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Currency in the Congo XAF - Things to know

Foreign exchange guide to the Congo and the Central African franc

Congo

What currency is used in the Congo?

The official currency of the Congo (country code: CG) is the Central African franc, with symbol FCFA and currency code XAF.

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Things to know about the Central African franc

Here are some things you might want to know about the Central African CFA franc:

  1. The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the currency of six independent states in Central Africa - Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
  2. It is represented by the symbol "FCFA" and is abbreviated as XAF.
  3. The CFA franc was introduced in 1945, replacing the French Equatorial African franc. It is pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.
  4. The value of the CFA franc is guaranteed by the Central Bank of Central African States, which is responsible for issuing and managing the currency.
  5. The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 CFA francs. The banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 CFA francs.
  6. The banknotes feature images of famous historical figures, such as King BĂ©hanzin and King Njoya. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
  7. The currency was introduced to the previously French colonies in Equatorial Africa in 1945, replacing the French Equatorial African franc. The currency continued in use when these colonies gained their independence. Equatorial Guinea, the only former Spanish colony in the zone, adopted the CFA franc in 1984.
  8. Both XAF and XOF currencies are referred to as the CFA franc.

An example Central African franc banknote

 

Travel money for the Congo

Save money and time by Ordering your Central African franc online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the XAF cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.

Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.

For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Central African franc otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.

 
 

Travel Ideas and Money Tips for the Congo

The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a country located in Central Africa, bordered by Gabon to the west, Cameroon to the northwest, the Central African Republic to the northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the southeast, and the Angola to the south.

Travel Tips for the Congo

Traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can be challenging due to ongoing instability and security concerns in certain parts of the country. Here are some travel tips to consider if you're planning a trip to the DRC:

  1. Check travel advisories: Before planning your trip, check the latest travel advisories and security information from your government's foreign affairs department or equivalent, to stay informed about the most current safety and security risks.

  2. Get vaccinated: Check with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to ensure that you are up to date on any required or recommended vaccinations for travel to the DRC.

  3. Plan your route carefully: Avoid traveling to areas that are considered to be dangerous or that have ongoing conflicts. Some parts of the country are completely off-limits to foreigners, so be sure to plan your route and accommodations accordingly.

  4. Be prepared for unexpected delays: The DRC has a poorly developed infrastructure and transport can be unreliable. Be prepared for flight delays, cancellations, or other transport-related issues.

  5. Be aware of the local laws: Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the DRC to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues.

  6. Have emergency contact: Make sure someone know your itinerary, and contact information for emergency and consular assistance.

  7. Have contact of good medical facilities and emergency medical evacuation services in case of any emergency situation.

It's worth noting that safety conditions can change quickly in the DRC, and that the security situation can vary significantly between different regions of the country. It's important to be aware of the current situation and to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

 
   

USD/XAF Market Data

The below interactive chart displays the USD/XAF change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.

 
1 USD =
608.13We compare provider deals to this wholesale mid-market rate. Read more
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Frequently Asked Questions

What currency should I use in the Congo?

The domestic currency in the Congo is the Central African franc.

What is the Central African franc currency code and symbol?

The three letter currency code for the Central African franc is XAF — symbol is FCFA.

Which countries use the Central African franc?

It is the domestic currency in    Cameroon,   Central African Republic,   Chad,   Congo,   Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Is the Central African franc a closed currency?

No, the Central African franc is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?

What are equivalent amounts of USD and XAF?

Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to XAF (US dollar to Central African franc)*.

USD XAF
$ 1 FCFA 608.13
$ 5 FCFA 3,041
$ 10 FCFA 6,081
$ 20 FCFA 12,163
$ 50 FCFA 30,407
$ 100 FCFA 60,813
$ 250 FCFA 152,033
$ 500 FCFA 304,065
$ 1,000 FCFA 608,130
$ 2,000 FCFA 1,216,260
$ 5,000 FCFA 3,040,650
$ 10,000 FCFA 6,081,300
$ 20,000 FCFA 12,162,600
$ 50,000 FCFA 30,406,500
$ 100,000 FCFA 60,813,000
USD XAF
$ 0.0016 FCFA 1
$ 0.0082 FCFA 5
$ 0.0164 FCFA 10
$ 0.0329 FCFA 20
$ 0.0822 FCFA 50
$ 0.1644 FCFA 100
$ 0.4110 FCFA 250
$ 0.8220 FCFA 500
$ 1.6440 FCFA 1,000
$ 3.2880 FCFA 2,000
$ 8.2200 FCFA 5,000
$ 16.44 FCFA 10,000
$ 32.88 FCFA 20,000
$ 82.20 FCFA 50,000
$ 164.40 FCFA 100,000

More amounts

*Converted at the current USDXAF interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.

Send Money to the Congo - Best Rates

To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to the Congo 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 the Congo

When sending money to the Congo 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 :

  1. Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
  2. You specify the local or Central African franc amount you want to transfer
  3. Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
  4. Once your funds are received by the provider the converted XAF amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in the Congo.

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 Central African franc deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!

 

Expat Money & Business Guide to the Congo

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.

By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in the Congo.

The country has a population of around 4.8 million people and its economy is largely based on its natural resources, particularly its oil and gas sector. Congo is also rich in other mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, and timber.

Despite its significant natural resources, the Republic of Congo's economy is not as developed as it could be, and the country ranks near the bottom of most measures of human development and economic development. The country has a history of political instability and corruption, which have hindered its economic development.

The oil sector is the main source of revenue for the government. Oil production has been on a decline since the late 2000s and the government has been taking steps to diversify the economy by investing in other sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and mining.

The country has a relatively low unemployment rate and the government has made an effort to improve infrastructure and provide basic services such as education and health care to the population, but they are still insufficient.

The country has made an effort to improve its economic situation, but much remains to be done to improve its economic situation, the country has been working with international organizations such as the World Bank and IMF, as well as other countries, to improve its economy and build a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens.

Managing your finances in the Congo

Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in the Congo:

  1. Understand Central 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 XAF exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.

  2. Use a local Central African franc bank account: A local XAF bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in the Congo. It may also be more convenient to use a local XAF bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.

  3. Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in the Congo. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.

  4. Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in the Congo. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.

  5. Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in the Congo, 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.

 

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