Money & currency

Money in Togo

Updated 2026-08-16

Money & Currency
CFA

West African CFA Franc (XOF)

Currency code: XOF

Practical Money Tips

The CFA Franc Is Pegged to the Euro

Togo uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. EUR is straightforward to exchange at banks and bureaux in Lomé. USD is also widely accepted for exchange. The peg means the euro exchange rate to XOF is predictable and stable.

ATMs Available in Lomé — Limited Outside

Ecobank, Société Générale and BTCI have ATMs in Lomé accepting international Visa and Mastercard, and cards from the international transfer apps such as Wise and Revolut work at the main bank machines in the capital. Outside it, ATMs are found in the regional capitals — Sokodé, Kara, Kpalimé and Atakpamé — and coverage declines sharply in rural areas.

Cards at Larger Hotels — Mobile Money Is Dominant Locally

International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants in Lomé. Mobile money platforms — Flooz (by Moov Africa) and T-Money (by Togocel) — are the dominant everyday payment method for locals but require local SIM registration.

Cash Required for Markets and Regional Travel

Markets, street food, moto-taxis, shared taxis and businesses outside Lomé all run on XOF cash, and shared transport in particular is a small-notes economy where nobody has change. Withdraw what your whole regional itinerary needs before leaving the capital, because a day on the road north reaches a good deal less far than the map suggests.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What currency is used in Togo?

The West African CFA franc (XOF). It is shared with Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. It is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate.

Can I use international bank cards and ATMs in Togo?

Yes, in Lomé — Ecobank, Société Générale, and BTCI branches have functioning ATMs for international Visa and Mastercard. In regional cities coverage varies; rural areas are largely cash-only.

Do Apple Pay or Google Pay work in Togo?

No. International contactless and digital payment platforms are not available in Togo.

What are Flooz and T-Money?

Flooz (Moov Africa) and T-Money (Togocel) are Togo's two mobile money platforms, widely used for everyday transactions. They require a local SIM card and registration — not directly accessible to most international visitors.

Is the euro accepted directly in Togo?

Some hotels and businesses serving tourists in Lomé may accept euros directly, but XOF is required for most transactions. Exchange euros at banks or bureaux de change.

Is it safe to carry cash in Togo?

Exercise normal urban caution in Lomé. Petty theft occurs in busy markets. Use a money belt and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.

What denominations should I have?

XOF 500 and 1,000 notes are useful for everyday purchases. XOF 10,000 notes are hard to change at small vendors. Ask for smaller denominations when exchanging.

Is tipping expected in Togo?

Tipping is not formally expected and is appreciated where service has been good. Rounding up a restaurant bill or leaving a small note is the normal gesture, and a guide who has given you a full day is genuinely tipped — ask what is appropriate rather than guessing, since the answer differs between a city restaurant and a village guide.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Togo overview.

Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.