If you’re staring at a currency converter trying to figure out why your 1 USD to CFA franc calculation looks so specific, you aren't alone. Honestly, the CFA franc is one of the most misunderstood currencies on the planet. It’s not just "money used in Africa." It’s actually two different currencies that happen to have the same value, tied to a European ghost that hasn't existed for decades.
As of mid-January 2026, 1 USD is hovering around 565 CFA francs.
But here’s the kicker: that number isn't just about the US economy. Because the CFA is "pegged" to the Euro, your dollar is actually in a long-distance relationship with the Eurozone. When the Euro gets strong, your dollar buys fewer francs. When the Euro tanking? Your dollar goes a lot further in Dakar or Abidjan.
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The Two-Headed Coin: XOF vs. XAF
Most people don't realize there isn't just one "CFA franc." You've got the XOF (West African CFA franc) and the XAF (Central African CFA franc).
They are basically twins that don't speak to each other. If you take a stack of XOF from Senegal over to Cameroon (which uses XAF), a merchant might look at you like you’re trying to pay with Monopoly money. Technically, they have the exact same value—fixed at 655.957 per Euro—but they are issued by different central banks.
- XOF: Used by the UEMOA zone (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo).
- XAF: Used by the CEMAC zone (Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon).
If you're traveling, always check which one you need. Converting 1 USD to CFA franc at a bank in Togo won't help you if you’re heading to a wedding in Libreville the next day.
Why the Rate Doesn't Move Like Other Currencies
In Nigeria or Ghana, exchange rates can swing wildly in a single afternoon. You’ll see the Naira or Cedi lose 20% of its value while you're eating lunch.
That doesn't happen with the CFA.
Since the rate is fixed to the Euro, it’s incredibly stable. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, inflation stays low, which is great for buying imported bread or electronics. On the other hand, it means these countries can’t adjust their own "price" to deal with local economic shocks. They are essentially passengers on the European Central Bank’s bus.
For you, the traveler or investor, this means the 1 USD to CFA franc rate is surprisingly predictable. If you see the EUR/USD pair moving on the news, you already know what’s happening to your CFA. If the dollar strengthens against the Euro, your 1 USD will start inching toward 600 CFA. If the dollar weakens, you might see it dip toward 540 CFA.
Where to Actually Get the Best Rate
Don't go to the airport. Seriously.
The "mid-market rate" you see on Google—that ~565 figure—is the "real" value, but no bank will give it to you. They take a cut.
If you're sending money to family or a business partner, use apps like Remitly, WorldRemit, or Wave. They usually hover within 1-2% of the actual market rate. Traditional banks? They might offer you 530 CFA for your dollar while keeping the rest as a "convenience fee." Sorta feels like a scam when you see the numbers side-by-side.
In-country, your best bet is often an ATM. Most big cities like Dakar or Douala have reliable machines. Your bank will charge a foreign transaction fee, but the exchange rate is usually much closer to the official 1 USD to CFA franc than what you'd get at a "Bureau de Change" on the street corner.
The Future: Is the CFA Franc Dying?
You might have heard whispers about the Eco.
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For years, West African leaders have been talking about ditching the CFA franc for a new, independent currency called the Eco. They want to break the tie with France and the Euro.
It hasn't happened yet. Politics are messy, and moving millions of people to a new currency is a logistical nightmare. For now, the CFA remains king. But the debate is getting louder. People want more control over their own money, and the "fixed peg" is seen by many as a relic of the past.
Actionable Tips for Handling Your Cash
If you're dealing with 1 USD to CFA franc transactions today, follow these rules:
Watch the Euro, not the Dollar. Since the CFA is pegged to the Euro at 655.957, any news about the European economy will hit the CFA instantly. If the Euro is crashing, it's a great time to exchange your dollars for francs.
Small bills are useless. If you’re bringing physical cash, bring crisp $100 bills. Many exchange bureaus in West and Central Africa will actually give you a worse rate for $1, $5, or $10 bills because they are harder for them to move. It’s weird, but it's the reality.
Download a dedicated app. Don't rely on a one-time Google search. Use an app like XE or OANDA to track the live mid-market rate. Knowing the real number gives you leverage when a guy at a kiosk tries to tell you the rate "just dropped" five minutes ago.
Go digital where possible. Mobile money (like Orange Money or Wave) is massive in these regions. If you can get your USD into a mobile wallet through a transfer service, you’ll bypass the physical cash headaches entirely.
The stability of the CFA makes it one of the easiest African currencies to plan around. Just remember that you're playing a game of three-way-chess between the Dollar, the Euro, and the local bank. Keep your eye on the Euro/USD chart, and you'll never be surprised by what your 1 USD is worth on the ground.