Where can I exchange Côte d'Ivoire francs for U.S. Dollars?
August 19, 2011 2:35 PM   Subscribe

My mom recently returned from the Ivory Coast with about 50,000 XOF (=~$100). However, she hasn't found anywhere that will accept the XOF and pay her USD. She has tried Wells Fargo, American Express travel exchange, and Travelex, with no success anywhere. Does anyone know who will accept XOF for exchange?
posted by rjacobs to Travel & Transportation (8 answers total)
 
Go to an airport and find a money exchange booth.
posted by TheBones at 2:39 PM on August 19, 2011


Most airports I've been through use Travelex for their money exchange booths. But still, going t the airport might do better.
posted by mephron at 3:28 PM on August 19, 2011


Depending on where your mom lives, this place might be able to help. I've not used them, but have walked by their office many times!
posted by neurodoc at 5:12 PM on August 19, 2011


If you can't find somewhere to take it and it's "pretty" money, she could give it to any youngsters or stamp collecting types as gifts.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:47 PM on August 19, 2011


Is there a community of Ivorians nearby? Someone going home would appreciate getting a better exchange rate than the bank offers.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 6:56 AM on August 20, 2011


Best answer: Ask for the bank manager. They should be able to do this as a special order. The fees and exchange rate will suck, so may not be worthwhile. This site seems to offer the service my mail.
posted by theora55 at 12:23 PM on August 20, 2011


It is very difficult to exchange currencies like this outside of the country because of fluctuations and counterfeiting issues - I have also been unable to exchange Central African Francs (XAF) even within the continent. Travelex etc don't have these currencies.

I'd second TWinbrook8's suggestion to find someone going to the country to exchange it with.
posted by wingless_angel at 8:27 AM on August 21, 2011


Bank of America exchanges a decent variety of currencies - perhaps you'll have luck there?
posted by brackish.line at 9:11 AM on August 23, 2011


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