Côte d'Ivoire
Money in Côte d'Ivoire: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use West African CFA franc cash for most purchases; cards work in major hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants in Abidjan only; tip about 5‑10 % or round up to the nearest 500 CFA.
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GuideCôte d'Ivoire
Key facts
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- ATMscheck
- Mostly in Abidjan, also in major towns; withdraw small notes
- Card acceptancecheck
- Hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants in Abidjan; limited elsewhere
- Typical tipcheck
- 5‑10 % of bill or round up to nearest 500 CFA
Currency and payment methods
Côte d'Ivoire uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro at 655.957 XOF per €1. Cash is the primary payment method; carry small notes as change can be limited.
ATMs are available in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro and larger towns; they dispense XOF and often have a limit on the amount per transaction. Outside major cities ATMs are scarce.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants in Abidjan. Visa and Mastercard are most common; other cards may be declined. Carry a backup cash supply.
- Use cash for markets, taxis, street food, and smaller shops.
- Check ATM fees; some banks charge a flat fee plus a percentage.
- Notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5‑10 % is customary. For hotel staff, a small tip of 500–1 000 CFA per service (e.g., porter, housekeeping) is common.
Guides and drivers usually expect a tip of about 2 000 CFA per day if the service was satisfactory.
- Restaurants: round up or 5‑10 % of the total.
- Taxis: round up to the nearest 500 CFA.
- Hotel staff: 500–1 000 CFA per service.
- Guides/drivers: ~2 000 CFA per day.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Côte d'Ivoire?
The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the official currency, shared with several West African countries and pegged to the euro.
Should I use cash or a card in Côte d'Ivoire?
Cash is essential for most purchases; cards work in larger hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants in Abidjan, but are rarely accepted elsewhere.
How much should I tip in Côte d'Ivoire?
Tip about 5‑10 % in restaurants or round up to the nearest 500 CFA; give 500–1 000 CFA for hotel staff and around 2 000 CFA per day for guides/drivers.
Are ATMs widely available outside Abidjan?
ATMs are found in Yamoussoukro and larger towns but are scarce elsewhere. Withdraw enough cash in Abidjan before heading to rural areas.
Can I use mobile money like Orange Money as a tourist?
Mobile money is common among residents, but tourists typically cannot open an account without a local ID. Stick to cash.
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Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialCôte d'Ivoire travel guide
Ask about Côte d'Ivoire
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