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Chad Chad Currency Guide

The currency of Chad and how to prepare for payments — all on one page. The currency used in Chad is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).

Currency

Central African CFA Franc

XAF · FCFA

Reference rate · October 31, 2026

1 USD ≈ 588 XAF

1 EUR ≈ 656 XAF

1 GBP ≈ 787 XAF

Central African CFA Franc conversion table

Reference values calculated at the mid-market rate as of October 31, 2026. Banks and card issuers add their own fees to actual exchanges and card payments.

USDXAF
1 USD588 XAF
5 USD2,938 XAF
10 USD5,877 XAF
50 USD29,383 XAF
100 USD58,767 XAF
500 USD293,835 XAF
XAFUSD
1,000 XAF1.70 USD
5,000 XAF8.51 USD
10,000 XAF17.0 USD
50,000 XAF85.1 USD

Countries that use the same currency

The Central African CFA Franc (XAF) is also used outside Chad. Leftover cash can be spent as-is in the countries below.

Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Gabon Cameroon

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Chad before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Chad

N'Djamena

N'Djamena is Chad's capital and largest city, a lively trading hub for salt, dates, and grain. Wandering its markets offers a close look at everyday life in Chad.

Moundou

Moundou lies on the Logone River in southern Chad, the country's second-largest city and its industrial center. The surrounding fields are covered with grain and cotton.

Sarh

Sarh sits along the Chari River in southern Chad and ranks as the country's third-largest city. A walk along the riverbank reveals the simple charm of Chad's interior.