Money, Budget, and Shopping in Benin

Money

Currency

Currency: West African CFA franc

Banknotes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 FCFA.

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, and 500 FCFA.

Exchange:

The West African CFA franc is used by 14 states in West and Central Africa. There is a fixed parity between the CFA franc and the euro (100 FCFA = 0.15 €).

Exchange

It is easy to exchange money in major cities and tourist areas at exchange bureaus, many banks, and some large hotels. ATMs are also increasingly available across the country (primarily accepting Visa cards). Most major banks have them.

Which currency to bring

Bring euros for your trip, including small denominations. These can often be used as a means of payment in many situations once you arrive. Otherwise, other major foreign currencies can also be exchanged in Benin.

Payment methods

Generally, it is best to always carry cash and small change to cover daily expenses and small purchases. This is even more important when venturing off the beaten path. Card payments, however, can be used for (large) hotels, vehicle rentals, and in many shops in tourist areas.

Note that in tourist areas, it is often possible to pay directly in euros for almost everything. This is a good option if you are running low on CFA francs.

Returning home

Budget

What can be expensive

What can be inexpensive

Price range

Double room in a budget hotel:

Double room in a tourist hotel:

Snacks, local restaurant meal:

Tourist restaurant meal:

Budget car rental:

100 km by local bus or shared taxi:

100 km by express/comfort bus:

Urban taxi: