictions on domestic trade and a recent slowdown in exports, compounded by a prolonged period of high interest rates in the US.

4. Lao Kip (LAK)

The Lao kip was introduced in the 1950s and stands as the fourth weakest currency, with 1 kip equal to US$0.000046. This means that US$1 is equivalent to 21,971.71 LAK. Laos is a landlocked country bordering Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China. The nation relies heavily on resource exports such as copper, gold, and timber.

Slow economic growth, ballooning foreign debt, and elevated domestic inflation have placed immense pressure on the Laotian currency.

5. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Indonesia's national currency was introduced in 1946. One rupiah is currently worth US$0.000057, meaning US$1 is equivalent to Rp17,420.04. Indonesia comprises an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including Java, Sumatra, and parts of Kalimantan and Papua.

In terms of GDP, Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, driven largely by its service sector. The country is also rich in commodities, but the rupiah has weakened against major currencies due to a combination of sticky inflation and global recessionary concerns.

6. Uzbek Som (UZS)

The som was introduced in 1993, and one unit of Uzbekistan's currency is currently valued at US$0.000083. In other words, US$1 is equivalent to 11,999.98 som. Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a former republic of the Soviet Union. The country remains one of the world's primary cotton exporters and possesses significant mineral, oil, and gas reserves.

Despite ongoing economic reforms, Uzbekistan still grapples with low economic growth, high inflation, unemployment, and corruption.

7. Guinean Franc (GNF)

The Guinean franc was introduced in 1959 and is currently worth US$0.000114. This means that US$1 is equivalent to 8,777.58 Guinean francs. Guinea is a former French colony located in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the country is richly endowed with natural resources like gold and diamonds, it faces high inflation, military instability, and a severe influx of refugees from neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone.

8. Burundian Franc (BIF)

The Republic of Burundi, a landlocked nation in East Africa, has utilized this currency since 1916. One Burundian franc is currently worth US$0.000335, making US$1 equal to 2,983.24 Burundian francs.

The country has a population of over 14 million and is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and southeast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Coffee and tea shipments account for roughly 90 percent of its total exports.

9. Madagascar Ariary (MGA)

Introduced in 1961, the Madagascar ariary officially replaced the franc in 2005. One ariary is currently worth US$0.00024, meaning US$1 is equivalent to 4,162.26 ariary.

Madagascar is an island nation situated off the southeast coast of Africa. Agriculture, raffia cultivation, mining, fishing, and forestry form the bedrock sectors of its economy. Its primary exports include vanilla, nickel, and cloves.

10. Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)

First introduced in 1952, the Paraguayan guarani is currently worth US$0.000161, making US$1 equal to 6,218.18 guaranis. Paraguay is a landlocked nation bordering Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. It stands as a major global producer of soybeans, the natural sweetener stevia, beef, and corn. Its domestic currency remains under pressure from stubborn inflation, corruption, and the illicit circulation of counterfeit notes.

Read: Top 10 Strongest Currencies in the World 2026

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