Congo (Republic)
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 preferred currency.
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).
Diners Club and MasterCard all have limited use. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. 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, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling. These are excepted only in the larger cities.
