From the US dollar ($) to the Japanese yen (¥), world currency symbols have their unique sign that differentiates them from others. Knowing the currency logos and signs of the world helps you deal with global transactions and navigate financial dealings with ease.
For international students, recognizing all currency symbols with country names is crucial when handling tuition payments, education loans, and forex exchanges. This guide provides a complete world currency sign list, including all countries’ currency name lists and symbols.
Table of contents
All Countries Currency Name List and Symbols
Every country with its own currency has a unique symbol that represents it in financial transactions. Below is a world currency sign list organized by region, including the monetary symbols of different countries.
1. North America
| Country | Currency Name | Symbol |
| United States | US Dollar | $ |
| Canada | Canadian Dollar | C$ |
| Mexico | Mexican Peso | $ / MXN |
| Jamaica | Jamaican Dollar | J$ |
| Eastern Caribbean | Eastern Caribbean Dollar | XCD |
2. South America
| Country | Currency Name | Symbol |
| Argentina | Argentine Peso | $ / ARS |
| Brazil | Brazilian Real | R$ |
| Chile | Chilean Peso | $ / CLP |
| Colombia | Colombian Peso | $ / COP |
| Peru | Peruvian Sol | S/ |
| Venezuela | Venezuelan Bolívar | Bs |
| Uruguay | Uruguayan Peso | $U |
| Paraguay | Paraguayan Guaraní | ₲ |
3. Europe
| Country | Currency Name | Symbol |
| Eurozone | Euro | € |
| United Kingdom | British Pound | £ |
| Switzerland | Swiss Franc | CHF |
| Sweden | Swedish Krona | kr |
| Norway | Norwegian Krone | kr |
| Denmark | Danish Krone | kr |
| Russia | Russian Ruble | ₽ |
| Poland | Polish Złoty | zł |
| Hungary | Hungarian Forint | Ft |
| Czech Republic | Czech Koruna | Kč |
| Romania | Romanian Leu | RON |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian Lev | лв |
4. Asia
| Country | Currency Name | Symbol |
| India | Indian Rupee | ₹ |
| China | Chinese Yuan | ¥ / CNY |
| Japan | Japanese Yen | ¥ / JPY |
| South Korea | South Korean Won | ₩ |
| Singapore | Singapore Dollar | S$ |
| UAE | UAE Dirham | AED |
| Saudi Arabia | Saudi Riyal | SAR |
| Indonesia | Indonesian Rupiah | Rp |
| Thailand | Thai Baht | ฿ |
| Vietnam | Vietnamese Dong | ₫ |
| Malaysia | Malaysian Ringgit | RM |
| Philippines | Philippine Peso | ₱ |
| Taiwan | New Taiwan Dollar | NT$ |
| Pakistan | Pakistani Rupee | ₨ |
| Bangladesh | Bangladeshi Taka | ৳ |
5. Africa
| Country | Currency Name | Symbol |
| South Africa | South African Rand | R |
| Nigeria | Nigerian Naira | ₦ |
| Egypt | Egyptian Pound | £ |
| Kenya | Kenyan Shilling | KSh |
| Ghana | Ghanaian Cedi | ₵ |
| Ethiopia | Ethiopian Birr | Br |
| Tanzania | Tanzanian Shilling | TSh |
| Morocco | Moroccan Dirham | MAD |
| Central African Nations | Central African CFA Franc | XAF |
| West African Nations | West African CFA Franc | XOF |
6. Australia & Oceania
| Country | Currency Name | Symbol |
| Australia | Australian Dollar | A$ |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Dollar | NZ$ |
| Fiji | Fijian Dollar | FJ$ |
| Papua New Guinea | Papua New Guinean Kina | K |
| Solomon Islands | Solomon Islands Dollar | SI$ |
| Vanuatu | Vanuatu Vatu | VT |
| Samoa | Samoan Tala | WS$ |
For a full list of all countries’ currency names list and symbols, you can download the PDF that includes currency signs in the world, a world currency sign list, and different symbols for money around the world here.
Also Read: Understand the details about How to Exchange Foreign Currency to Indian Rupees. To know more, read the blog.
List of Digital Currencies & Cryptocurrency Symbols
As the financial world transitions towards digital assets, recognizing cryptocurrency symbols is as essential as understanding all countries’ currency name lists and symbols. Cryptocurrencies have become a significant part of global transactions, complementing traditional currencies.
