XOF currency explained: the West African CFA franc
The XOF currency is the West African CFA franc, a common currency used across eight West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
Its currency code is XOF, and you may see it written as CFA franc BCEAO, West African CFA franc currency or simply CFA franc.
For travellers, XOF is useful because it is a single currency used across several countries in West Africa.
If you’re visiting Dakar, Abidjan, Lomé or Ouagadougou, you’ll be using West African CFA francs for everyday spending, from taxis and markets to food, tips and local transport.
XOF is pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate, managed by the Central Bank of West African States. That gives the currency a very different backstory from many other African currency systems.
Quick facts: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
| Code | XOF |
| Used in | Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo |
| Central bank | Central Bank of West African States, known as BCEAO |
| Also called | CFA franc BCEAO |
| Pegged to | Euro |
| Fixed exchange rate | €1 = 655.957 CFA francs |
| Common banknotes | 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 CFA francs |
| Common coins | 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 CFA francs |
| Related currency | Central African CFA franc, code XAF |
| Same value as XAF? | Yes, but it is a separate currency |
| Cash vs card | Cash is useful for markets, taxis, tips and smaller businesses; cards are more common in larger hotels and cities |
| Simple tip | Carry smaller notes for day-to-day spending, tips and local transport |
What is XOF currency?
XOF currency is the official code for the West African CFA franc. It is the shared currency of eight independent states in the West African Monetary Union.
“CFA” stands for Communauté Financière Africaine or the communauté financière d’afrique, often translated as the African Financial Community.
The franc has roots in the period of French colonies in Africa, but today it is used by independent West African countries with their own governments, banks and economies.
It is one of two CFA franc currencies. The other is the Central African CFA franc, which uses the code XAF.
Which African countries use XOF?
The West African CFA franc is used in eight African countries:
| Country | Useful travel note |
| Benin | Good for markets, taxis and local travel |
| Burkina Faso | Cash is important for everyday spending |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Also known as Ivory Coast |
| Guinea-Bissau | Uses XOF despite being a former Portuguese colony |
| Mali | Cash remains important |
| Niger | Useful for local transactions |
| Senegal | The currency for Dakar and wider Senegal |
| Togo | Used for shops, markets and taxis |
So, if someone asks about Senegal currency, Burkina Faso currency or the currency for West Africa, XOF may be the answer, depending on the country.
West African CFA franc exchange rate
The West African CFA franc has a fixed exchange rate with the euro: €1 = 655.957 CFA francs.
This means the XOF exchange rate does not float freely against the euro in the way the British pound or US dollar does.
For UK travellers, the XOF GBP rate still changes because the British pound exchange rate against the euro changes.
So, if the pound strengthens against the euro, you may get more West African CFA francs for your money. If the pound weakens, you may get fewer.
That is why it is still worth checking the exchange rate before you buy.
Buy XOF currency now
XOF and the British pound
When converting from the British pound to West African CFA francs, don’t only look at the headline rate.
The real value depends on the exchange rate, provider fees, delivery charges and any hidden fees.
A currency converter can give you a rough idea, but the rate for travel cash may differ from the mid-market rate. Always check the final amount of XOF you will receive before you pay.
CFA franc vs Central African CFA franc
The CFA franc name can be confusing because there are two separate currencies within the CFA franc zone used by fourteen African countries:
| Currency | Code | Region |
| West African CFA franc | XOF | West Africa |
| Central African CFA franc | XAF | Central Africa |
They have equal value because both are pegged to the euro at the same fixed rate. However, they are separate West African currencies issued by different central banks and used in different countries.
The Central Bank of West African States issues XOF.
XAF is used in Central Africa and issued by a different bank.
Why the CFA franc BCEAO system exists
The CFA franc BCEAO system was designed to support monetary stability and economic integration across member countries.
Instead of each country using its own currency, the members share a common currency and a regional central bank.
