Currency and cash
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). The economy is cash-based; there are very few ATMs and cards are accepted only in a few large hotels. Exchanging more than one million CFA francs requires Ministry of Finance authorisation, obtained through banks.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Niger travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Niger
Accounts and mobile money
According to the World Bank (Global Findex, 2024 survey), 15% of adults have an account, at a bank or with mobile money, and 6% 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.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceWorld Bank, Global Findex 2025 database (accounts and mobile money, adults aged 15 and over)
Sources for this guide
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Niger travel advice: safety and security · Source updated: August 29, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- Government of Canada, Travel advice: Niger · Source updated: May 26, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- World Bank, Global Findex 2025 database (accounts and mobile money, adults aged 15 and over) · Source updated: October 6, 2025 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.