If you’re planning a trip to Libreville or trying to wrap your head around how money works in Central Africa, you’ve probably heard the term CFA Franc. But here’s the thing—most people get it mixed up with the currency used in West Africa. While they share a name, they aren't the same. Honestly, if you try to use a West African CFA bill in a Gabonese market, you’re going to get some very confused looks and a firm "non."
Gabon uses the Central African CFA Franc, specifically the one issued by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). Its currency code is XAF. It’s the lifeblood of the country’s economy, which is currently navigating a pretty massive political shift under President Brice Oligui Nguema. As of early 2026, the currency remains rock-solid in its peg to the Euro, but the conversations around its future are getting louder and a bit more tense.
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The weird reality of the XAF peg
Basically, the currency in Gabon doesn't "float" like the US Dollar or the British Pound. Since its inception, it has been pegged at a fixed rate. This used to be to the French Franc, but now it’s tied to the Euro.
The rate is fixed at 655.957 XAF to 1 Euro.
This is kind of a double-edged sword. On one hand, you don’t see the wild, stomach-churning inflation that hits places like Nigeria or South Sudan. Prices for a régab (the local beer) or a taxi ride through the crowded streets of Mont-Bouët don't double overnight. On the other hand, critics argue this peg makes Gabonese exports too expensive and keeps the country’s monetary policy on a leash held by the European Central Bank.
For you as a traveler or business person in 2026, this means stability. If the Euro is strong, your purchasing power in Gabon is strong. If the Euro dips, the XAF dips with it.
Cash is still king (mostly)
You might be used to tapping your phone for everything back home, but Gabon is a different beast. In Libreville, you'll find high-end hotels like the Radisson Blu or the Park Inn where your Visa or Mastercard works just fine. But the moment you step outside those glass doors? You need physical paper.
The banknotes come in denominations of:
- 10,000 francs (The big one, often hard to break in small shops)
- 5,000 francs
- 2,000 francs
- 1,000 francs
- 500 francs
Then there are the coins. You’ll see 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, and even 1 or 2 franc coins, though those tiny ones are basically collectors' items at this point.
Pro tip: always keep a stash of 1,000 and 2,000 franc notes. If you jump into a taxi-bus and try to pay with a 10,000 franc bill, the driver might just ask you to get out because he doesn't have the "monnaie" (change). It's a constant struggle.
ATM's and the "Out of Service" gamble
ATMs (guichets automatiques) are everywhere in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Look for banks like BGFIBank, UBA, or Ecobank. Generally, they are reliable, but don’t wait until Sunday night to withdraw cash. ATMs in Gabon have a habit of running out of money right when everyone needs it, or the network just decides to take a nap.
Also, be ready for fees. Your home bank will charge you, and the local bank might tack on a few thousand francs too.
If you're bringing cash to exchange, bring Euros. Since the rate is fixed, the exchange process for Euros is usually straightforward and fair. US Dollars are accepted at exchange bureaus, but the rates fluctuate and aren't nearly as favorable as the Euro-to-XAF pipeline. Avoid the guys on the street offering to change money; just go to a legitimate "Bureau de Change" or a bank branch.
Is the "Eco" coming to Gabon?
There has been a lot of talk lately about the Eco, a proposed single currency for Africa. But here’s the nuance: the Eco is primarily a West African project (ECOWAS). While there is a push for Central African countries to also reform the CFA Franc, Gabon and its neighbors in the CEMAC zone are moving at a much slower pace.
In 2026, the XAF isn't going anywhere. There is political pressure to move away from the French Treasury's influence—which historically required these countries to deposit half their foreign reserves in France—but Gabon's current transitional government is prioritizing stability over a radical currency overhaul right now. They need the oil revenue to stay steady, and a stable currency is key to that.
Practical advice for your wallet
If you're heading to Gabon soon, here is the "boots on the ground" reality:
Notify your bank before you land. Gabon is often flagged for "unusual activity" by fraud departments. You don't want to be standing at an ATM in Leon M'ba International Airport with a declined card.
Carry a mix of payment methods. Use your credit card for the hotel and car rental. Use cash for everything else. If you're going into the interior—places like Lopé National Park or Ivindo—assume there are zero working ATMs. Take more cash than you think you need.
The "New Notes" rule. Ensure any foreign currency you bring (USD or EUR) is crisp and new. If a bill has a tiny tear or looks like it went through a washing machine, the local banks will likely reject it. It’s annoying, but it’s the way it is.
Mobile Money is huge. If you’re staying for more than a week, consider getting a local SIM card (Airtel or Moov) and setting up mobile money. It’s becoming a very popular way to pay for things in small shops without hunting for physical change.
The currency in Gabon is more than just paper; it's a reflection of a country that is incredibly wealthy in resources but still tied to old colonial structures. Navigating it isn't hard once you know the rules: respect the peg, carry small bills, and always have a backup plan for when the ATM goes offline.
Actionable Steps
- Check the Euro-USD rate before you leave; since XAF is pegged to the Euro, this determines your buying power.
- Carry a dedicated "money belt" for larger XAF notes, as pickpocketing in crowded markets like Petit Paris can happen.
- Download the Airtel Money or Moov Money app if you plan on staying long-term, as this is the fastest way to pay local vendors.
- Exchange your XAF before leaving the CEMAC zone. Once you leave Central Africa, it is notoriously difficult to exchange Central African Francs back into "hard" currency like Dollars or Pounds without taking a massive hit on the rate.