Going to AFCON? Where to Safely Exchange Currency and Avoid Tourist Rates

Going to AFCON? How to safely exchange money and dodge the tourist rates

Heading to an AFCON host nation but unsure how to handle money safely? You're not alone — sudden rate changes, high remittance fees, and pushy stadium vendors ruin more match days than a yellow card. This practical guide (updated for 2026) gives you country-by-country, stadium-by-stadium tactics: where to change cash, when to use ATMs, how to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and tourist-rate traps, and exactly what to do if something goes wrong.

Quick summary — what to do first (most important)

• Bring a travel-ready card with low/no foreign transaction fees and clear ATM reimbursement rules.
• Withdraw from bank-branded ATMs in daylight and inside bank branches when possible; withdraw larger amounts to reduce fixed withdrawal fees.
• Avoid airport bureaus for more than a small top-up. Airport rates typically carry a 3–8% implied markup vs the mid-market rate.
• Say NO to DCC. Always choose the local currency when an ATM or POS asks.
• Use mobile money where established (M-Pesa, MTN/Orange Money), especially for in-country transfers and vendor payments — acceptance is wider now than in 2023–24.

2026 trends every AFCON traveller should know

Late 2025 and early 2026 brought three important shifts you need to plan for:

• Mobile-wallet adoption accelerated across East and West Africa. In host cities you’ll often find MTN/Orange Money and local wallets accepted for taxis and food stalls.
• Card acceptance improved at stadiums and tourist nodes thanks to POS deployment drives in 2024–25, but many small vendors remain cash-only.
• Scams evolved: dynamic currency conversion (DCC) offers and clever “no commission” signboards hide wide spreads; ATM skimmers and fake staff at stadiums remain a risk in busy venues.

Tip: Before you leave, check exchange rates on XE or Google and set an alert. That gives you an anchor when vendors quote a “good” rate.

Before you travel — checklist

• Tell your bank and card providers your travel dates; ask about overseas ATM fees and set transaction alerts.
• Download mobile wallets likely used in the host region (e.g., M-Pesa, MTN Money, Orange Money), and verify registration rules.
• Load one travel-friendly multi-currency card (Wise, Revolut or a bank travel card) and one backup credit card for emergencies.
• Bring a small amount of USD or EUR for emergency exchange in countries where local currency liquidity can be tight.

How to think about Banks vs Bureaux vs ATMs

Banks: Usually the most transparent rates and safest environment. Banks are best for larger exchanges and official receipts (useful for reimbursement). They may charge a commission or apply a spread but that cost is often lower than airport or tourist kiosks.

Bureaux de change: Good for quick small exchanges in city centers. Reputable bureaus (look for signage and customer queues) can beat hotels and airport kiosks — but always compare the live mid-market rate first and ask for the full breakdown.

ATMs: Best for convenience and often the best overall rate when you use a travel-friendly bank card. Avoid stand-alone or unbranded ATMs in tourist zones; prefer inside-bank or mall ATMs. Watch for fixed-per-withdrawal fees; withdraw more in one go to reduce the per-withdraw cost if it's safe to carry.

Key scams and commission traps to avoid

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — ATM or POS asks: "Charge in your home currency?" Always choose the local currency to avoid 2–8% extra markup.
• "No commission" with a poor rate — a 0% commission sign can hide a 5–10% poor exchange rate.
• Airport & stadium kiosks — convenience often costs 3–8% extra; use them only for a small initial top-up.
• Fake staff or helpers — at ATMs and entry gates, refuse offers to help and step away to a bank counter if you suspect interference.
• Card skimming / shoulder surfing — cover the keypad and use ATMs inside banks when possible.

Country-by-country practical guide for common AFCON host nations (2026)

1) Morocco (MAD)

• Best places to change: Bank branches (Attijariwafa, Banque Populaire) and reputable downtown bureaux. Avoid airport counters unless you need small dirham notes for taxis.
• ATMs: Widely available in cities. Use bank-branded ATMs and select MAD to avoid DCC. Expect ATM fees in the range of 15–30 MAD from local banks plus your card issuer fee.
• Stadiums & markets: Big stadiums accept cards at official stands, but vendors usually want cash. Watch for inflated "tourist prices" in medinas; agree a price first and pay in MAD.

2) Egypt (EGP)

• Best places to change: Banks in city centers give clear rates and receipts; downtown bureaus often competitive. Hold an amount of USD/EUR for backup — some small vendors still prefer it.
• ATMs: Bank ATMs are common in Cairo and Alexandria. Choose local currency and withdraw larger amounts to reduce fixed fees.
• Stadiums & vendors: Card acceptance improved after 2024. Street vendors prefer cash; tourist-rate traps are typical at markets near stadiums — compare to the bank rate on your phone.

3) Côte d'Ivoire & Senegal (West African CFA zone — XOF)

• Best places to change: Both use the West African CFA franc (XOF). Banks and licensed bureaux in Abidjan/Dakar are safe; major hotels and airports charge higher spreads.
• ATMs: Widely available in capital cities but less so in smaller towns. Use branch ATMs during bank hours for safety.
• Stadiums & markets: Expect cash-only sellers; many vendors accept mobile money (Orange Money, Wave). Beware of black-market offers that look attractive but carry counterfeit risk.

4) Cameroon (XAF — Central African CFA)

• Best places to change: Use bank counters and licensed bureaux in Douala and Yaoundé. If arriving by air, change a small amount at the airport and head to a bank in the city for a better rate.
• ATMs: Bank ATMs in major cities are the safest pick. Network fees and low liquidity weekends can be an issue — plan withdrawals early.
• Stadiums & vendors: Many vendors are cash-only; negotiate and use small denominations.

