The Wallis and Futuna currency is the CFP franc, code XPF, which is pegged to the euro. Cash matters here: many shops have no card terminals, there is no exchange office at either airport, and the territory has only one retail bank.
Money ·
Wallis and Futuna currency: the CFP franc explained
What currency in Wallis and Futuna? The CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro. Where to change money, ATMs, cards and what the records do not say.
01
The CFP franc in brief
If you are asking what currency in Wallis and Futuna you will need, the answer is the CFP franc (XPF), also called the Pacific franc (monnaie Wallis et Futuna, in French). Although the territory is a French overseas collectivity, it does not use the euro. The official tourism board describes the franc as pegged to the euro, which means its value against the euro is fixed rather than floating.
The currency is pegged to the euro, so check a current converter for the euro, dollar, pound or other rates before you travel.
02
What we cannot tell you
Honesty matters more than a tidy page, so here is what the records do not say. We do not have a confirmed description of the banknotes and coins in circulation, and we have not confirmed any minting or design details. We also have no sourced figure for what everyday items cost, such as meals, fuel or activities. If you need these, ask the tourism office before you go.
03
Change money before you arrive
The tourism board is direct on this point: euros and dollars are hard to use, there is no exchange office at Hihifo airport on Wallis or at Vele airport on Futuna, and you should exchange money before you arrive. It suggests doing so in New Caledonia or Fiji, which are the usual routes in. If you fly in via Nouméa, that is the natural place to change money.
Plan to arrive with enough XPF cash for your first days, including transfers and a first meal. Ask your host what a transfer from the airport costs before you land.
04
ATMs and the bank
The only retail bank is the Bank of Wallis and Futuna. The board says it has three ATMs on Wallis and two on Futuna. We have no sourced list of where those machines stand, nor of their limits or fees, so do not count on finding one near your accommodation. Withdraw what you need while you are near one, and do not rely on a card from your home bank working in the machines without checking with that bank first.
05
Cards and cash in practice
Many shops lack card terminals, so cash is the default. Some places do take cards: the board's accommodation listings note that Hotel Lomipeau and Hotel Ulukula accept cards, while Hotel Moana Hou takes cash or cheque only. The taxi boat to Alofi is listed as cash only. Treat these notes as a guide rather than a promise, because they are undated and policies change. Ask before you book or board.
Room rates vary by property, and the tourism board's listings are undated, so ask each host for a current price when you enquire.
06
Spending it well
With so little card infrastructure, the sensible approach is to carry small notes for snacks, boat rides and craft purchases, and larger notes for hire cars and hotels. Craft items such as woven mats, tapa and carved wood are made locally.
This journal is published by IMPT, the booking platform.
Questions people ask.
- What currency do they use in Wallis and Futuna?
- The CFP franc, with the code XPF. It is pegged to the euro, so its value against the euro is fixed. The territory is French but does not use the euro itself.
- Can I pay in euros or US dollars in Wallis and Futuna?
- The tourism board says euros and dollars are hard to use. Bring XPF, and do not count on shops accepting foreign currency. Exchange money before you arrive.
- Are there ATMs in Wallis and Futuna?
- Yes, but few. The Bank of Wallis and Futuna, the only retail bank, has three ATMs on Wallis and two on Futuna. We do not have their locations or fees, so ask your accommodation.
- Can I exchange money at Wallis airport?
- No. There is no exchange office at Hihifo airport on Wallis or at Vele airport on Futuna. The board suggests exchanging in New Caledonia or Fiji before you arrive.
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