NIGER

CURRENCY:

CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XOF)

Please note that Niger is part of the French Monetary Area. The CFA is tied to the Euro. Note also there are two main differences regarding currency: the Bank of West African States (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest ) is the only bank to use for valid currency. Do not go to the Bank of Central African States (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale) for currency as it is NOT VALID.

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000.

COIN: XOF500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

Please not there are no ATM machines in Niger, and that it is predominantly a cash economy. It is not recommended to rely on credit cards here.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Currency exchange services are available at larger banks and hotels, and the airport.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

These do enjoy acceptance at banks and through a wide variety of businesses. Best in Euros.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1530-1730.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

N/A

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Niger is officially called the Republic of Niger and lies in West Africa. The largest area of the country is taken over by the Sahara desert. It is known as one of the poorest nations in the world. The capital is Niamey and the official language is French - though many other languages are also spoken.

POPULATION:

Around 13 million.

ECONOMY:

Niger is incredibly poor with a very underdeveloped economy. The main element is agriculture, which is based from the south of the country where the earth is fertile - although frequently suffers drought. There is exportation but much of it is subsistence based. Niger has the largest uranium deposits in the world but there has been a lack of demand which has affected the country's economy. The infrastructure of the country is in drastic need of improvement.