5) South Africa (ZAR)

• Best places to change: South African banks (FNB, Standard Bank, Absa) and city bureaux offer good transparency; avoid small market kiosks in airports if you can.
• ATMs: Bank ATMs widespread. South Africa is card-friendly; contactless is common. Check with your bank about ATM network partners to avoid high fees.
• Stadiums & vendors: Large stadiums usually accept cards, but stadium peripheral vendors might be cash-only and may mark up prices for tourists.

6) Nigeria (NGN)

• Best places to change: Major banks (Zenith, GTBank, Access) offer safer exchanges. Parallel markets exist and may show better rates — but they carry legitimacy and counterfeit risks.
• ATMs: Use bank branch ATMs and avoid isolated machines. Cash shortages can happen in busy events; plan ahead.
• Stadiums & vendors: Expect lots of cash transactions. Mobile wallets and QR-pay are growing in 2026, but always carry notes for small buys.

7) Ghana (GHS)

• Best places to change: Banks in Accra and Kumasi are reliable; licensed bureaux are good for small amounts. Airport kiosks are convenient but costly.
• ATMs: Bank ATMs are best; carry small notes for markets and transport.
• Stadiums & vendors: Street vendors usually cash-only; negotiate and check the math when given a tourist rate.

8) Tunisia & Algeria (TND / DZD)

• Best places to change: Both countries prefer local-currency cash for most transactions. Banks are the safest for exchange — hotels and airports are convenient but pricier.
• ATMs: Available in main cities. Use bank branch machines and avoid DCC.
• Stadiums & vendors: Smaller vendors are cash-only and may quote tourist prices; bargain politely.

Stadium-specific tips — on match day

1. Bring exact small change for food & drinks. Vendors and informal sellers rarely have change for large notes.
2. Use official stadium kiosks for larger purchases if they accept cards — they’re usually safer and pricier but more reliable.
3. If approached by helpers offering to change money at the gate, decline — use official channels or wait until you’re off-site.
4. Keep your cash and cards in a front pocket or money belt; crowds and pickpockets concentrate near gates and transport hubs.

ATM safety & smart withdrawal strategy

• Prefer bank branches: ATMs inside bank lobbies are the safest and often monitored.
• Withdraw larger, less often: If your card charges a fixed fee per withdrawal, choose a comfortable single amount to reduce per-withdraw cost.
• Cover the keypad & watch for devices: Skimmers and overlays are still used. If something looks off, use a different ATM.
• Check receipts and SMS alerts: Monitor transactions immediately and report unfamiliar charges.

How to handle remittances and receiving money during AFCON

If you need funds transferred into the host country, consider these options:

• Money transfer apps: Providers like Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit and local operators often provide cash pickup or mobile wallet delivery with transparent fees. Compare delivery time and fees before sending.
• Mobile wallet top-ups: Sending money to an M-Pesa, MTN or Orange wallet is fast and often cheaper than cash pickup. Verify recipient verification steps (ID, SIM registration) — new KYC rules tightened in 2025 in several countries.
• Bank transfers: Useful for larger sums and formal needs, but expect slower processing and potential receiving bank fees.

What to do if you’re short on cash or get scammed

1. Contact your card issuer to block cards immediately and request emergency cash delivery options if available.
2. Visit the nearest bank branch to withdraw with ID or use an official cash pickup provider.
3. Report scams to local police and keep receipts — you may need them for dispute claims with your card provider.
4. Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance in extreme cases (lost passport, large theft).

Real-world case study (lesson from a fan, late 2025)

At a major West African AFCON qualifier in late 2025, a travelling supporter withdrew multiple small amounts from a popular network’s ATMs outside the stadium. Each withdrawal carried a 2,500 XOF fixed ATM fee plus a 3% conversion — over the day the fees cost more than the match ticket. The solution: the fan used a bank branch ATM the next morning to withdraw one larger amount, saving both fixed fees and avoiding a questionable roadside exchanger who offered a "better" rate but presented counterfeit notes.

Actionable takeaways — quick reference

• Before travel: Get a travel card and register mobile wallets.
• At arrival: Use airport cash only as a top-up — go to a bank for larger exchanges.
• At ATMs: Use bank-branded, indoor machines; choose local currency; withdraw larger sums to reduce per-withdraw fees.
• At stadiums: Keep small change; prefer official kiosks for card payments; never accept “help” at ATMs/gates.
• If sending/receiving: Use transparent remittance apps or mobile-wallet top-ups when possible.

Final notes on regulations and staying current

Currency rules and cash controls can change quickly. In late 2025 several African central banks tightened KYC for mobile wallets and adjusted cash withdrawal monitoring. Before travel, check the host country’s central bank website and your embassy travel advice. Keep screenshots of exchange rates and transaction receipts for disputes.

Resources & tools I use

• XE / Google currency rate checks and alerts
• Wise and Revolut for mid-market transfers and travel cards
• Local mobile wallets (M-Pesa, MTN Money, Orange Money) for in-country payments
• Bank apps with push notifications to monitor transactions in real time

Call to action

Heading to AFCON? Download our free Matchday Money Cheat Sheet (country-specific ATM checklist and a stadium-safety quick card) and get live rate alerts before you fly. Subscribe to our travel brief to get the latest 2026 host-country updates and remittance strategies — don’t let bad rates cost you match-day memories.

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