Money & currency
Money in Sierra Leone
Updated 2026-08-16
Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
Currency code: SLL
Practical Money Tips
New Leone (SLE) — USD Widely Accepted
Sierra Leone redenominated its currency in 2022: the new Sierra Leonean leone (SLE) replaced the old leone at a rate of 1 SLE = 1,000 SLL. US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, supermarkets, and larger businesses. Exchange USD or GBP at Ecobank, Rokel Commercial Bank, or licensed bureaux de change in Freetown.
ATMs Mainly in Freetown — Very Scarce Elsewhere
Ecobank and Rokel Commercial Bank have ATMs in Freetown, primarily in the central business district and around Lumley. Outside Freetown — including Bo, Kenema, and Makeni — ATM coverage is very limited. Withdraw sufficient cash before leaving the capital.
Cards at a Handful of Hotels Only
Visa cards are accepted at a small number of upscale hotels and international businesses in Freetown. Mastercard acceptance is even more limited. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not supported. Plan on cash for the vast majority of spending.
Cash-Dominant Economy — USD Highly Practical
Cash is essential throughout Sierra Leone. USD is widely accepted alongside SLE in Freetown; in provincial towns, SLE is the norm. Carry a mix of both. Avoid large-denomination USD bills (USD 100 notes are sometimes refused); smaller notes (USD 5, 10, 20) are preferred.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Entry rules and the full destination picture live on the Sierra Leone overview.
Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.