CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc (CFAfr or XAF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XAF10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5.

Equatorial Guinea is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. Foreign currencies are best exchanged at banks, of which, however, there are few. Receipts for currency exchange should be retained.

Equatorial Guinea has a strictly cash-only economy. Credit cards and cheques are not accepted. ATMs are not available.

Most businesses do not accept traveller's cheques.

The import of local and foreign currency is unrestricted provided declared on arrival. The export of local currency is limited to XAF50,000. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. It is worth remembering that CFA Franc notes cannot easily be exchanged outside the CFA Franc area.

Mon-Sat 0800-1200.