Ivory Coast Currency: Quick Guide for Travelers
Heading to Côte d’Ivoire? The local currency is the CFA Franc (XOF), and knowing how to handle money can save you time and fees. In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to exchange euros or dollars, where to withdraw cash, and how to pay—whether by card or mobile money. Stay prepared and avoid surprises with these practical tips for a smooth trip.
West African CFA Franc (XOF) and its exchange rate
The West African CFA Franc (XOF) is the official currency used in eight West African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Mali. It is pegged to the Euro, making it relatively stable compared to other African currencies. Travelers and businesses often need to convert CFA Francs into major currencies like Euro, US Dollar, or regional currencies such as Ghanaian Cedi and Nigerian Naira.
Banknotes come in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, and 500 CFA (around €14, €7.62, €3, €1.50, and €0.76). Coins include 500, 200, 100, 50, and rarely 25 CFA. Small change can be hard to find, so always carry a mix of bills for markets, taxis, and small shops.
Travel tip: Always carry a mix of banknotes for easy payments in markets, small shops, and taxis—getting coins or small bills can be tricky.
CFA Franc to Euro Conversion
The CFA Franc is directly linked to the Euro at a fixed rate:
1 Euro = 655.957 CFA Francs.
This means 30,000 CFA Francs equals about €45.73. If you’re planning a trip to West Africa or sending money, knowing this rate helps you budget accurately.
CFA Franc to US Dollar
Exchange rates between CFA Franc and the US Dollar fluctuate daily. On average:
1 USD ≈ 600 CFA Francs.
So, 30,000 CFA Francs is roughly $50 USD. Always check the latest rates before making transactions.
CFA Franc to Ghanaian Cedi
For travelers moving between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, currency conversion is key:
1 Ghanaian Cedi ≈ 50 CFA Francs.
This makes CFA Franc relatively stronger than the Cedi, so plan your spending accordingly.
CFA Franc to Nigerian Naira
The Nigerian Naira (NGN) is one of the most searched currencies for conversion. Currently:
1 Naira ≈ 1.3 CFA Francs.
So, 30,000 CFA Francs equals about ₦23,000. This is useful for cross-border trade and travelers between Nigeria and Francophone West Africa.
Where to Exchange Your Currency for Franc CFA
- BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States) Currency Exchange Office: Located in Plateau, Abidjan, inside the Central Bank of West African States.
- Koumalo Change: Currency exchange office at Abidjan International Airport.
- Ivoire Forex: A trusted foreign exchange service in the capital city.
- BCOP Change: Currency exchange provider with multiple branches across Abidjan.
Beyond traditional currency exchange offices, some upscale hotels also offer euro or dollar exchange services directly at the reception desk. It is recommended to contact them in advance to confirm the exchange rate applied. Here are two well-known establishments providing this service in Abidjan:
- Hotel Capitol – located in Riviera Golf.
- Hotel La Maison Palmier – located in Deux Plateaux.
How to pay in Ivory Coast? Mobile payment
In Ivory Coast, mobile payments have become very popular to make everyday transactions. This payment method is accepted in many settings: shops, taxis, neighborhood stores, and even some traditional markets. Over the past few years, these services have spread across the country, making life easier for users in both urban and rural areas.
Wave
Wave is one of the most popular mobile payment apps in Ivory Coast. It lets you store money on your phone to pay or send funds easily. To use it, download the app on a smartphone and link it to an Ivorian number. Then visit a small street shop displaying the black penguin logo on a light blue background to deposit cash. The merchant credits the amount to your Wave account, and once funded, you can make payments or transfers effortlessly.
Orange Money
Orange Money works similarly to Wave. To get started, visit an Orange shop with your passport or ID to open an account. Agents will help you install the app and activate the service. Once your account is active, you can send money, pay bills (internet, water, electricity), or top up mobile credit directly through the app. It’s a convenient solution for travelers and residents who want to make payments without using cash.
MTN
MTN also offers its own mobile payment service, which is very popular in some regions of Côte d’Ivoire. The process is similar: after registering with an MTN agent, you can deposit, transfer, or withdraw money through the app. Many shops, restaurants, and drivers accept MTN Mobile Money payments, making it a convenient solution for everyday transactions.
🔶 Note: Each mobile transaction usually carries a commission of about 1%. However, some merchants, taxi drivers, and Yango drivers have certified scanners that allow payments without extra fees.
How to pay with a bank card in Ivory Coast?
Card payments (Visa and Mastercard) are possible in Côte d’Ivoire, but they remain limited to certain establishments. You can pay by card in major supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants in Abidjan, but it is strongly recommended to always carry cash in CFA francs.
Connection issues can occur, making payment terminals unusable. Outside Abidjan, especially in rural areas, electronic payments are even less common. Traveling with CFA cash remains the most reliable option. Some digital services do accept card payments, including:
- Yango – for booking taxis online.
- Glovo – for ordering from supermarkets and restaurants.
Currency and Tipping in Ivory Coast
Tipping is well accepted in Côte d’Ivoire, especially in restaurants, bars, and hotels. Since the average monthly salary is around 60,000 CFA francs (about €91), a small gesture is often greatly appreciated by staff.
There is no fixed percentage to follow—it depends on your budget, the service received, and the size of your group. In general, an amount between 500 and 2,000 CFA francs (approximately €0.75 to €3.50) is considered appropriate.
❓FAQ – Currency and Payments in Ivory Coast
🔸What is the currency in Ivory Coast called?
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF).
🔸How do I convert Ivory Coast currency to USD or EUR?
Use the fixed rate for euros (1 EUR = 655.957 XOF) and check daily rates for USD.
🔸Does Ivory Coast use the same CFA franc as other countries?
Yes. Ivory Coast shares the XOF currency with seven other West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
🔸Can I pay with Wave in Ivory Coast?
Yes. Wave is widely accepted in shops, taxis, and markets across Abidjan and other cities.
🔸What documents do I need to open Orange Money or MTN Mobile Money?
You’ll need an ID or passport and an Ivorian phone number.
