Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Niger: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Just got back from Niamey and used bank ATMs to get cash - fee’s a couple bucks, but the rate beats the airport counter by a lot. One thing: always withdraw early in the day since ATMs can run out of cash, especially on weekends.
My tip for Niger: skip the airport money exchange unless you’re stuck. Bank of Africa ATMs downtown let me take out enough CFA for way less than the airport’s rates, which add hidden charges on top. Use your travel card if you have one for even better results.
Definitely withdraw cash from a major bank ATM if you can in Niger. I saw a pretty bad rate at the Niamey airport desk, while my Mastercard pulled cash easily and for less overall at Ecobank. Airport counters are only good in a pinch for really small amounts.
In Niamey, I got way better rates using an Ecobank or Bank of Africa ATM than the airport exchange. The counter’s rates were pretty harsh with extra commission tacked on. With a foreign Visa card, the ATM gave me just a small flat fee and a way closer-to-market rate.