These digital assets have unique symbols, just like monetary symbols of different countries, and they are used across blockchain networks for payments, investments, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
| Cryptocurrency | Symbol | Description |
| Bitcoin | ₿ | The first and most well-known decentralized cryptocurrency. |
| Ethereum | Ξ | A smart contract-based cryptocurrency used for decentralized applications (DApps). |
| Tether | ₮ | A stablecoin pegged to traditional currencies like the US Dollar. |
| Binance Coin | BNB | A utility token for the Binance exchange, widely used for trading fees. |
| Ripple (XRP) | XRP | A digital asset designed for fast international payments. |
| Cardano | ADA | A blockchain platform known for its scalability and eco-friendly approach. |
| Solana | SOL | A high-speed blockchain network for decentralized applications. |
| Dogecoin | Ð | A meme-based cryptocurrency was initially created as a joke but later gained serious adoption. |
| Polkadot | DOT | A blockchain interoperability project allowing multiple blockchains to connect. |
| Litecoin | Ł | A peer-to-peer cryptocurrency that offers faster transactions than Bitcoin. |
Currency Code List (ISO 4217 Codes)
Every currency has a three-letter code assigned by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 4217). These codes are widely used in banking, forex trading, and international money transfers.
| Country | Currency Name | ISO Code |
| North America | ||
| United States | US Dollar | USD |
| Canada | Canadian Dollar | CAD |
| Mexico | Mexican Peso | MXN |
| Jamaica | Jamaican Dollar | JMD |
| Bahamas | Bahamian Dollar | BSD |
| Barbados | Barbadian Dollar | BBD |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Trinidad and Tobago Dollar | TTD |
| Dominican Republic | Dominican Peso | DOP |
| Haiti | Haitian Gourde | HTG |
| Eastern Caribbean States | Eastern Caribbean Dollar | XCD |
| South America | ||
| Argentina | Argentine Peso | ARS |
| Brazil | Brazilian Real | BRL |
| Chile | Chilean Peso | CLP |
| Colombia | Colombian Peso | COP |
| Peru | Peruvian Sol | PEN |
| Venezuela | Venezuelan Bolívar | VES |
| Uruguay | Uruguayan Peso | UYU |
| Paraguay | Paraguayan Guaraní | PYG |
| Bolivia | Bolivian Boliviano | BOB |
| Ecuador | US Dollar | USD |
| Europe | ||
| Eurozone | Euro | EUR |
| United Kingdom | British Pound | GBP |
| Switzerland | Swiss Franc | CHF |
| Sweden | Swedish Krona | SEK |
| Norway | Norwegian Krone | NOK |
| Denmark | Danish Krone | DKK |
| Russia | Russian Ruble | RUB |
| Poland | Polish Złoty | PLN |
| Hungary | Hungarian Forint | HUF |
| Czech Republic | Czech Koruna | CZK |
| Romania | Romanian Leu | RON |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian Lev | BGN |
| Ukraine | Ukrainian Hryvnia | UAH |
| Asia | ||
| India | Indian Rupee | INR |
| China | Chinese Yuan | CNY |
| Japan | Japanese Yen | JPY |
| South Korea | South Korean Won | KRW |
| Singapore | Singapore Dollar | SGD |
| UAE | UAE Dirham | AED |
| Saudi Arabia | Saudi Riyal | SAR |
| Indonesia | Indonesian Rupiah | IDR |
| Thailand | Thai Baht | THB |
| Vietnam | Vietnamese Dong | VND |
| Malaysia | Malaysian Ringgit | MYR |
| Philippines | Philippine Peso | PHP |
| Pakistan | Pakistani Rupee | PKR |
| Bangladesh | Bangladeshi Taka | BDT |
| Taiwan | New Taiwan Dollar | TWD |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong Dollar | HKD |
| Sri Lanka | Sri Lankan Rupee | LKR |
| Africa | ||
| South Africa | South African Rand | ZAR |
| Nigeria | Nigerian Naira | NGN |
| Egypt | Egyptian Pound | EGP |
| Kenya | Kenyan Shilling | KES |
| Ghana | Ghanaian Cedi | GHS |
| Ethiopia | Ethiopian Birr | ETB |
| Tanzania | Tanzanian Shilling | TZS |
| Morocco | Moroccan Dirham | MAD |
| Algeria | Algerian Dinar | DZD |
| Tunisia | Tunisian Dinar | TND |
| Sudan | Sudanese Pound | SDG |
| Uganda | Ugandan Shilling | UGX |
| West African States | West African CFA Franc | XOF |
| Central African States | Central African CFA Franc | XAF |
| Australia & Oceania | ||
| Australia | Australian Dollar | AUD |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Dollar | NZD |
| Fiji | Fijian Dollar | FJD |
| Papua New Guinea | Papua New Guinean Kina | PGK |
| Solomon Islands | Solomon Islands Dollar | SBD |
| Samoa | Samoan Tala | WST |
| Vanuatu | Vanuatu Vatu | VUV |
| Tonga | Tongan Paʻanga | TOP |
Historical Evolution of Currency Symbols
Currency symbols are more than just shorthand for money; they carry rich histories, cultural significance, and economic transformations.
