Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
money matter in west-africa money matter in west-africa
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Jun 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Delhi, India
Posts: 34
money matter in west-africa
Is exchanging cash (in euro's, Us dollars, etc.) in west-African countries the only possibility? I am going to drive Mauritainia, Mali, Senegal and Gambia. Will travellerscheques or creditcards be of any help?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Jun 2007
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
I never had much luck with credit cards or sterling, you just need a fist full of dollars and euros, pref euros
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jun 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Spain, Cameroon
Posts: 81
TCs can be difficult to get changed and generally attract a poor rate of exchange. Visa credt cards are becoming much more easily used though in Mauritania and Mali cash is your best option.

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jun 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: in our 15th year on the road-only half way- now in Panama
Posts: 269
cash talks best...
When my husband and I were in this part of the world we never bothered with TC....in many areas they are still an unknown quantity!

we used our visa card for getting emergency cash out, which we were able to use in Morocco, Senegal - mainly in Dakar itself, Mali, only in Bamako...and only after searching.

We took and used mainly cash; Euro and US $.

enjoy your trip
__________________
Lisa
www.2ridetheworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
there are no cashpoints in one of these countries, and I can't remember wether it was senegal or mauritania, I think mauritania. I got caught out and had to scrounge some money off fellow travellers!!
Andy
TLC H60
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Jul 2007
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Limoux, France
Posts: 352
There's one ATM in Mauritania, in Nouachkott

Senegal is easier as is Morocco & Gambia.

However I've always found that euros are the preferred currency, TC's are a pain to cash & taken the card for 'emergencies'

Kira
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bribane, QLD, Australia
Posts: 27
Tubarao
In senegal there are cash points everywhere. St Louis has approx' 10, Theis the same, dakar everywhere, Kolack a few & even Tamba' has few etc.

Tale only euro.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
Euro's and VISA!
In most capitals you can get money at Bank counters with Visa credit card (Mastercard is not accepted anywhere) and Euro's are the best currency. Remember, all these countries are French orientated and they have the Euro. In some capitals there are Visa ATM cash machines but its always Visa!!!!!

Cheers,

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Smile Euro is king
Euros cash, and VISA/Mastercard for the cities.

Do not bother with USD, nobody wants them so they are either useless or your exchange rate will be terrible.

Euros, euros, euros...

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: newquay cornwall uk
Posts: 15
On a recent trip to Morocco, Mauritania and Mali, the only currency to use was the Euro. You can change it anywhere and at any time of day,there is always someone willing to change. The higher the denomination of the notes the better the exchange rate, you will always get a better rate for 200 euro notes compared to 20 euro notes.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
It has changed over the years.

On my first trip around west africa in the mid 90's everybody wanted dollars. A few years ago when I was last there I took a mix of dollars, euros and pounds. I brought all the dollars back and could only really do much with the pounds in Gambia. Everywhere else it was euros.

Even the scamsters at Rosso didn't want to take dollars!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1
it would be possible..
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16 Jul 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
In West Africa, the CFA is the common currency for Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, etc.
In all capital cities you should be able to find an ATM in a major bank or hotel.
Nouachott is another story...I got enough Ourguiya at the border to get to Nouabidibou and then picked up more there in cash...

Euro is the preferable currency in West Africa and its pegged to the CFA at 1 Euro=650CFA i believe...
Dollars are not easily changeable except at major banks but at bad rates...

Travellers checks are USELESS...

I was there in Dec 2006-Feb 2007
Hope that helps.
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Carrying money in West Africa tjvangee sub-Saharan Africa 3 4 Oct 2005 21:56
Missing in West Africa Chris Scott sub-Saharan Africa 2 11 Oct 2003 22:36
Changing money in West Africa iagins sub-Saharan Africa 2 30 Aug 2003 21:49
Shipping 4x4 from West Africa to South Africa? DeptfordBoy sub-Saharan Africa 7 15 Aug 2003 18:39
West Africa: Carnet - Temp. Import Permit - laissez-passer traveladdictdotbe Trip Paperwork 3 31 Jul 2003 05:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:15.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top