Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Ivory Coast
XOFFranc
Money in Ivory Coast
Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in Abidjan hotels, malls and upscale restaurants; cash is needed for markets, maquis restaurants and taxis. US$1 ≈ CFA582.98 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not required; 5–10% in restaurants or a few hundred XOF is appreciated.
- ATMs: Withdrawals often capped around 150,000–250,000 XOF; fees apply. Visa works better than Mastercard at some banks.
- Paying by phone: Wave, Orange Money and MTN MoMo dominate locally but need a local SIM or account. Foreign mobile wallets are not accepted.
- Price level: about 37% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abidjan | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in hotels, malls and upscale restaurants; cash for maquis, markets and taxis. Wave and Orange Money dominate locally but need a local SIM. |
| Grand-Bassam | Mostly cash | Few ATMs or card machines; bring XOF cash from Abidjan. Guesthouses may take cards; markets and restaurants take cash or Wave. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Ivory Coast?
Not required; 5–10% in restaurants or a few hundred XOF is appreciated.
Is Ivory Coast cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in Abidjan hotels, malls and upscale restaurants; cash is needed for markets, maquis restaurants and taxis.
What currency does Ivory Coast use?
The Franc (XOF). US$1 ≈ CFA582.98 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Côte d'Ivoire e-visa portal
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.