Over centuries, these symbols have evolved from traditional scripts and historical influences to modern-day representations of national economies.
Let’s explore the fascinating origins of some of the world’s most well-known currency symbols.
The Dollar Symbol ($) – A Legacy of the Spanish Peso
The $ (dollar) symbol is widely believed to have originated from the Spanish peso or “pieces of eight” (peso de ocho). In the 18th century, the Spanish peso was a dominant currency in global trade, especially in the Americas.
How did “$” originate?
There are several theories:
- The Overlapping ‘P’ and ‘S’ Theory: The peso was often abbreviated as “Ps” in old documents. Over time, writers started merging the “P” and “S,” eventually simplifying it to “$”.
- The Pillars of Hercules Theory: Spanish coins often featured the Pillars of Hercules with a banner, resembling two vertical lines through an “S,” forming the “$” symbol.
Today, the $ symbol is used by several currencies, including the US Dollar (USD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Mexican Peso (MXN), and others, making it one of the most stable currencies with top anti-counterfeiting measures.
The Pound Sterling Symbol (£) – Rooted in Roman Libra
The £ (pound sterling) symbol has its roots in ancient Rome, where “Libra” was a unit of weight. The Latin word “Libra Pondo” (meaning a pound of weight) evolved into “pound” in English.
How did “£” originate?
- The “L” in Libra was stylized into “£” over time, with a decorative crossbar.
- The pound was historically linked to silver, and in the early British monetary system, one pound (£1) was equal to a pound (lb) of sterling silver.
The British Pound Sterling (GBP) remains one of the world’s oldest continuously used currencies.
The Indian Rupee Symbol (₹) – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Introduced in 2010, the ₹ (Indian Rupee) symbol is a fusion of India’s historical and linguistic heritage.
What does “₹” represent?
- It combines the Devanagari letter “र” (Ra) with the Roman letter “R”, symbolizing India’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
- The two horizontal lines represent the Indian tricolor flag and economic stability.
Before 2010, “Rs.” was commonly used as the abbreviation for the rupee, but the new symbol enhanced India’s identity on the global economic stage.
The Euro Symbol (€) – A Mark of Unity
The € (Euro) symbol, introduced in 1999, represents the official currency of the Eurozone.
What does “€” symbolize?
- The design is inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (ε), reflecting Europe’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
- The two horizontal lines signify stability and integration among European nations.
Today, the Euro (EUR) is one of the most widely used currencies in international trade.
The Yen (¥) and Yuan (¥) – The Eastern Symbols of Strength
The ¥ (yen) and ¥ (yuan) symbols are used by Japan (JPY) and China (CNY), respectively, but their origins lie in Chinese calligraphy.
What does “¥” mean?
- The character 圓 (Yuan) means “round” or “circle”, referring to the shape of ancient Chinese coins.
- The two horizontal strokes represent stability, an essential value in both economies.
While the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Chinese Yuan (CNY) share the same symbol, they are distinct currencies with separate histories.
The South Korean Won Symbol (₩) – A Symbol of Economic Growth
The ₩ (won) symbol represents South Korea’s currency (KRW).
Origins and Meaning
- The “W” comes from “Won,” which, like “Yuan” and “Yen,” means “round” in Korean.
