When traveling or doing international business, one of the first things people think about is currency exchange. However, not all currencies are freely accepted or usable outside their country of origin. Some nations operate with restricted or non-convertible currencies, meaning they are either illegal, impractical, or impossible to use beyond national borders. In this article, REALBLOGMUSIC highlights 20 country currencies that cannot be used outside their home countries, explaining why these restrictions exist and what they mean for travelers.
1. North Korean Won (KPW) – North Korea
The North Korean won is one of the most restricted currencies in the world. It is illegal to take it out of the country, and foreigners are usually required to use foreign currencies instead.
2. Cuban Peso (CUP) – Cuba
The Cuban peso is meant strictly for domestic use. While Cuba has undergone currency reforms, the CUP is still not accepted or exchangeable internationally.
3. Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) – Eritrea
The nakfa is tightly controlled by the government and cannot be legally exchanged outside Eritrea, making it useless beyond its borders.
4. Ethiopian Birr (ETB) – Ethiopia
Ethiopian law prohibits taking large amounts of birr out of the country. It is not freely convertible on the global currency market.
5. Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) – Bangladesh
The taka is mainly used within Bangladesh. Strict foreign exchange controls prevent its free use outside the country.
6. Nepalese Rupee (NPR) – Nepal
The Nepalese rupee is restricted and closely tied to the Indian rupee. It has no international acceptance outside Nepal.
7. Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) – Sri Lanka
Due to economic controls and low demand, the Sri Lankan rupee is rarely accepted or exchanged internationally.
8. Myanmar Kyat (MMK) – Myanmar
The kyat is non-convertible and cannot be legally exchanged outside Myanmar, largely due to government controls.
9. Laotian Kip (LAK) – Laos
The kip is almost entirely domestic. Travelers are advised to exchange leftover kip before leaving Laos.
10. Cambodian Riel (KHR) – Cambodia
Although the US dollar is widely used in Cambodia, the riel itself is not accepted or traded outside the country.
11. Vietnamese Dong (VND) – Vietnam
The dong is restricted, and exporting it is limited by law. It has little to no value outside Vietnam.
12. Uzbekistani Som (UZS) – Uzbekistan
The som was long non-convertible and remains difficult to exchange internationally despite recent reforms.
13. Turkmenistani Manat (TMT) – Turkmenistan
The manat is heavily regulated and cannot be freely exchanged or used outside Turkmenistan.
14. Iranian Rial (IRR) – Iran
Due to international sanctions, the Iranian rial is not accepted on global markets and cannot be used abroad.
15. Syrian Pound (SYP) – Syria
Political instability and sanctions have rendered the Syrian pound unusable outside Syria.
16. Sudanese Pound (SDG) – Sudan
The Sudanese pound faces strict controls and is not accepted internationally.
17. Congolese Franc (CDF) – DR Congo
The Congolese franc has limited international recognition and is practically unusable outside the country.
18. Malagasy Ariary (MGA) – Madagascar
The ariary is a closed currency with no legal use or exchange outside Madagascar.
19. Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) – Bhutan
The ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee and cannot be exchanged internationally.
20. Afghan Afghani (AFN) – Afghanistan
Ongoing political and economic challenges make the afghani difficult to use or exchange outside Afghanistan.
Why Some Currencies Are Restricted
Countries restrict their currencies to control capital flow, protect foreign reserves, stabilize their economies, or respond to political and economic pressures. While these currencies work perfectly within their home nations, they have little or no value internationally.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to travel, always exchange restricted currencies before leaving the country. Understanding which currencies cannot be used outside their borders helps travelers, investors, and global citizens avoid unnecessary losses.
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