Currency in Ivory Coast: XOF Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Ivory Coast with the West African franc.
What's in this Ivory Coast currency guide?
What currency is used in Ivory Coast?
The official currency of Ivory Coast (country code: CI) is the West African franc, with symbol and currency code XOF.
What is a good West African franc exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the West African franc
The West Africa CFA franc (XAF) is the currency of six independent states in Western Africa - Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
In several central African states the Central African CFA franc (currency code XAF) is in circulation, such as Cameroon - Central African CFA franc. The Central African CFA franc is of equal value to the West African franc. Both XAF and XOF currencies are referred to as the CFA franc.
For more XOF information check out our selection of West African franc news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Ivory Coast?
The domestic currency in Ivory Coast is the West African franc.
What is the West African franc currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the West African franc is XOF.
What does the West African franc look like?
Here is an example West African franc banknote:
Which countries use the West African franc?
It is the domestic currency in Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger and Togo.
Is the West African franc a closed currency?
No, the West African franc is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and XOF?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to XOF (US dollar to West African franc)*.
*Converted at the current USDXOF interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Ivory Coast
Using Wise for West African franc travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in West African franc otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want West African franc cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the XOF cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Ivory Coast: Travel Guide
Traveling to Ivory Coast requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Ivory Coast, officially known as Côte d'Ivoire, is a country located in West Africa. It is known for its lush tropical landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. It has a diverse range of ethnic groups and has had a history of ethnic, religious and political conflicts, which have affected the country for many years.
For travelers, Ivory Coast offers a diverse range of experiences. Visitors can explore the country's tropical beaches, national parks, and reserves. It's also known for its rich cultural heritage, such as the annual Fêtes des Masques in Danané, which is a celebration of traditional masks and costumes. The country also has a vibrant art scene, and visitors can find a range of traditional crafts, including basketry, textiles, and woodcarvings.
However, the travel advisory must be consulted before traveling. Some regions of the country have been affected by recent conflicts and political instability, and it's important to be aware of potential risks and to check the security situation in the area you plan to visit before your trip.
Overall, Ivory Coast is an interesting destination with a lot to offer, but it's important to be aware of the potential security risks and to plan accordingly.
Everyday Costs in in Ivory Coast
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Ivory Coast? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Traveling to Côte d'Ivoire (ISO code: CI)
When planning a one-week mid-range stay in Côte d'Ivoire, travelers should budget approximately 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 CFA Francs (roughly $1,800 - $2,300 USD) to cover their expenses comfortably. This budget allows for enjoyable experiences while staying in decent accommodations and dining at local eateries. Here’s a quick look at typical daily expenses in Ivorian CFA francs (CFA):
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 3,000 - 10,000 CFA
- ☕ Coffee: 1,000 - 2,000 CFA
- 🚍 Public transport fare: 200 - 500 CFA
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 5,000 - 10,000 CFA
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 30,000 - 80,000 CFA per night
In general, Côte d'Ivoire offers an affordable to mid-range travel experience. Compared to the United States, daily expenses can be significantly lower, especially when it comes to food and public transport. For example, a meal that might cost $15 in the U.S. can often be found for around $5 in Côte d'Ivoire. When compared to the UK, travelers might find Côte d'Ivoire even more economical, particularly regarding accommodations and local transport.
Living in Côte d'Ivoire as an Expat
For expats considering a long-term stay in Côte d'Ivoire, the typical monthly living costs can range from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 CFA Francs (approximately $1,500 to $3,750 USD) depending on lifestyle choices. This budget covers rent in a decent apartment, utilities, groceries, and leisure activities. When it comes to banking, international cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in cities, but it's wise to also have cash on hand for smaller transactions.
For money transfers, many expats find that using online services like Wise or OFX can often provide better exchange rates and lower fees than exchanging money in local banks or currency exchange offices. While exchanging cash locally can be convenient, especially for small purchases, using digital transfers may help maximize funds for larger transactions. It’s advisable to keep both options open: have some cash for everyday expenses while relying on your card or a preferred online service for larger payments.
USD/XOF Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/XOF change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Recent West African franc Market News
The West Africa CFA franc has a fixed rate of exchange with the euro (and previously the French franc) set at 1 euro = 655.957 XOF. The XOF franc is characterised as a credible and stable currency, a significant virtue given the experience of most currency-issuing African nations.
For more XOF information read our News and guides to the West African franc.
Send Money to Ivory Coast - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Ivory Coast you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Ivory Coast
When sending money to Ivory Coast it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or West African franc amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted XOF amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Ivory Coast.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more West African franc deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Ivory Coast
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand West African franc currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the XOF exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local West African franc bank account: A local XOF bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Ivory Coast. It may also be more convenient to use a local XOF bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Ivory Coast. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Ivory Coast. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Ivory Coast, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Ivory Coast.
For expats, Ivory Coast is an attractive destination due to its friendly and welcoming people, its rich culture, and its natural beauty. However, it's worth noting that the country's infrastructure and public services can be underdeveloped and unreliable in certain areas.
There's also a lack of affordable housing in certain areas, particularly in the capital city Abidjan, which can make it difficult for expats to find suitable accommodation.
Living costs in Ivory Coast can be relatively low compared to other countries in the region, but it can also be variable depending on the city, area, and the type of accommodation you are looking for. It's also worth noting that the country has a strong French influence due to its colonial past, and French is widely spoken, so speaking the language could help to make the transition easier. However, many locals also speak local languages, so it could be helpful and fun to learn some basic phrases in one of the local languages as well.