Money and banking

The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), pegged to the euro. The economy is mainly cash-based; euros are often accepted in town, but change is given in CFA francs.

Currency exchange is only allowed at exchange offices and ATMs.

Large hotels and shops accept cards; elsewhere it is rare. To pay a hotel bill by card, check with the hotel before you leave or bring cash.

According to the World Bank (Global Findex, 2024 survey), 56% of adults have an account, at a bank or with mobile money, and 52% have a mobile money account (payments and transfers by phone). To open a mobile money account, ask the mobile operators which documents they require and what the fees are.