If you’re planning a trip to the bustling markets of Lomé or looking into the phosphate trade along the Bight of Benin, you’ve probably searched for the exchange rate of Togo currency to USD. Most people expect to find a "Togolese Dollar" or something similar. Honestly, that doesn't exist. Togo uses the West African CFA franc, a currency shared by eight different countries.
It’s a weird system.
Basically, the currency is the XOF. You’ll see it written as CFA on menus and shop signs. Right now, in early 2026, the rate is hovering around 565 XOF to 1 USD. But that number doesn't tell the whole story. Because the CFA franc is pegged to the Euro, its value against the US Dollar fluctuates exactly as the Euro does. If the Euro is strong, your dollars won't go as far in Togo. If the Euro dips, your Togo currency to USD conversion suddenly looks a lot better.
Why the West African CFA Franc is Different
You can’t talk about Togo’s money without talking about France. It’s controversial. The CFA franc was created in 1945, and for decades, member states had to keep half of their foreign reserves in the French Treasury. That rule was actually scrapped recently for the West African branch, but the peg to the Euro remains.
This creates a level of price stability that’s rare in West Africa.
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While neighboring countries might see their currencies devalue by 20% overnight, Togo’s money stays relatively steady. Inflation is currently sitting around 4.5%, which is manageable compared to some of the double-digit nightmares happening elsewhere on the continent. But there’s a trade-off. Togo doesn’t have its own central bank to print money or adjust interest rates whenever it wants. Everything is managed by the BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States) in Dakar.
The Confusion Between XOF and XAF
Here is where it gets really annoying for travelers. There are actually two "CFA francs." Togo uses the West African version (XOF). Central African countries like Cameroon use the Central African version (XAF).
They have the exact same value.
They are both pegged to the Euro at the same rate.
But they are not interchangeable.
If you show up in Lomé with a pocket full of Central African CFA francs, most vendors will look at you like you’re trying to pay with Monopoly money. You’ve got to be careful when looking at Togo currency to USD charts to make sure you’re looking at the right "CFA."
Getting the Best Rate in Lomé
Forget the airport. Seriously.
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If you change your money at the Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, you’re going to lose a significant chunk to fees. Instead, head into the city. The "Grand Marché" in Lomé is the heart of the informal exchange market. You’ll see guys with thick stacks of bills standing on street corners. It looks sketchy, but it’s how a huge portion of the country does business.
However, if you aren't comfortable haggling on a sidewalk, the banks along Boulevard du Mono are your best bet.
- Ecobank and Orabank are the big players here.
- ATMs are everywhere in the capital, but they get scarce once you head north toward Kara or the Savanes region.
- Visa is king. Mastercard is hit or miss.
Most ATMs will charge a flat fee of about 2,500 to 4,000 XOF per withdrawal. When you're converting Togo currency to USD in your head, remember that 5,000 XOF is roughly 9 bucks. It's a quick way to keep your spending in check.
The "Eco" and the Future of Togo's Money
There’s been talk for years about killing off the CFA franc and replacing it with a new currency called the Eco. It was supposed to happen by 2020. Then 2024. Now, in 2026, we’re still waiting.
The idea is to move away from the Euro peg and create a truly independent West African currency. But Togo is in a tough spot. The country is growing at about 5.5% this year, largely due to the Port of Lomé becoming a massive logistics hub. The government is even planning to raise over 460 billion CFA francs on the regional debt market this year to fund their budget. Switching currencies in the middle of this growth spurt is risky.
Investors like the Euro peg because it's predictable. Activists hate it because it feels like "monetary colonialism." It's a messy, fascinating debate that doesn't have an easy answer.
Practical Steps for Handling Money in Togo
Don't rely on plastic. Togo is still a cash-heavy society. Even in 2026, the lady selling grilled tilapia on the beach isn't going to have a Square reader.
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Carry small denominations. Trying to break a 10,000 XOF note (about $17.70) at a small stall is a headache. Everyone "lacks change." It's basically a national pastime.
If you're tracking the Togo currency to USD rate for business or travel, watch the EUR/USD pair. Since the XOF is fixed at 655.957 to 1 Euro, any news that moves the Euro will move the cost of your trip to Togo.
What you should do next:
- Check the current Euro to USD spot rate before you fly; it will give you a more accurate "real-time" feel for what you'll get at the counter.
- Download an offline currency converter app like XE, but make sure to update the rates while you still have Wi-Fi at the hotel.
- Alert your bank before you travel; Togolese ATMs are frequently flagged for fraud, and getting your card eaten by a machine in Atakpamé is a quick way to ruin a vacation.