What is the Currency of Wallis & Futuna?

Wallis and Futuna uses the CFP franc, colloquially known as "Pacific franc" or simply "franc". Prices in Wallis and Futuna are written with an F after the amount, while the international currency code is XPF.

CFP Franc Coins

Coins come in values of 5 F, 10 F, 20 F, 50 F, 100 F and 200 F.

CFP Franc Bank Notes

Notes come in values of 500 F, 1,000 F, 5,000 F and 10,000 F.

In this section, we will cover a few aspects of the money culture in Wallis and Futuna, as a couple of things may be different from back home.

Tipping in Wallis and Futuna

Tipping is not expected or customary in Wallis and Futuna. Unlike many tourist destinations, there is no established tipping culture in the territory. If you wish to leave a gift for good service, you're welcome to, but it is absolutely up to you whether or not to choose to tip and to choose the value.

Learn more about the tipping culture in Wallis and Futuna Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers.

Cash or Card?

Although many establishments accept cards as payment, cash is still the most reliable form of payment in Wallis and Futuna.

Most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and car rental companies accept foreign credit and debit cards, though not all. When cards are accepted, MasterCard, Visa and CB are typically the most reliable options, but always confirm payment methods before making purchases or bookings.

Learn more about which credit cards are accepted in Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in Wallis and Futuna?

One of the most important things to note about paying your way through Wallis and Futuna is the fact that there are only two ATMs and the one in Futuna rarely works. In addition, there are no currency exchange services. Therefore, it is essential that you bring enough CFP franc to Wallis and Futuna for your entire stay, especially if visiting Futuna.

When it comes to alternative payment methods, online bank transfers are just about your only option. 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.

Learn more about payment options using our guide to The Best Payment Methods in Wallis and Futuna.

Crucially, there are no currency exchange services in Wallis and Futuna. You cannot even exchange currency at the local bank, Banque de Wallis et Futuna (BWF). Needless to say, it is essential to exchange currency to CFP francs overseas before you arrive in Wallis and Futuna.

There are no restrictions on how much cash you can bring into Wallis and Futuna, as discussed in The Duty-Free Allowances for Wallis & Futuna.

When withdrawing money from an ATM in Wallis and Futuna, the money will be in CFP francs. ATMs are available at the Service des Postes et Télécommunications (SPT) headquarters in Mata'Utu and the SPT in Leava.

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

What are the Exchange Rates Like for the CFP Franc?

The CFP franc is fixed to the euro, making it a relatively strong and stable currency. Travellers exchanging from New Zealand dollars, Australian dollars, US dollars or Japanese yen may find Wallis and Futuna more expensive than expected, so it is worth comparing exchange rates and fees before travelling, ideally before arriving in the territory.

While banks are usually a traveller's best friend for currency exchange, things work a bit differently in Wallis and Futuna. The local bank, Banque de Wallis et Futuna (BWF), doesn't offer currency exchange services, and their ATMs don't operate outside their premises either.

Here's what you need to know about banking on the islands.

BWF Bank Opening Hours

BWF operates from 8:30 am to 12 pm, Monday to Friday. Afternoon appointments are available by request only.

BWF Bank Locations

• BWF Wallis, RT3, Mata'Utu, Hahake, Wallis. Inside Fenuarama Shopping Centre (shopping centre next to SEM Supermarket).
• BWF Futuna, RT1, Leava, Sigave, Futuna. Opposite Cowafdis Supermarket.

BWF ATM Locations

• Service des Postes et Télécommunications (SPT) Headquarters, Bord de Mer, Mata'Utu, Hahake, Wallis.
• SPT Lotuma, RT1, Leava, Sigave, Futuna.

For details on banks and ATMs on both islands, start with our Information, Shops & Services on Wallis and Information, Shops & Services on Futuna.

While the currency situation in Wallis and Futuna might seem a bit complex, there's actually a silver lining when it comes to taxes.

Wallis and Futuna has a unique advantage: their Territorial Assembly sets local taxes rather than following French Government tax rules. This means you won't encounter income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax or value-added tax during your visit.

There's not even a departure tax to worry about (though your stopover airports will certainly make up for that absence).

Finally, on the subject, tipping is not mandatory in Wallis and Futuna.

The bottom line? You can focus on enjoying your trip without stressing about hidden fees and unexpected tax surprises.

For the complete breakdown of all taxes, tipping customs and budgeting tips, read our full Wallis and Futuna Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers.