If you're staring at a price tag in Bora Bora or Nouméa and wondering what is XPF in US dollars, you’re likely having a minor "sticker shock" moment. Those zeroes add up fast. Seeing a 10,000 franc bill for the first time feels like you’ve suddenly become a millionaire, but in reality, it’s closer to a nice dinner for two.
Right now, as of early 2026, 1 US Dollar is roughly equal to 102 XPF.
Conversely, 1 XPF is about $0.0097 USD. Basically, a single franc is worth less than a penny. To get a quick, "close enough" mental estimate while shopping, just drop the last two zeros. 1,000 francs? That’s about 10 bucks. 5,000 francs? Call it fifty. It’s not perfect math—you’ll actually be paying a bit more than that estimate—but it keeps you from accidentally spending your retirement on a black pearl necklace.
The Secret "Middleman" in Your Exchange Rate
Here is the thing about the CFP franc: it doesn't actually care what the US dollar is doing.
The XPF is pegged to the Euro. This is a legacy of the French connection. There is a fixed, unchanging exchange rate between the Euro and the XPF.
Specifically, 1 Euro = 119.33 XPF.
Always.
Because of this "marriage" to the Euro, the value of XPF in US dollars only moves when the Euro moves against the dollar. If the Euro gets stronger, your vacation in Tahiti gets more expensive. If the Euro tanks, your dollars go further in New Caledonia. You aren’t really watching the Pacific economy; you’re watching the European Central Bank.
Where exactly is XPF used?
You’ll run into this currency in three specific French overseas territories:
- French Polynesia: Think Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.
- New Caledonia: The massive island with the world's second-largest coral reef.
- Wallis and Futuna: A much smaller, quieter archipelago.
Why the Exchange Rate Fluctuates
Even though the peg to the Euro is "fixed," your bank account sees a different number every day. Why? Because the USD/EUR relationship is a constant tug-of-war.
During the last six months of 2025, the rate swung between 100 XPF and 104 XPF per dollar. That might seem like a tiny change, but if you’re paying for a $5,000 overwater bungalow, that 4% difference is $200. That’s a lot of mai tais.
Practical Tips for Handling XPF
Honestly, cash is still surprisingly important in these islands. While the big resorts in Papeete will take your Visa or Mastercard without blinking, the guy selling fresh pineapple on the side of the road in Huahine definitely won't.
1. The Airport Trap
Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti has exchange booths that stay open for international flights. They are convenient. They are also expensive. You will almost always get a better rate by just using a local ATM (like Banque de Tahiti or Socredo) once you land.
2. Watch Out for the "Commission"
Some local banks charge a flat fee for exchanging physical cash—sometimes as much as 1,000 XPF ($10 USD) per transaction. If you're only changing $50, you're losing 20% of your money immediately.
3. Credit Card "No-No's"
Always check if your card has Foreign Transaction Fees. If it does, your bank is going to slap an extra 3% on every single purchase. On a tropical vacation, that's a tax you don't need to pay. Use a travel-centric card like Chase Sapphire or Capital One to avoid this.
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Is the XPF Going Away?
There has been talk for years about these territories switching directly to the Euro. It would make sense, right? It would simplify trade and stop the weird math. But for now, the XPF remains. It represents a level of regional identity, and the colorful banknotes—featuring tropical birds, hibiscus flowers, and Polynesian carvings—are honestly some of the prettiest in the world.
What to do with your leftovers
Whatever you do, spend your XPF before you leave. Once you get back to the US or even to Australia, finding a bank that will buy back CFP francs is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Most local branches won't touch it. If you have a few thousand left on your last day, use them to pay part of your hotel bill or buy some local vanilla beans at the duty-free shop.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To make sure you don't lose money on the conversion, follow these steps:
- Download a Currency App: Use something like Xe or Units and set it to offline mode so it works without island Wi-Fi.
- Notify Your Bank: Tell them you're heading to French Polynesia or New Caledonia so they don't freeze your card the moment you try to buy a coconut.
- Carry a Backup: Always have about $100 USD in crisp, clean bills. In a pinch, many tour operators will accept US dollars, though they’ll give you a terrible exchange rate. It’s better than being stuck.
- Aim for ATMs: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize the per-transaction fees charged by local Pacific banks.
Knowing what is XPF in US dollars is really about knowing that the math is weighted in the bank's favor. By understanding the Euro peg and avoiding airport exchange desks, you can keep more of your money for the actual adventure.