
CFP franc currency: Discover the money of paradise
If you’re planning to sip coconuts in Tahiti, explore coral reefs in New Caledonia, or wander through Wallis and Futuna, there’s one thing you’ll need before the beach towels and snorkel gear – the local currency.
The CFP franc (whose currency code is XPF) is the official currency used in French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna.
These three island groups are known collectively as the French Pacific territories.
Despite their tropical vibe, their money still has a distinctly French twist.
What is the CFP franc currency?
The CFP franc, short for franc pacifique, has been the backbone of island trade since it was introduced in 1945 to replace the French franc in these overseas territories.
The name once stood for Colonies Françaises du Pacifique, but now simply reflects its regional use.
It’s subdivided into 100 centimes and shares a fixed exchange rate with the euro, so prices are stable and predictable.
The issuing authority, the Institut d’émission d’outre mer, oversees the currency’s security and design.

CFP franc coins and banknotes
The CFP franc coins and banknotes are miniature works of art.
The designs feature vivid landscapes, marine life, and historical figures.
There are three distinct forms of CFP francs: one for New Caledonia, one for French Polynesia, and one for Wallis and Futuna.
Each features designs that reflect local culture but remain identical in value and use.
CFP Coins range from 1 to 100 francs, and the CFP franc banknotes come in bright denominations that make paying for your island adventures a joy.
Find out the best time to visit French Polynesia here.

Who uses CFP franc?
The CFP franc is the local currency in three stunning regions:
- French Polynesia (Polynésie française) – Home to Tahiti and Bora Bora.
- New Caledonia (Nouvelle-Calédonie) – A slice of France with tropical weather.
- Wallis and Futuna – A smaller island group with deep cultural roots.
Though each territory has its own identity, all share the same CFP franc currency, creating easy currency exchange and consistent pricing across the Pacific.
CFP franc currency and exchange rate
The CFP franc is tied to the euro through a fixed exchange rate of 1,000 XPF = 8.38 EUR, which helps protect the currency’s value and keeps prices steady across the French Pacific territories.
When you buy XPF currency, the rate you get depends on market movements and supplier margins – so locking in a great exchange rate before you travel makes a real difference.
The live rate may shift slightly day to day, but 1 British pound typically gets you around 130–140 CFP francs, depending on where you buy CFP francs in the UK.
The easiest way to get the best CFP franc exchange rate is to order directly from Manor FX.
You’ll see your French Polynesia currency to GBP conversion instantly and know exactly how much CFP franc currency you’ll receive for your pounds.
Ordering online is fast and secure, with transparent pricing and no surprise fees – so you can spend more time planning your island adventures and less time worrying about rates.

Using money in French Polynesia
Cash is still king across much of the Pacific, especially in small villages or remote islands.
You’ll find ATMs and banks in main towns, but it’s best to carry some coins and notes for daily purchases.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted in hotels, resorts, and larger shops, but small eateries often prefer cash payments in the local currency.
To check your spending, use a French Polynesia currency converter app before shopping for pearls or booking an island tour.
Travelling with a travel money card offers extra security and helps manage your foreign currency while you’re exploring paradise.
If you return to the UK with leftover travel money, don’t fret! We’ll help you convert XPF currency to pounds.

What’s special about the design of CFP franc coins and banknotes?
CFP franc coins and banknotes are admired for their vibrant Pacific charm and solid security.
Each coin is beautifully designed with two sets of images; the reverse usually shows native wildlife or island landscapes, while one side carries the currency symbol and value.
This mix of art and function makes the CFP franc currency easy to recognise and hard to counterfeit.
Collectors often note that there’s no weakness in the detail – every design reflects local identity from New Caledonia to French Polynesia.
Whether you’re handling a coin or note, each piece feels like a small artwork that celebrates the spirit of the French Pacific territories.

Buy your CFP francs now
How to get your currency with Manor FX
If you want to skip airport queues and poor airport rates, getting your CFP franc currency sorted online is the smart move.
Here’s how to make your XPF currency exchange with Manor FX – fast, simple, and secure.
1. Choose your CFP francs
Select “CFP franc (XPF)” from our currency list. You can enter how many CFP francs you’d like or how many pounds you want to spend.
2. Lock in your exchange rate
We’ll display a live CFP franc exchange rate and full cost breakdown before you confirm. You’ll know exactly how much foreign currency you’ll receive.
3. Pick your delivery option
Choose between secure home delivery or collection from our bureau in Datchett. All deliveries are insured, discreet, and tracked for peace of mind.
4. Confirm your details
Add your contact and delivery information, and we’ll process your order securely.
5. Pay easily
You can pay by bank transfer, or if collecting, use card payments for convenience.
6. Receive your CFP francs
Your order will arrive swiftly, often by the next working day if placed before 2 p.m.
And when you’re back home, you can use our CFP francs buy back rate to convert your XPF currency to GBP with ease.

Ready to explore the French Pacific?
Whether you’re planning to dive off Bora Bora, hike through New Caledonia, or stroll Wallis’ beaches, getting your currency sorted early means smoother travel and better value.
Order online with Manor FX to secure the best CFP franc exchange rate, skip airport markups, and start your trip with peace of mind.
With Manor FX, your French Polynesia currency exchange is safe, simple, and delivered straight to your door.

FAQs
Is the CFP franc legal tender in France?
No, the CFP franc is not legal tender in mainland France.
It can only be used in the French Pacific territories – French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna.
Although the currency in French Polynesia is linked to the euro through a fixed exchange rate, euros and CFP francs aren’t interchangeable within France itself.r
What is the CFA franc currency?
The CFA franc currency is entirely separate from the CFP franc, even though the names sound similar.
The CFA franc is used in 14 African countries that were once part of the French colonies, including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon.
Like the CFP franc, it’s also pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate, but it’s issued by a different authority and operates under a separate financial system.
What is the New Caledonian franc?
The New Caledonian franc is the local form of the CFP franc (XPF) used in New Caledonia.
It shares the same value, currency code, and exchange rate as the CFP francs used in French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna, but features unique banknote and coin designs that reflect New Caledonia’s culture and landscapes.