West African CFA franc (XOF) exchange rate

WE SELL RATE HISTORY OF WEST AFRICAN CFA FRANC (XOF)

WE BUY RATE HISTORY OF WEST AFRICAN CFA FRANC (XOF)

WEST AFRICAN CFA FRANC (XOF) INFO

The XOF is the official currency used by eight countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

Banknotes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 CFA francs

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 CFA francs

Fraction: cents

Code: XOF

Symbol: CFAF

If you are traveling to Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali, or another country in the West African CFA franc zone, you will need to exchange your euros for West African CFA francs. It is advisable to research currency exchange options before traveling to obtain the best exchange rate and availability.

About the West African CFA Franc (XOF)

The West African CFA franc is the official currency of eight countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU): Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. Its symbol is FCFA, and each CFA franc is divided into 100 centimes.

History of the Currency

The CFA (XOF) franc was introduced in 1945 as a common currency for several French colonies in West Africa. After these countries gained independence, the West African CFA franc continued to be used within WAEMU, maintaining a fixed exchange rate with the euro. This monetary stability has been crucial for the region's economies.

The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) 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, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 CFA francs.

How Many CFA Francs Do I Need for a Trip to West Africa?

The amount of CFA francs required for your trip will vary depending on your travel style and planned activities. If your itinerary includes accommodations, excursions, and car rentals, it's best to budget accordingly. On the other hand, if your expenses are limited to daily costs like meals, local transportation, and small purchases, your cash needs will be lower.

It’s also important to keep in mind that in many local markets and smaller establishments, cash is the preferred or only accepted payment method, so carrying enough CFA francs is highly recommended.

Look for the closest office with this currency