CFA Franc (XAF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XAF10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Congo is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. However, US dollars are the prefered currency.

Diners Club and MasterCard have limited use. Hotels in Brazaville and Point Noire accept major credit or debit cards, although prefer cash. One bank in Brazzaville has an ATM.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling. These are accepted only in the larger cities.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited, except between countries of the Central African group. The import of foreign currency is unrestricted, although amounts over £234/US$335 must be declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currency is restricted to the amount imported. Exchanging money is illegal.

0630-1300 Monday to Friday (counters close at 1130).