Ever looked at a fistful of colorful 10,000 CFA bills and wondered how much they're actually worth in "real money"? You aren't alone. Converting dollars to CFA francs is a weirdly specific mental gymnastic because you aren't just dealing with one currency—you're dealing with a fixed shadow of the Euro.
Most people expect exchange rates to bounce around like a rubber ball. For the CFA, it's more like a tethered kite.
As of early 2026, the rate is hovering around 565 XOF to 1 USD. But honestly, if you walk into a hotel in Dakar or a boutique in Abidjan, that 565 is just a number on a screen. You've got to factor in the "hidden math" that local changers and banks use.
The Fixed Parity Trap
Here is the thing about the CFA franc: it doesn’t actually care about the dollar.
The CFA (both the West African XOF and Central African XAF) is pegged to the Euro at a permanent rate of 655.957. That never changes. It hasn’t changed in decades. Because of this, the dollars to CFA francs rate is essentially just a reflection of how the USD is performing against the Euro.
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If the Euro gets stronger, your dollar buys fewer CFA francs. If the Euro crashes, you’re suddenly a big spender in Bamako.
It's a strange post-colonial relic that keeps inflation low but makes the currency feel "heavy" to some economists. You’ll notice two different versions—the XOF used in West Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast, etc.) and the XAF used in Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, etc.). They are technically separate, but they usually trade at the same value.
Just don't try to use a West African note in Cameroon. They'll look at you like you're trying to pay with Monopoly money.
Real World Exchange: What You’ll Actually Get
If Google says 1 USD is 565 XOF, don't expect 56,500 francs for your $100 bill.
Banks in West Africa are notorious for paperwork. You might stand in line for forty minutes just for them to tell you they don't like the "condition" of your bill. Pro tip: if your dollar bill has even a tiny tear or a stray ink mark, it’s basically worthless at most exchange bureaus.
Where to swap your cash
- Official Banks: Safest, but slowest. They often have the worst rates once you subtract the "service fee."
- The "Street" (Black Market): In places like Togo or Benin, informal changers are everywhere. They're fast. They often give better rates than banks. But you've got to be smart. Count your money twice.
- Hotels: Avoid this. It’s a convenience tax. They might offer you 500 when the market is at 560.
Sending Money Home: The 2026 Landscape
If you're sending money from the US to family in the CFA zone, the game has changed. For a long time, Western Union was the only king. Now? You've got options that don't eat 10% of your transfer.
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Wise (formerly TransferWise) is usually the gold standard for the mid-market rate, but they don't always support every CFA country for instant cash pickup. Remitly and Sendwave have become massive in Senegal and Ivory Coast because they dump the money directly into a mobile wallet like Orange Money or Wave.
Mobile money is king. Seriously.
In Abidjan, people barely use physical banks anymore. They use their phones. If you send dollars to CFA francs via an app, and it lands in a Wave account, the recipient can pay for groceries or electricity without ever touching a paper bill.
Is the "Eco" Finally Coming?
You might have heard rumors that the CFA franc is dying.
For years, politicians have talked about the Eco—a new currency that would replace the CFA and sever the tie to France. As of January 2026, the transition is still a bit of a mess. While the West African countries (ECOWAS) want to move toward it by 2027, political shifts in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have complicated things.
For now, the CFA remains. It’s stable. It’s predictable. And for travelers or business owners, that predictability is actually a bit of a relief, even if the politics behind it are "kinda" controversial.
Practical Steps for Your Next Transaction
Don't get fleeced. If you need to handle dollars to CFA francs this week, here is the move:
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- Check the Euro-USD pair first. If the dollar is tanking against the Euro, wait a day or two to exchange if you can.
- Inspect your physical dollars. Only bring "crisp" $50 and $100 bills. Older "small head" hundreds are often rejected entirely.
- Download Wave or Orange Money. If you're staying for more than a week, get a local SIM and set up mobile money. It's the cheapest way to "carry" francs.
- Use ATMs sparingly. Most local ATMs charge a flat fee plus whatever your home bank hits you with. Withdraw the maximum amount at once to minimize the hit.
The math isn't hard once you realize the Euro is the secret middleman. Just keep that 655.96 number in the back of your head, and you'll always know if you're getting a fair shake.
Keep your bills flat, your phone charged, and always ask for the "rate of the day" before you hand over your cash.
Actionable Insight: If you are planning a trip or a business transfer, use a tool like OANDA or Xe to set a rate alert for 575 XOF. When the dollar hits that mark, it’s a historically strong time to convert your funds. Avoid exchanging at airports; the 5-10% "convenience spread" there is the most expensive mistake you can make. Instead, use a local ATM at a reputable bank like Ecobank or Société Générale once you get into the city.