CHAD

CURRENCY:

CFA Franc (CFA = Communauté Financière Africaine) - XAF

Please note the CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. Chad is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Bank of Central African States (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale) is valid - currency issued by the Bank of West African States(Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest) is NOT VALID here.

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: XAF10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

COIN: XAF500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

It is not advisable to rely on the use of credit cards in Chad - Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at two hotels in N’Djaména. Cash is a more reliable mode of payment.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

It is best to arrange currency in advance, and to stick with US Dollars and Euros over the pound sterling.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Not advised. They may be accepted in one or two banks in the capital city. If necessary, these are best in Euros.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Sat 0700-1300, Fri 0700-1030.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

There is restriction on the export of local currency - only up to XAF 10,000 is permitted.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

The Republic of Chad is situated in Central Africa. It is not bordered by any sea and is known for its punishingly hot climate - it has been referred to as the "Dead Heart of Africa". Official languages in Chad are French and Arabic. The capital is N'Djamena. This nation gained independence from France in 1960. Chad is known as one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world.

POPULATION:

Around 10 million.

ECONOMY:

80% of the population in Chad live in poverty. Foreign investment is scarce due to years of civil war in the region. The main sources of livelihood in Chad is farming and livestock raising. In more recent times, oil reserves in Chad have become a possibility for foreign interest.