Currency
Comoros Franc (Cfr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Cfr10,000, 5000, 2500, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of Cfr20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 20 centimes. The Comoros Franc is part of the French Monetary Area and Euros are also commonly used. The Comoros Franc is tied to the Euro.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks in the towns. Banque Nationale des Comores is the only established bank on Grande Comore. Banking facilities are very limited on the other islands.
Credit & debit cards
There is limited acceptance of most international credit cards (mainly in upmarket hotels), but check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Some hotels and restaurants will accept foreign currencies, mostly Euros and US dollars. Change may be given in local currency.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency.
Travellers cheques
The Banque Internationale des Comores (BIC) is the only bank that will change travellers cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Comoros Franc against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | May '05 | | £1.00= | 733.76 | 702.59 | 727.07 | 715.66 | | $1.00= | 398.27 | 371.02 | 385.00 | 403.77 |
Banking hours
Mon-Thurs 0730-1300; Fri 0730-1100.
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