Where Is the US Dollar Worth the Most in 2025? Top 15 List

In 2025, the strength of the US dollar varies significantly across global markets, influenced by factors such as exchange rates, purchasing power parity (PPP), and local economic conditions.

This comprehensive guide highlights the top 15 countries where the US dollar holds substantial value, offering investors insights into destinations where their money can go further.

Understanding Dollar Strength: Exchange Rates vs. Purchasing Power

Before delving into the list, it's essential to distinguish between two key concepts:

• Exchange Rate: The value of one currency for conversion to another. A higher exchange rate means receiving more foreign currency for each US dollar.

• Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): An economic theory that compares different countries' currencies through a "basket of goods" approach. It indicates how much a currency can buy goods and services in another country.

While exchange rates offer a direct comparison, purchasing power parity provides a more detailed understanding of the dollar's value across different economies.

Where Is the US Dollar Worth the Most in 2025? Top 15 Countries

1. Lebanon

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 89,550 Lebanese pounds

Lebanon has faced prolonged economic and political instability, culminating in a severe financial crisis. The Lebanese pound has experienced extreme depreciation due to hyperinflation and a lack of foreign reserves.

In such conditions, foreign currencies like the US dollar become a de facto medium of exchange and a store of value. This has made the dollar strong and essential in daily transactions, with the black market rate diverging sharply from official figures.

2. Vietnam

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 25,952 Vietnamese dong

Vietnam's controlled exchange rate and export-driven economy help maintain a weaker currency to support international trade. The Vietnamese dong has historically had a low valuation against the US dollar but is stable due to strong government oversight.

The cost of living in Vietnam is low, and when combined with the high exchange rate, the dollar stretches significantly for tourists and investors.

3. Indonesia

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 16,532.50 Indonesian rupiah

Indonesia has a large, developing economy with a relatively weak currency (the rupiah), partially due to inflation and trade deficits. The government also benefits from a weaker rupiah to promote exports.

With economic uncertainty and moderate inflation, the US dollar remains a strong and stable foreign exchange alternative, especially attractive for foreign investors.

4. Nigeria

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 1,606.68 Nigerian naira

Nigeria's reliance on oil exports exposes its currency, the naira, to fluctuations in global energy prices. Persistent inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and political uncertainty have caused the naira to depreciate significantly.

Consequently, the US dollar is in high demand and maintains considerable value in the country, often used in real estate, luxury goods, and import transactions.

5. Argentina

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 1,194.96 Argentine peso

Argentina has long struggled with inflation, currency controls, and sovereign debt defaults. The Argentine peso continues depreciating, and the government frequently devalues it to stabilise fiscal pressures.

This has resulted in a thriving black market for US dollars, as the greenback is favoured for savings, pricing, and transactions due to its relative stability.

6. Hungary

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 355.93 Hungarian forint

Hungary, as part of the EU but not in the eurozone, uses the forint, which is susceptible to devaluation during regional or global economic pressures.

In recent years, geopolitical tensions in Europe and inflation have weakened the forint. The dollar's strength reflects investors shifting assets into safer currencies during uncertain times.

7. Japan

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 143.37 Japanese yen

Although Japan has a robust economy, the Bank of Japan's commitment to ultra-low interest rates and quantitative easing has kept the yen weaker compared to the dollar.

In 2025, rate differentials between the Federal Reserve and the BOJ make the US dollar more attractive for investors, pushing its value up against the yen.

8. Iceland

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 129.05 Icelandic króna

Iceland's economy is small and heavily reliant on tourism and fishing. The Icelandic króna is relatively volatile and can experience significant fluctuations due to its limited global use.

As global interest in the US dollar rises and demand for the króna decreases, travel and imports have become cheaper for Americans.

9. India

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 84.67 Indian rupee

India's rupee has been on a gradual path of depreciation due to inflationary pressures, a trade deficit, and capital outflows. The US dollar is widely used in trade and remittances, and many Indians view it as a stable store of value.

As a result, the dollar is significantly stronger, making India a cost-effective destination for American tourists and businesses.

10. Egypt

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 50.71 Egyptian pound

The Egyptian pound has experienced sharp devaluations as the country navigates IMF programs, debt, and inflation.

The central bank's efforts to float the currency have led to a decline in the pound's value, and the dollar has become a dominant force in the foreign exchange market. 

11. Turkey

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 38.64 Turkish lira

The Turkish lira has weakened substantially due to unconventional monetary policies, high inflation, and political interference in the central bank.

Despite efforts to stabilise, capital flight and rising import costs continue. The result is a stronger dollar in local markets, with Americans enjoying significant purchasing power in Turkey.

12. Mexico

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 19.64 Mexican peso

While Mexico has a relatively stable economy, its peso remains weak against the dollar due to rate differentials and reliance on exports to the US. Proximity and a favourable exchange rate mean the dollar is strong and widely accepted in border cities and tourist areas.

13. South Korea

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 1,392.40 South Korean won

The South Korean won has depreciated against the dollar amid global market volatility and concerns about export slowdowns. Even though Korea has a strong industrial base, currency fluctuations and interest rate differences have led to a stronger US dollar.

14. Australia

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 1.54 Australian dollars 

The Australian dollar has weakened due to lower interest rates relative to the US and economic sensitivity to China's slowdown. As a commodity-heavy economy, fluctuations in global resource demand impact its currency.

15. Iran

• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 42,112.50 Iranian Rial

Due to severe US sanctions and internal economic turmoil, Iran's official currency is extremely weak. The black market rates show an even wider gap. While the official exchange rate may appear controlled, real-world value makes the dollar exceptionally powerful in local purchasing. However, access and usage may be limited due to financial restrictions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the consistent pattern among these nations is local currency weakness, economic instability, inflation, and monetary policy divergence.

In contrast, the US dollar benefits from being the world's reserve currency, backed by the size and stability of the US economy, and used in international trade and finance. As long as these disparities remain, the dollar will retain — and in many cases, grow — its value in weaker economies.

Disclaimer: This material is for general information purposes only and is not intended as (and should not be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by EBC or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.