Money is weird. You’d think asking how many dollars in a franc would be a straightforward math problem, like asking how many inches are in a foot. It isn't. Not even close. If you’re standing in a bank in Zurich, the answer is one thing. If you’re looking at a dusty coin from Paris found in your grandpa’s attic, the answer is basically zero—at least in terms of legal tender.
The "franc" isn't just one currency. It’s a ghost for some countries and a powerhouse for others.
Right now, when people ask about the franc, they are usually talking about the Swiss Franc (CHF). It is the heavyweight champion of "safe haven" currencies. Investors flock to it when the world looks like it’s falling apart. Because of that, the exchange rate stays pretty tight. Historically, the Swiss Franc and the US Dollar have danced around a 1:1 parity for years. Sometimes the dollar is worth 0.90 CHF; sometimes the franc is worth $1.10.
But wait. There’s the CFA franc used in parts of Africa. There’s the CFP franc in the Pacific. And then there are the dead ones—the French franc, the Belgian franc, the Luxembourgish franc. Those are gone, replaced by the Euro in 2002. If you have those, you’re looking at collector value, not exchange value.
The Swiss Franc: The only one that really "counts" in global trade
If you are checking your brokerage account or planning a trip to the Alps, you want the Swiss Franc. It's the "Swissie."
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) runs a tight ship. Unlike the Federal Reserve, which has a dual mandate of managing inflation and employment, the SNB is laser-focused on price stability. This makes the franc incredibly strong. In fact, it’s often too strong. When the franc gets too expensive, Swiss exports like Rolex watches or Lindt chocolate become way too pricey for foreigners to buy.
How many dollars in a franc today? Usually, it's roughly one-to-one. But "roughly" is a dangerous word in forex. On January 15, 2015, the world learned just how dangerous. The SNB suddenly unpegged the franc from the Euro. In minutes, the franc skyrocketed. People lost millions. Imagine waking up and finding out your debt in francs just got 20% more expensive while you were eating breakfast. Brutal.
The current exchange rate fluctuates based on interest rate differentials. If the Fed raises rates and the SNB stays put, the dollar gets stronger. You get more francs for your buck. If inflation in the US spikes, people sell dollars and buy francs to hide their wealth in a "hard" currency.
The African Francs: A different story entirely
Now, let’s talk about the West African CFA franc (XOF) and the Central African CFA franc (XAF). This is where the math gets messy. These currencies are pegged to the Euro. Because they are pegged to the Euro, their value against the dollar moves whenever the Euro moves.
You’re not going to get a 1:1 ratio here. Not even close.
Usually, one US dollar will get you somewhere between 600 and 650 CFA francs. It sounds like a lot, but the purchasing power is localized. This currency is controversial. Some say it provides much-needed stability to the region. Others, like economist Kako Nubukpo, argue it’s a colonial relic that prevents these nations from truly controlling their own economies. If you’re traveling to Senegal or Gabon, don't expect your dollars to go as far as the high number suggests; inflation in the region can be tricky.
Why the "French Franc" still pops up in Google searches
It’s been over two decades since the French Franc (FRF) was legal tender. Yet, people still ask how many dollars in a franc referring to the old French currency. Maybe they found a stash of 100-franc notes in a book.
Back in 1999, the rate was fixed at 6.55957 francs to 1 Euro.
When the Euro launched, the franc died. You can’t even exchange them at the Bank of France anymore. The deadline passed years ago. Now, a 500-franc "Pascal" note is just a piece of art or a collector's item. On eBay, you might get $20 or $100 for a crisp bill, but you can’t buy a baguette with it in Paris.
The Pacific Franc (CFP)
Then there’s the CFP franc, used in French territories like New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Like the CFA, it’s pegged to the Euro. It’s a niche currency. If you’re going to Tahiti, you’ll be dealing with these. The exchange rate is usually around 110 to 120 CFP francs per 1 US dollar.
It’s weirdly beautiful money. The notes have pictures of tropical fish and hibiscus flowers. But in terms of global finance? It's a drop in the ocean.
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Factors that move the needle
Why does the rate change every second?
- Geopolitics: When there’s a war or a massive supply chain break, the Swiss Franc goes up. It’s the world’s bunker.
- Interest Rates: If the US interest rates are 5% and Swiss rates are 1%, investors want the dollar. They want the yield.
- Gold Reserves: Switzerland still holds massive gold reserves relative to its size. This gives the franc a "golden" reputation, even if it’s not technically on a gold standard anymore.
Kinda fascinating when you think about it. One word—franc—covers everything from the ultra-modern digital transactions in Geneva to the colorful paper bills in a Tahitian market.
Real-world math for your wallet
If you are trying to calculate a price, stop using a static number. The market moves too fast. Use a live tool like XE or Oanda. Banks will also rip you off on the spread. If the official rate is 1.00, the bank might charge you 1.05. That "hidden" fee is how they make their billions.
For the Swiss Franc:
- $100 might get you 88 CHF on a bad day.
- $100 might get you 95 CHF on a good day.
For the CFA Franc:
- $100 usually gets you around 60,000 francs.
Actionable insights for currency management
Stop looking at the exchange rate in isolation. If you’re an expat or an investor, the rate is only half the story.
First, check the interbank rate. This is the "real" price. Anything higher or lower than that is just a markup from the middleman. If you’re moving large amounts of money, don’t use a traditional bank. Use a service like Wise or Revolut. They give you the mid-market rate and charge a transparent fee.
Second, watch the 10-year Treasury yield in the US. When that goes up, the dollar usually beats the Swiss Franc. It’s a classic "carry trade" signal.
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Third, if you have old French or Belgian francs, don't throw them away. While they aren't "money" anymore, the numismatic market is heating up. Check specialized auction sites like Heritage Auctions or local coin shops. A rare "Germinal" franc from the Napoleon era could be worth thousands of dollars, far more than any exchange rate would have given you.
Finally, if you're traveling to a country using the CFA franc, carry pristine, high-denomination US bills (the new $100 notes). You'll often get a much better "street rate" than you will at an official exchange booth or an ATM, though you have to be careful about scams.
The question of how many dollars in a franc is really a question of geography and history. Figure out which franc you're holding first, then look at the charts.