Is cash still widely used?
Cash is the only option. Chad has no practical card infrastructure for visitors. CFA francs and USD are the currencies for all transactions across this remote desert and savannah nation.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
No reliable ATM access for foreign cards. Bring all necessary CFA francs or exchange USD/EUR at banks in N’Djamena.
- Commercial Bank Tchad occasionally accepts foreign Visa cards — unreliable
- Bring significantly more cash than you anticipate needing
- N’Djamena has basic exchange facilities at banks
Card acceptance
None for foreign visitors.
Tips for travelers
- Check current travel advisories before visiting — Chad has significant security concerns
- The Ennedi Plateau is one of Africa’s most spectacular and remote landscapes
- Lake Chad is environmentally significant but dramatically reduced in size
- Travel requires experienced guides and thorough preparation