What is the Best Way to Pay in Wallis & Futuna?

Cash in the local currency (CFP francs) is by far the most accepted payment method in Wallis and Futuna. Most supermarkets, hotels, car rental companies and restaurants accept card payments. However, some places where credit and debit cards are not accepted include petrol stations on Futuna, guesthouse accommodations, tour providers, taxi boat providers, a limited number of restaurants, and craft markets.

There are no currency exchange bureaus on Wallis and Futuna and you can't exchange currency at the bank. Plus, there are only a couple of ATMs and the one on Futuna doesn't always work. In short, it's important to come to Wallis and Futuna with the francs you need to pay your way. Don't rely on getting cash here.

How to Get CFP Francs in Wallis and Futuna

There are only two (or more like one and a half) working ATMs in Wallis and Futuna.

On Wallis, there is an ATM at the Service des Postes et Télécommunications (SPT) headquarters in Mata'Utu. During our last visit, the ATM at the Banque de Wallis et Futuna (BWF) near SEM Supermarket was out of order and had been for some time.

On Futuna, there is an ATM at the SPT in Leava when it works "two days a month", a local joked to us. In short, don't rely on the ATM for cash withdrawals in Futuna and make sure to come to the island with enough cash for your entire stay.

See a full list of ATM locations in Information, Shops & Services on Wallis and Information, Shops & Services on Futuna.

Can You Exchange Currency in Wallis and Futuna?

Very importantly, you cannot exchange currency in Wallis and Futuna. The local bank, Banque de Wallis et Futuna (BWF), does not do currency exchange. That's why we strongly recommend that you arrive in Wallis and Futuna with the CFP francs you need.

Can You Use Euros in Wallis and Futuna?

No, you cannot use Euros in Wallis and Futuna. Despite being a French territory, Euros are not accepted as payment. You can only use CFP francs.

How Much Cash Can You Bring to Wallis and Futuna?

You must declare any cash of the equivalent of 1,193,317 XPF (€10,000) to customs upon arrival in Wallis and Futuna.

For ease and security, paying by credit or debit card is a popular payment option in Wallis and Futuna. However, there are many instances where vendors do not accept credit or debit cards, so it’s best to always have enough cash available.

Get an idea of how much money to have available each day by using our guide, Wallis and Futuna Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Wallis and Futuna Cost?

Which Credit and Debit Cards are Accepted in Wallis and Futuna?

Visa, MasterCard and CB are the most accepted brands of credit and debit cards in Wallis and Futuna, as long as they have a four-digit PIN code. ATMs also accept Plus, Maestro, Cirrus, Carte Jade and EC.

Credit and Debit Card Charges

Your credit or debit card’s issuing bank will likely have a fee for a “foreign currency service”, which is typically 1-3% of the transaction in your home currency. This fee is often also applied when using an ATM in Wallis and Futuna. Note that almost all local businesses apply a card fee of 2-5% for each transaction, making this an expensive form of payment, especially if used frequently.

Learn more about using a bank card to pay your way through Wallis and Futuna in our complete guide, Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in Wallis & Futuna?

In short, you will struggle to find a travel money card, otherwise known as a travel prepaid card, that has CFP francs as a currency choice.

If you have purchased a travel money card to use for other countries around the world, know that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to use it in Wallis and Futuna.

The next best alternative is a credit card if you’re looking for the same security a travel prepaid card offers.

Online transfers (also called telegraphic transfers) are a handy way to pay for your accommodation and tours in Wallis and Futuna. You can sort everything out online or pay in advance, which is brilliant for planning ahead.

But here's the catch: they come with the highest fees of all payment methods. Your bank will likely hit you with both an exchange fee and a transfer fee, and we've seen these reach up to 6,000 XPF!

If you're set on using online transfers, we'd recommend skipping your bank and using a foreign exchange broker instead. These money transfer services offer much better exchange rates and lower fees because they specialise in currency trading.

We're big fans of Wise for their competitive rates and transparent pricing. XE Money is another solid choice that sometimes charges no fees at all. Most transfers arrive within a week, which is pretty speedy.

Of course, Western Union remains the most well-known option if you prefer sticking with a household name.

Now that you know about payment methods in Wallis and Futuna, here are the answers to the internet's frequently asked questions about how to pay in this remote Pacific destination!

What does CFP franc stand for?

CFP franc stands for le franc des collectivités françaises du Pacifique (the franc of the French communities of the Pacific). It's the official currency used in Wallis and Futuna, as well as in French Polynesia and New Caledonia. The currency is pegged to the euro, making it stable for transactions throughout French Pacific territories.

For more information, check out The Complete Guide to Wallis and Futuna Currency.

Should I take cash to Wallis and Futuna?

Absolutely! Cash is essential in Wallis and Futuna as card payment facilities aren't everywhere. We strongly recommend bringing sufficient CFP francs, as you'll need cash for most transactions, including for some accommodations, tour providers, taxi boat providers, fuel stations, markets and more. Note that you will need to declare any amount of cash that is or above 1,193,317 XPF to customs on arrival. ATM access is also very restricted on the islands.

For more information, check out Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in Wallis & Futuna?

Do shops in Wallis and Futuna accept foreign currencies?

No, shops in Wallis and Futuna accept CFP francs. Euros, US dollars and other foreign currencies are not accepted in local shops and restaurants. It's best to exchange your money to CFP francs before arrival.

For more information, check out Shopping Guide to Wallis and Futuna.

Can I exchange cash in Wallis and Futuna?

No, there are no currency exchange bureaus or banks that provide currency exchange services, so it's crucial to arrange your CFP francs before travelling. We recommend exchanging money in New Caledonia, Fiji or your home country before departure (though not at the airports - see the 15 Tips to Save Money in Wallis & Futuna to learn more).

How can I book accommodation and tours online for Wallis and Futuna if they don't accept card payments?

For accommodation and tours in Wallis and Futuna, you can pay a deposit online through Book.WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com to secure your reservation, then pay the remaining balance in cash when you arrive. This system allows you to guarantee your bookings whilst accommodating the islands' cash-based economy.