Money, budget, and shopping in Burkina Faso

Money

Currency

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

Exchange

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

Which currency to bring

Bring euros for your trip, including small denominations. These can always be useful as a means of payment on various occasions once you are there. Otherwise, the main foreign currencies can also be exchanged in Burkina Faso.

Payment methods

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

Note that in tourist areas, it is sometimes possible to pay directly in euros. This is always an option if you have almost run out of 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:

100 km by train:

Urban taxi: