Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Central African Republic: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Central African Republic’s banks like Ecobank have ATMs that accept international cards with fair fees. The airport exchange counters charge a lot and have terrible rates, so withdrawing cash from trusted bank ATMs once you’re downtown is the way to go.
I found ATMs from Ecobank in Bangui much better than the airport counter. Fees on both sides exist, but the airport hides a worse exchange margin. I’d recommend using the ATM unless you’re stuck and need cash fast.
Just landed in CAR and honestly the airport exchange is only good for taxi fare if you have no cash. I used Ecobank and Banque Populaire ATMs downtown - they accepted my Visa card and gave a much better exchange rate despite fees.
Bangui’s airport exchange counter wasn’t great at all - the rates were awful and there were additional fees. I had better luck with Ecobank ATMs in the city. Even with withdrawal fees, I got more CFA francs for my USD.