Currency in Sierra Leone: SLL Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Sierra Leone with the Sierra Leonean leone.
What's in this Sierra Leone currency guide?
What currency is used in Sierra Leone?
The official currency of Sierra Leone (country code: SL) is the Sierra Leonean leone, with symbol Le and currency code SLL.
What is a good Sierra Leonean leone 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’:
Loading rates...
|
|
|
Good things to know about the Sierra Leonean leone
The Sierra Leonean leone (SLL) is the official currency of Sierra Leone, a country located in West Africa. Here are a few things to know about the Sierra Leonean leone:
- The Sierra Leonean leone is abbreviated as SLL and is divided into 100 cents.
- The Bank of Sierra Leone is responsible for issuing and regulating the Sierra Leonean leone.
- The exchange rate for the Sierra Leonean leone is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.
- Sierra Leone has a largely agricultural economy, with a significant portion of the population engaged in farming and livestock production. The country is also rich in minerals, including diamonds, and has a growing mining sector.
- The Sierra Leonean leone has experienced significant depreciation in recent years due to economic challenges such as high inflation and a large trade deficit. In addition, Sierra Leone has faced political instability and conflict, which have also had an impact on the value of the Sierra Leonean leone.
For more SLL information check out our selection of Sierra Leonean leone news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Sierra Leone?
The domestic currency in Sierra Leone is the Sierra Leonean leone.
What is the Sierra Leonean leone currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Sierra Leonean leone is SLL — symbol is Le.
Which countries use the Sierra Leonean leone?
It is the domestic currency in Sierra Leone.
Is the Sierra Leonean leone a closed currency?
No, the Sierra Leonean leone is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and SLL?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to SLL (US dollar to Sierra Leonean leone)*.
*Converted at the current USDSLL interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Sierra Leone
Using Wise for Sierra Leonean leone 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 Sierra Leonean leone otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Sierra Leonean leone cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the SLL cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Sierra Leone: Travel Guide
Traveling to Sierra Leone 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.
Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for the white-sand beaches lining the Freetown Peninsula. The capital city, Freetown, commemorates the nation’s slave-trade history with the Cotton Tree landmark and King’s Yard Gate. Both were known as places of refuge for returned slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nearby Bunce Island was a key departure point during the slave trade.
Everyday Costs in in Sierra Leone
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Sierra Leone? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide: Sierra Leone (SL)
Traveling to Sierra Leone can be a delightful experience, and budgeting appropriately will ensure a memorable trip. For a 1-week mid-range stay, travelers should consider bringing around 4,500,000 to 5,500,000 Sierra Leonean leones (SLL). This budget allows for comfortable accommodation, dining, and activities. Here’s a quick overview of typical daily expenses in Sierra Leone:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 100,000 SLL
- ☕ Coffee: 20,000 SLL
- 🚍 Public transport fare: 5,000 SLL
- 📶 Prepaid SIM card: 200,000 SLL
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 600,000 SLL for a week
In general, Sierra Leone is considered an affordable destination compared to the United States and the UK. While expenses in major U.S. cities can be significantly higher, especially for dining and accommodation, Sierra Leone offers more budget-friendly options. Visitors from the UK will also find that their money stretches further here, as local costs for similar goods and services are often less than half compared to prices back home.
Expat Living Costs and Money Management in Sierra Leone
For expats residing in Sierra Leone, typical monthly living costs can range between 8,000,000 to 12,000,000 SLL. This estimate includes rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation, primarily depending on lifestyle choices. When it comes to banking and card usage, it’s advisable to open a local bank account for smoother transactions. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in urban areas, but cash is still king in rural regions.
When sending or receiving money, platforms like Wise or OFX often provide better exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks. However, for on-ground expenses, it is typically more beneficial to exchange money locally rather than relying solely on online transfer services, as ATM withdrawals may incur charges and foreign transaction fees. Overall, for both travelers and expats, understanding local financial practices can lead to considerable savings while enjoying Sierra Leone's unique offerings.
USD/SLL Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/SLL change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Sierra Leone - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone
When sending money to Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leonean leone 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 SLL amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Sierra Leone.
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 Sierra Leonean leone deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!