Currency in New Caledonia: XPF Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in New Caledonia with the CFP franc.
What's in this New Caledonia currency guide?
What currency is used in New Caledonia?
The official currency of New Caledonia (country code: NC) is the CFP franc, with symbol F and currency code XPF.
What is a good CFP 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 CFP franc
The CFP franc (XPF) is the currency of four French overseas collectives (collectivités d'outre-mer, or COM) that include French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. The CFP franc is also referred to as the franc pacifique since it is used in the Pacific Ocean region. The initials CFP originally stood for Colonies Françaises du Pacifique (“French colonies of the Pacific”). As with the old French franc the CFP franc is broken into subunits called centimes.
For more XPF information check out our selection of CFP franc news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in New Caledonia?
The domestic currency in New Caledonia is the CFP franc.
What is the CFP franc currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the CFP franc is XPF — symbol is F.
What does the CFP franc look like?
Here is an example CFP franc banknote:
Which countries use the CFP franc?
It is the domestic currency in French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna Islands.
Is the CFP franc a closed currency?
No, the CFP franc is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and XPF?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to XPF (US dollar to CFP franc)*.
*Converted at the current USDXPF interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for New Caledonia
Using Wise for CFP 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 CFP franc otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want CFP franc cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the XPF cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
New Caledonia: Travel Guide
Traveling to New Caledonia 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.
The French territory of New Caledonia is located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, about 1,200 km east of Australia and 16,000 km from France. The archipelago, which covers 18,576 km2, consists of the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Belep Islands, the Isle of Pines, and a few other smaller islands. New Caledonia has a population of 265,000 people, most of whom are of Kanak descent. The capital city is Nouméa.
New Caledonia is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and unique wildlife. The country is also a popular destination for expats, as it offers a high quality of life and a relaxed lifestyle.
Best things to do and see in New Caledonia
1. Visit Nouméa
2. Go scuba diving
3. Visit the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre
4. Visit the Amédée Island Lighthouse
5. Go snorkelling or swimming with dolphins
6. Visit the Nouméa Aquarium
Top Travel tips for New Caledonia
- Plan your trip in advance
- Make a list of things to do and see
- Pack light and efficiently
- Bring comfortable walking shoes
- Be prepared for all weather conditions
- Bring a camera to capture memories
Is it safe in New Caledonia?
There are no specific safety concerns in New Caledonia and it is generally a safe place to travel. However, as with any destination, it is always advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
What is the cost of living in New Caledonia?
The cost of living in New Caledonia is relatively high compared to other countries in the Pacific region. This is due to the high prices of imported goods and the low wages paid to workers.
Everyday Costs in in New Caledonia
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in New Caledonia? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for New Caledonia (ISO Code: NC)
For travelers planning a week-long mid-range stay in New Caledonia, it's advisable to budget around 1,500 to 2,000 XPF (New Caledonian Franc) per day, totaling approximately 10,500 to 14,000 XPF (around USD 90 to 120). Here’s a quick overview of typical daily expenses in XPF:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 2,500 - 3,500 XPF
- ☕ Coffee: 400 - 800 XPF
- 🚌 Public transport fare: 200 - 400 XPF
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 3,000 - 5,000 XPF
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 10,000 - 15,000 XPF
In general, New Caledonia can be categorized as an average cost destination when compared to the United States, where daily expenses may often be higher. In contrast, a trip here may be cheaper than visiting Australia, particularly when considering accommodation and dining out, where daily averages can exceed those in New Caledonia.
Expats in New Caledonia
For expatriates, typical monthly living costs in New Caledonia can vary widely based on lifestyle. A comfortable budget would range from 150,000 to 250,000 XPF (around USD 1,275 to 2,125) to cover rent, groceries, utilities, and leisure activities. When it comes to banking, using local ATMs is convenient, but it's important to note high transaction fees if your home bank charges. Credit cards are widely accepted, making them a favorable option for everyday purchases. When it comes to sending and receiving money, services like Wise or OFX tend to offer better exchange rates and lower fees compared to local exchanges. However, for day-to-day expenses, local currency exchange may provide a straightforward solution, as New Caledonia is largely familiar with handling cash transactions.
USD/XPF Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/XPF change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Recent CFP franc Market News
The CFP franc (XPF) is fixed to the Euro so the EURXPF exchange rate should not fluctuate very much.
For more XPF information read our News and guides to the CFP franc.
Send Money to New Caledonia - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to New Caledonia 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 New Caledonia
When sending money to New Caledonia 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 CFP 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 XPF amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in New Caledonia.
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 CFP franc deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in New Caledonia
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 CFP franc currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the XPF 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 CFP franc bank account: A local XPF bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in New Caledonia. It may also be more convenient to use a local XPF 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 New Caledonia. 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 New Caledonia. 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 New Caledonia, 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 New Caledonia.
How is the expat life in New Caledonia?
There is a small but thriving expat community in New Caledonia. Most expats live in the capital city of Noumea, where they can find all the amenities and services they need. There are also a number of beaches and resorts within easy reach of Noumea, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy the outdoors. The cost of living in New Caledonia is relatively high, but wages are also high, so expats can expect to have a comfortable standard of living.
Any laws in New Caledonia that foreigners should be aware of?
There is a general curfew in New Caledonia from 11pm to 4am. There are also laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public spaces.
What is doing business like in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is a French territory located in the South Pacific. The economy is based on tourism, nickel mining, and fishing. The official language is French, and the currency is the CFP Franc.
How is the economy in New Caledonia?
The economy in New Caledonia is fairly strong and has been growing steadily over the past few years. The government has been working to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on a few key industries, such as mining and agriculture. Tourism is also an important sector, and the government is working to attract more visitors to the country. Overall, the economy is in good shape and is expected to continue growing in the coming years.