- The two horizontal lines represent economic stability and South Korea’s rapid industrialization.
The South Korean Won has become a significant player in global markets, reflecting the country’s economic resilience.
The Russian Ruble Symbol (₽) – A Mark of National Identity
The ₽ (ruble) symbol was officially adopted in 2013, though the Russian Ruble (RUB) has been in use for centuries.
Why “₽”?
- The symbol is derived from the Cyrillic letter “Р” (R) for “Ruble”.
- The horizontal line represents stability, aligning with Russia’s economic aspirations.
This modern symbol reinforces Russia’s presence in the global financial system.
Also Read: Check here all about Remittance in Foreign Currency. Know the process, modes of transfer and the guidelines of the Central Bank.
Why Currency Symbols Matter for International Students?
Currency symbols play a crucial role in global financial transactions. They help distinguish different currencies, making it easier to identify and avoid confusion when dealing with multiple nations’ money. Whether you are exchanging money, making international transfers, or paying for expenses, knowing the world currency name and symbol ensures accuracy.
1. Avoiding Mistakes
Many countries use similar currency names. Knowing world currency symbols with country names prevents errors when transferring money.
2. Forex & Money Transfers
Recognizing different symbols for money around the world ensures accuracy in exchange rates and international transactions.
3. Loan Disbursements & Tuition Payments
Education loans are often disbursed in foreign currencies. Understanding world currency signs and names helps in proper budgeting when dealing with the education loan disbursement process.
4. Daily Expenses & Budgeting
Knowing the money sign in every country makes daily financial management easier for international students.
To sum up, understanding world currency symbols and digital currency signs is crucial in today’s economy. While traditional money signs in every country remain important for physical trade, cryptocurrencies are reshaping financial transactions globally.
Whether you’re dealing with symbols of all the currencies in the world or different money symbols around the world, staying informed helps in international business, travel, and finance.
FAQs
A currency symbol (e.g., $ for US Dollar, € for Euro) is an official financial notation, whereas a currency logo is a graphic representation used by institutions or digital currencies for branding.
Typing currency symbols varies by operating system. Here are some quick shortcuts:
Windows Keyboard Shortcuts:
€ (Euro): Alt + 0128
£ (Pound Sterling): Alt + 0163
¥ (Japanese Yen/Chinese Yuan): Alt + 0165
Mac Keyboard Shortcuts:
€ (Euro): Option + Shift + 2
£ (Pound Sterling): Option + 3
¥ (Japanese Yen/Chinese Yuan): Option + Y
Recognizing different money symbols around the world helps students handle tuition payments, manage education loans, and exchange forex efficiently while studying abroad.
Several countries use the dollar symbol ($), including Canada (C$), Australia (A$), New Zealand (NZ$), and Singapore (S$), each with distinct world currency signs and names.
Some monetary symbols of different countries are similar due to historical influences, but their ISO codes (JPY for Yen, CNY for Yuan) help distinguish them in financial transactions.
The US Dollar ($) is the most widely recognized currency sign in the world, as it is used as a global reserve currency and in international trade.
Knowing the money sign in every country ensures accurate transfers, avoiding confusion between similar-sounding currencies like the Peso (MXN, PHP, COP, ARS) or the Rupee (INR, PKR, LKR, NPR, MUR).
Some unique world currency symbols include:
₿ for Bitcoin (Cryptocurrency)
₦ for Nigerian Naira
₫ for Vietnamese Dong
₺ for Turkish Lira
₮ for Mongolian Tögrög
Understanding different money symbols around the world ensures correct forex exchange rates, seamless international money transfers, and helps travelers or students budget effectively.
You can find an updated list of world currency symbols on financial websites, central bank portals, and forex exchange platforms. Additionally, downloading an all-countries currency name list and symbols PDF from reliable sources can help you stay informed about global currencies.
The most stable currencies include the Swiss Franc (CHF), US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), Singapore Dollar (SGD), and Japanese Yen (JPY). These currencies are trusted globally due to strong economies and low volatility.
The least valuable currencies (2024) include the Iranian Rial (IRR), Lebanese Pound (LBP), Venezuelan Bolívar (VES), Vietnamese Dong (VND), and Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL), mainly due to inflation and economic instability.
To learn more about bank accounts for students, the best education loans, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
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