Exchanging euros for West African CFA francs (XOF) relies on a fixed peg to the euro: a major advantage when preparing a trip or supporting your family in West Africa.
The West African CFA franc (XOF): a currency with a fixed peg
The West African CFA franc, whose international code is XOF, is the common currency of eight countries united within WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union): Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. Its main distinctive feature lies in its fixed peg to the euro: unlike the dollar or the pound, the rate does not fluctuate from day to day. This peg is set at €1 = 655.957 CFA francs, a stable and guaranteed ratio, which considerably simplifies preparing a travel budget or a transfer to family.
In practice, once your euros have been converted into XOF, you know in advance how many banknotes you will receive, without fearing a sudden market swing. This is an important difference compared with floating currencies: with the CFA franc, the main thing to watch out for is not the rate, but the availability of banknotes and the quality of the exchange service.
Don't confuse XOF and XAF: two distinct CFA francs
A common mistake is to believe that there is only one CFA franc. In reality, there are two, which are not interchangeable:
- The West African CFA franc (XOF), issued by the BCEAO, used in the eight WAEMU countries mentioned above.
- The Central African CFA franc (XAF), issued by the BEAC, used notably in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Chad, the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Both have the same face value against the euro, but their banknotes are different and do not circulate in the other zone. If you are travelling to Dakar or Abidjan, it is indeed XOF that you need, not XAF. Always check your destination before reserving your banknotes.
Diaspora and travel: why cash remains essential
In West Africa, cash remains central to daily life. Markets, taxis, small shops, tips, purchases in villages: a large share of transactions is settled in cash. While ATMs are present in major cities such as Dakar, Abidjan or Bamako, they can be less reliable outside urban centres, sometimes unavailable or subject to high withdrawal fees for foreign cards.
For the diaspora visiting relatives, as well as for travellers, having CFA francs on hand from the moment you leave Paris avoids the stress of arrival: no need to look for a counter at the airport, which is often less advantageous. You arrive with enough to pay for transport, your first purchases and unexpected expenses. Preparing your exchange from Paris, before boarding the plane, is part of stress-free planning. Note: any transport of cash of €10,000 or more (all currencies combined) must be declared to customs upon entering or leaving the European Union.
Exchanging your euros for XOF at Paris Change
At Paris Change (entity Paris Exchange), a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you exchange your euros commission-free, at the posted counter rate. Our single shop is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, at the Saint-Michel station (line 4, RER B and C), and we are open 7 days a week (Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 7:30pm). We offer more than 53 currencies; you can view our available currencies before coming.
As the West African CFA franc is one of the less common currencies, we strongly recommend that you reserve your banknotes online in advance. This step guarantees the availability of the desired amount in XOF on the day you collect them in store, with no unpleasant surprises. Reservation is simple and collection takes place directly at Saint-Michel.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CFA franc rate change every day?
No: the West African CFA franc (XOF) benefits from a fixed peg to the euro (€1 = 655.957 CFA francs), unlike floating currencies. The conversion rate therefore remains stable over time, which makes preparing your budget easier.
Can I use West African CFA francs in Cameroon or Gabon?
No. Cameroon and Gabon use the Central African CFA franc (XAF), a distinct currency. The XOF only circulates in the eight WAEMU countries. Be sure to check your destination before reserving.
Do I need to reserve my XOF in advance?
It is strongly advised. As the CFA franc is one of the less requested currencies, reserving online guarantees the availability of your banknotes on the day you collect them in store, at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel.
Are you preparing a trip to Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire or elsewhere in West Africa, or do you wish to support your loved ones? Reserve your CFA francs (XOF) online now and collect them commission-free at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, open 7 days a week. Check our available currencies to get started.