Supporters argue this helps with trade, macroeconomic stability and smoother functioning between member states.
It can also make pricing simpler across borders within the West African Economic and Monetary Union.
The wider region also overlaps with political and economic organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), although not all ECOWAS members use XOF.
Franc coins and notes
West African CFA franc notes are issued in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 franc denominations.
Coins are used for smaller amounts, although travellers will usually rely more on notes than coins.
For everyday spending, smaller denomination notes are useful.
A 10,000 franc note may be fine for a hotel, restaurant or larger purchase, but smaller notes are much easier for taxis, markets, snacks and tips.
Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal travel tips
XOF is handy because one currency works across several destinations.
If you travel from Senegal to Côte d’Ivoire or Burkina Faso, you don’t need to change into a new national currency each time.
That can be useful for longer trips through West Africa, especially if you’re combining cities, beaches, markets and overland travel.
Still, cash access and card acceptance can vary by country, town and business, so carry enough local cash for the day.
Where to buy West African CFA Francs in the UK
| Option | What to expect |
| Specialist bureau (online) | The simplest option for less common currencies: compare rates and order ahead. Get the best rates and swift home delivery with Manor FX. |
| High street banks | Some currencies may need ordering in advance; availability can vary by branch. |
| Post Office | Stocks a range of travel money, but less common currencies may be limited or unavailable. |
| Airport exchange | Convenient, but higher costs; stock of rarer currencies can be unpredictable. |
How to get West African CFA franc currency with Manor FX
West African CFA francs are not as easy to find in the UK as euros or US dollars. Manor FX helps UK travellers buy specialist currencies before they fly.
You can buy West African CFA francs online with Manor FX and choose secure home delivery or collection from the Manor FX bureau near Heathrow.
Ordering in advance helps you avoid arriving without local cash and gives you money ready for taxis, tips, markets and first-day spending.
FAQs
Are XOF and CFA the same?
Not exactly. XOF is the currency code, while CFA franc is the currency name.
XOF refers specifically to the West African CFA franc; the Central African CFA franc uses the code XAF./
What currency is best in West Africa?
There is no single best currency for all of West Africa, and no single west african countries currency.
For Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo, the best currency is the West African CFA franc.
For other West African countries or other countries in the CFA zone, you may need other currencies.
Is XOF pegged to the euro?
Yes. XOF is pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate of €1 = 655.957 CFA francs.
Can I use XOF in Central Africa?
No, not normally. Central Africa uses the Central African CFA franc (code XAF). XOF and XAF have equal value but are separate currencies.
What is the currency code for the West African CFA franc?
The currency code is XOF.
Are West African CFA francs used in Ivory Coast?
Yes. Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, uses the West African CFA franc.
Can I use euros or US dollars instead of XOF?
Euros or US dollars may be useful as backup in some situations, but local spending is usually easier in West African CFA francs.
Which country has XOF currency?
XOF currency is used by eight West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
What does XOF stand for in currency?
XOF is the ISO currency code for the West African CFA franc. The “CFA” part stands for Communauté Financière Africaine, often translated as African Financial Community, which refers to former African colonies of France.
What currency code is XOF?
XOF is the currency code for the West African CFA franc, used across eight countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union.
Does Manor FX provide international money transfers and cross-border payments?
No, if you need to send money, pay a business, or arrange cross-border payments, compare specialist transfer services separately.
Money transfers can involve different exchange rates, fees, payment times and regulatory checks. Buying physical XOF travel cash for a trip is a different service.
What is the controversy around the CFA franc?
The CFA franc is controversial because of its historical links to France, the French Treasury and the colonial era.
Critics argue that the euro peg and past rules around foreign exchange reserves limited monetary independence.
Supporters argue that the fixed exchange rate offers long-term economic stability, lower inflation risk and easier trade between member countries.
So, the debate is not simply “good” or “bad”. It is really about the trade-off between stability and monetary sovereignty.