Currency & Payment

Côte d'Ivoire uses the West African CFA franc (XOF, FCFA), shared across the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The CFA franc is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 655.957 XOF. Cash is still important, especially outside Abidjan, and small notes are useful for everyday purchases.

Because the CFA franc is pegged to the euro, euros are the easiest currency to exchange, and banks and bureaux de change in Abidjan handle other major currencies. Rates and fees vary, so compare before changing large amounts. Keep exchange receipts, as they may be requested when reconverting CFA francs on departure.

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger stores and some restaurants in Abidjan, with Visa more widely taken than Mastercard. Outside the main city, card acceptance drops sharply and cash is the norm. Always carry enough CFA francs for smaller places, transport and markets, and tell your bank you are travelling.

ATMs are widely available in Abidjan and other cities, dispensing CFA francs, but they are much scarcer in rural areas. Withdraw during the day at bank branches or busy locations for safety, and be aware of foreign-card fees and possible withdrawal limits. Carry some backup cash in case an ATM is out of service.

Mobile money is extremely widespread in Côte d'Ivoire. Services such as Orange Money, MTN MoMo and Moov Money, along with the Wave app, are used for everyday payments, transfers and bills. Registering usually needs a local SIM and ID, so travellers often rely on cash and cards, but mobile money is worth knowing about for longer stays.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Côte d'Ivoire. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a little extra is common, and some places may add a service charge. Small tips for hotel staff, drivers and guides are welcome. Cash in CFA francs is the easiest way to tip.

Prices vary widely between Abidjan and the rest of the country. Abidjan can be relatively pricey for hotels and imported goods, while local eateries (maquis), markets and shared transport are affordable. Prices are quoted in CFA francs. Bargaining is normal in markets, though shops and supermarkets have fixed prices.

Côte d'Ivoire applies value-added tax (VAT, TVA) to most goods and services, and it is normally included in the displayed price. There is no widely available tourist VAT-refund scheme like those in some other countries, so do not count on reclaiming tax on purchases. Keep receipts for your own records and any customs questions.