The CFA franc in Benin is the country's official currency, with the international code XOF. Its value does not float against the euro, because a fixed peg links the two: 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs. For travellers from Belgium, it is therefore an easy currency to work with. Here is how it works, where to change your euros and how to pay once you arrive.
What is the West African CFA franc?
Today the acronym stands for « franc de la Communauté financière africaine ». In other words, the CFA franc in Benin is the shared currency of the eight members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU): Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), headquartered in Dakar, issues the banknotes and runs monetary policy. Founded in 1962, it has a national branch in Cotonou. As a result, a WAEMU banknote circulates freely from Benin to Senegal.
Do not confuse it with Central Africa
There is a second CFA franc, the Central African one (code XAF), issued by the BEAC for six countries, including Cameroon and Gabon. Both currencies also have the same value against the euro. However, they are not interchangeable: an XAF note is useless in Benin.
A fixed peg to the euro
The current rate dates from the switch to the euro in 1999. Before that, the CFA franc was tied to the French franc, and in January 1994 its value was cut in half. Since 1999, the rate of the CFA franc in Benin has therefore stayed the same: only exchange fees vary.
| Euros | CFA francs | CFA francs | Euros |
|---|---|---|---|
| €10 | 6,560 F | 1,000 F | €1.52 |
| €50 | 32,798 F | 5,000 F | €7.62 |
| €100 | 65,596 F | 10,000 F | €15.24 |
| €500 | 327,979 F | 50,000 F | €76.22 |
Quick tip: 1,000 CFA francs is a little over one and a half euros. To convert a price into euros, simply divide it by 656.
The 2019 reform
On 21 December 2019, France and the states of the West African Monetary Union signed a new monetary cooperation agreement. Since then, the BCEAO no longer has to hold half of its reserves at the French Treasury, and France has left its decision-making bodies. However, the fixed peg and the convertibility guarantee remain in place. The name « eco » came up at the time, yet the CFA franc in Benin is still legal tender in 2026.
CFA franc in Benin: banknotes and coins
BCEAO banknotes come in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 CFA franc denominations. Most notes in use belong to the series launched in 2003. Coins, meanwhile, range from a few francs up to 500 CFA francs.
In practice, always carry small change. Indeed, motorbike-taxi drivers (the « zémidjans ») and market sellers often struggle to break a 10,000 F note. Some shopkeepers may also refuse torn or very dirty notes.
Where to change euros before and during your trip
Before you leave
Belgian banks generally do not sell CFA francs over the counter. To get hold of the CFA franc in Benin, the simplest approach is therefore to bring euros. They are very easy to change there. Also pack a bank card, then check with your bank that the card works outside Europe and what withdrawal fees apply.
Once in Benin
- At Cotonou airport: exchange desks on arrival, handy for your first expenses.
- In banks and licensed bureaux: in Cotonou and the main towns, the safest option. Keep the receipt.
- At cash machines: plentiful in Cotonou and departmental capitals. Visa cards generally have the widest acceptance.
- On the street: avoid informal money changers, because the risk of fake notes or miscounting is real.
Paying by card or mobile money
Overall, hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants in Cotonou take cards. Elsewhere, however, cash is king. In addition, mobile money from the operators MTN and Moov is part of daily life everywhere. Visitors can also use it with a local SIM card and an ID document.
Rules and tips for carrying cash
If you leave or enter the European Union with 10,000 euros or more in cash, you must declare it to customs. For its part, WAEMU also regulates the export of currency and banknotes through its foreign exchange rules. So before travelling with a large sum, check with the BCEAO or your bank. Finally, spend or change back your CFA franc in Benin before you fly home, because Belgian exchange offices rarely buy it back.
For travel costs, our guide on travelling to Benin from Belgium gives budget benchmarks. Meanwhile, you pay for the electronic visa online, on the official website only. Also beware of intermediary websites that charge needless fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay in euros in Benin?
Rarely. Some hotels quote prices in euros, but everyday payments happen in CFA francs. It is therefore best to change part of your budget on arrival.
How much is 100 euros in CFA francs in Benin?
At the fixed rate, 100 euros equal 65,595.70 CFA francs, or about 65,600 F. An exchange desk will give you slightly less, because it takes a commission.
Will the exchange rate change?
No, the peg to the euro has stayed fixed since 1999. Only the margins of banks and exchange offices vary.
Can I use CFA francs from Senegal or Togo in Benin?
Yes, because those countries use the same West African CFA franc. By contrast, Central African notes will not work.
Sorting out your money in advance makes for a smoother stay. To plan your visit, explore our Visiting Benin page and our guide to the best time to travel. If you have a question about your formalities, write to Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège.
Sources
- BCEAO: About the Central Bank of West African States (in French)
- BCEAO: CFA franc banknotes and coins (in French)
- French Treasury: Principles of monetary cooperation (in French)
- Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs: Travel advice for Benin
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