Central African CFA franc (XAF) exchange rate
WE SELL RATE HISTORY OF CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA FRANC (XAF)
WE BUY RATE HISTORY OF CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA FRANC (XAF)
CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA FRANCS (XAF) INFO
The XAF is the official currency of six countries in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa.
Banknotes: 500 francs, 1,000 francs, 2,000 francs, 5,000 francs, 10,000 francs.
Coins: 1 franc, 5 francs, 10 francs, 25 francs, 50 francs, 100 francs, 500 francs.
Code: XAF
Symbol: FCFA
Main Exchanges
If you are traveling to Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, or another country in the CFA franc zone, you will need to exchange your euros for Central African CFA francs. It is advisable to research currency exchange options before traveling to obtain the best exchange rate and availability.
About the Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
The Central African CFA franc is the official currency of six countries in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC): Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Its symbol is FCFA, and each CFA franc is divided into 100 centimes.
History of the Currency
The CFA franc was introduced in 1945 as a common currency for several French colonies in Africa. After these countries gained independence, the Central African CFA franc continued to be used within CEMAC, maintaining a fixed exchange rate with the euro. This monetary stability has been crucial for the region's economies.
The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) is the institution responsible for issuing and regulating the CFA franc in these countries.
Banknotes and Coins of the CFA Franc
The design of the CFA franc incorporates cultural and natural elements representative of the region. The banknotes and coins feature images of African landscapes, native wildlife, and key historical figures. These designs reflect the area's rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
The banknotes in circulation are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 CFA francs. Coins are issued in values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 CFA francs.
How Many CFA Francs Do I Need for a Trip to Central Africa?
If you are planning a trip to Cameroon, Gabon, or any other country in the CFA franc zone, the amount of money you will need depends on your itinerary and spending habits. If you have significant expenses such as hotel reservations, car rentals, or guided tours, you may require a larger budget. However, if you only need to cover daily expenses such as food, local transportation, and shopping, a smaller amount may be sufficient.
Remember that in many markets and small businesses in the region, carrying cash is advisable, as not all establishments accept credit or debit cards.
Look for the closest office with this currency