Is it safe to withdraw cash in Togo or not?
In Lome, I eventually found a working ATM inside a grocery store that was open late. This felt safer than freestanding ones. If you’re using cash at night, it's wise to withdraw ahead of time and keep some change handy - taxis rarely have change for large bills.
I stayed in a guesthouse where the owner insisted I take a moto-taxi to a Total station ATM before nightfall. The street lighting is sparse, and most ATMs are placed outside petrol stations or open-air markets. Risk of theft is low, but machine malfunctions are common.
Togo's ATM network is limited outside Lome. I tried using one in Kpalime, but it was already closed by 6:30 PM. Locals told me to expect short hours and occasional outages. After dark, even in cities, I’d avoid standing at machines unless it’s in a hotel lobby.
In Lome, I withdrew CFA francs from an Ecobank ATM near the beach road around 9 PM. A few taxis were waiting nearby, and the machine worked, but I felt slightly exposed - no security, few pedestrians. Withdrawing cash after dark in Togo is possible but not encouraged. It’s best to plan cash needs before 7 PM when the city still feels busy.