If you’ve ever stepped off a plane at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport with a pocket full of greenbacks, you know that immediate "now what?" feeling. You're in Lomé, the sun is blazing, and you need to pay for a taxi or a plate of fufu, but your dollars are basically fancy wallpaper until you find a way to get some West African CFA francs (XOF). Understanding the dollar to CFA Togo exchange isn't just about Googling a number. It's about navigating a system that is pegged to the Euro, influenced by French treasury politics, and governed by a central bank in Dakar that most Americans couldn't point to on a map.
Honestly, the "official" rate you see on your phone is a bit of a tease. As of mid-January 2026, the mid-market rate is hovering around 565 XOF per 1 USD. But try getting that at a local bureau de change or a hotel lobby. You won't. You'll likely see 540 or maybe 550 if you’re lucky. This gap exists because Togo uses the West African CFA franc, a currency shared by eight independent states. It’s stable, sure, but that stability comes with quirks that can eat your travel budget if you aren't careful.
The Euro Connection: Why Your Dollar Dances a Weird Jig
Most people don't realize that Togo’s currency doesn't actually care much about the US dollar. The CFA franc is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of roughly 655.957 XOF to 1 EUR. This is a legacy of colonial ties that persists today through the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).
Because of this peg, the dollar to CFA Togo rate is essentially just a reflection of how the USD is performing against the Euro. If the Euro gets stronger against the Dollar, your US money buys fewer baguettes in Lomé. It’s a two-step mathematical tango. When you swap dollars for CFA, the bank is effectively selling your dollars for Euros and then giving you the fixed CFA equivalent. Every step of that process has a "spread" or a fee.
Where to Actually Swap Your Cash
Don't just walk into the first bank you see. In Lomé, places like NSIA Bank on the Boulevard de la République or Orabank near Avenue des Nîmes are standard choices. They are safe. They are air-conditioned. But they are slow. You’ll stand in line, show your passport, and probably fill out three forms just to change a hundred-dollar bill.
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If you're in a hurry, look for authorized money changers in the Assigamé Market area. Be smart about it, though. The "street" guys might offer a slightly better rate, but the risk of counterfeit bills or a "magic" sleight-of-hand during the count is real. Stick to established storefronts like Showkey Enterprises if you want to avoid the bank queues without the sketchiness of a back-alley deal.
Digital Transfers are Killing the Cash Game
The old-school way of carrying a fat envelope of cash is dying, and honestly, good riddance. If you're sending money to a business partner or family in Togo, using a service like Sendwave or Western Union is often cheaper than physical exchange.
For instance, Western Union in early 2026 has been offering rates around 566 XOF per dollar for digital transfers—sometimes even beating the interbank mid-market rate because they make their profit on the transfer fee rather than just the spread. Ria Money Transfer is another heavy hitter in the region with hundreds of pickup locations across Togo, from Cinkassé in the north to the port of Lomé.
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- Check the fees first. A "great rate" means nothing if the fee is $15 on a $100 transfer.
- Verify the ID requirements. Your recipient will need a valid Togolese ID or passport.
- Watch the timing. Some services are instant; others take three days.
The "Crisp Bill" Rule: A Travel Nightmare
Here is a specific detail that ruins trips: Togolese banks are incredibly picky about the physical condition of US dollars. If your $20 bill has a tiny tear, a pen mark, or is from a series printed before 2013, they will reject it. Period. No amount of arguing will change their minds.
They want "Blue Notes"—the newer $100 bills with the 3D security ribbon. If you bring old, crumpled bills, you might find yourself at a "black market" changer who will only give you a 10% or 20% discount on the rate just to take the "damaged" currency off your hands. It's a total racket, but it’s the reality on the ground.
Logistics of the XOF
Togo is still very much a cash-heavy society. While you can use a Visa or Mastercard at the Radisson Blu Hotel du 2 Février or at high-end supermarkets like Champion, the vast majority of your daily spending—taxis, street food, market souvenirs—will require physical CFA francs.
ATM withdrawals are a decent backup. Most ATMs in Lomé (look for Ecobank or SG Togo) accept international cards. You’ll get hit with a foreign transaction fee from your home bank and a local ATM fee, but the exchange rate is usually the "fair" Visa/Mastercard network rate, which is often better than what a human teller will give you.
Smart Moves for Your Money
If you want to maximize the dollar to CFA Togo conversion, don't change all your money at the airport. Change maybe $20 to get to your hotel, then head into the city. Use digital apps for large sums and keep your physical USD bills pristine.
You should also keep an eye on the BCEAO’s announcements. While the peg to the Euro is currently stable, there has been years of talk about transitioning to a new regional currency called the Eco. For now, that’s mostly political noise, but in the world of West African finance, things can shift fast.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Inspect your cash now: Set aside only the newest, cleanest US bills for your trip.
- Download a transfer app: Sign up for Sendwave or Remitly before you leave home so your identity is already verified.
- Notify your bank: Tell your home bank you’re going to Togo so they don’t freeze your card the first time you try to use an ATM in Lomé.
- Carry a mix: Keep some cash for emergencies, but rely on ATM withdrawals for your primary spending to get the most accurate exchange rates.