Equatorial Guinea — Shopping
Shopping
Markets sell local produce such as beans, rice, fruit, vegetables, oil and bush meat as well as fabric and clothing in traditional African prints, hardware and local crafts. However, prices may not be much cheaper than at home because many goods have to be imported from the mainland. Expect to barter in the markets.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1300, 1600-1900.
Currency
CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (CFA or XAF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XAF10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5.
Equatorial Guinea is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies are best exchanged at banks, of which, however, there are few. Receipts for currency exchange should be retained.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
Equatorial Guinea has a strictly cash-only economy. Credit cards and checks are not accepted. ATMs are not available.
Travelers Checks
Most businesses do not accept traveler's checks.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency, provided amounts are declared on arrival. The export of local currency must not exceed XAF50,000 and the export of foreign currency must not exceed the amount declared on arrival.
Banking Hours
Mon-Sat 0800-1200.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 1.13 EUR |
| 1.00 USD = 0.7 EUR |
| 1.00 GBP = 746.8 XOF |
| 1.00 USD = 464.54 XOF |
| 1.00 EUR = 655.95 XOF |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
