💰 Quick Context: The Comorian Franc
Comoros uses the Comorian Franc (KMF), pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 491.968 KMF. A quick mental shortcut: 1,000 KMF ≈ €2 ≈ $2.20. Divide KMF prices by 450 for a rough USD estimate. Comoros is a remote Indian Ocean archipelago of three main islands (Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan) with very limited banking infrastructure. This is a cash-only destination for all practical purposes. Bring euros and plan accordingly.
🎧 Order Euros Before You Fly
The KMF is pegged to the euro. Bring euros and exchange on arrival.
Order EUR → CEI Currency ExchangeThree Islands, One Currency (Plus Mayotte)
The Union of the Comoros consists of three main islands: Grande Comore (Ngazidja, home to the capital Moroni), Mohéli (Mwali, the smallest and most pristine), and Anjouan (Nzwani). All three use the Comorian franc. The fourth island in the geographic archipelago, Mayotte, is a French overseas territory. Mayotte uses the euro, has French banks and ATMs, and is significantly more expensive. If you are island-hopping between Comoros and Mayotte, you will need both currencies.
Why Euros Matter Here
The Comorian franc is pegged to the euro, and France remains Comoros' primary economic partner. Euros are the most useful foreign currency to bring. Hotels and exchange offices in Moroni will convert euros at rates very close to the official peg. USD works but attracts a conversion spread of 2–5%. Most Comorians who handle foreign currency think in euros, not dollars.
Cash vs. Card: What to Expect in Comoros
Comoros is almost entirely cash-based. Card terminals are effectively nonexistent outside of one or two international hotels in Moroni. There are no card payments at restaurants, shops, markets, or transport providers anywhere in the country. Plan to pay for everything with Comorian francs in cash.
On Grande Comore, the capital Moroni has the only reliable banking infrastructure. The Retaj Moroni Hotel and Golden Tulip are among the very few businesses that may accept Visa. Everything else (restaurants in the medina, the Volo Volo market, taxis, ferries) is cash-only. On Mohéli and Anjouan, there is no card acceptance whatsoever. Not even the best hotels on these islands have working card terminals.
Bring enough euros to cover your entire trip. Exchange them at BIC Comores in Moroni or at your hotel. A reasonable daily budget is 15,000–30,000 KMF ($33–$66) for mid-range travel, including accommodation, meals, and local transport.
How to Get Comorian Francs for Your Comoros Trip
Comoros is one of the most cash-only countries in this entire list. The Comorian franc is pegged to the euro at KMF 491.97 = 1 EUR, and card terminals are essentially nonexistent across the three islands (Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan). The Retaj Moroni Hotel and Golden Tulip in Moroni are about the only places that occasionally accept Visa; everywhere else (Volo Volo market, taxis, ferries, every restaurant outside the top tier) is cash. Mohéli and Anjouan have zero working card terminals. Plan to bring meaningful EUR cash and exchange in Moroni.
Bring EUR cash before you fly
Comoros, like Cuba and Lebanon, is a cash-only country where pre-arrival cash is non-negotiable. The Comorian franc is unobtainable outside Comoros (most US currency-exchange services and home banks do not stock KMF). A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange ships EUR to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery, which is what you'll actually need. Most travelers handle Comoros by bringing all the EUR cash they need for the trip plus a 30% buffer, since there is no working in-country backup. The EUR-to-KMF peg means the conversion at any Comorian bank counter happens at essentially the official rate. Comoros does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. The cleanest setup for any Comoros trip: pack EUR 500–1,000 cash for the entire trip, exchange small chunks as needed at BIC Comores in Moroni or your hotel, and don't expect any card or ATM functionality past the two Moroni properties.
Exchange EUR at BIC Comores or a Moroni hotel
On the ground, the cheapest source of Comorian francs is exchanging EUR cash at BIC Comores (Banque pour l'Industrie et le Commerce) in central Moroni. The bank applies the EUR-to-KMF peg with a small 1–3% spread. Hotels (Retaj Moroni, Golden Tulip) also exchange but at slightly worse rates. ATMs in Comoros are rare, often offline, and frequently reject foreign cards; treat them as a non-option in your planning. Where they work, they may dispense KMF only. There are no functioning ATMs of any kind on Mohéli or Anjouan, so withdraw or exchange enough francs in Moroni before island-hopping. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in EUR". Curious how this compares to a normal-banking country path? Our ATM fee calculator shows the math for somewhere your card actually works.
Airport counters & resort exchange windows
Three traps to walk past in Comoros. The currency-exchange counter at HAH (Prince Said Ibrahim International) airport in Moroni applies rates 5–10% off the EUR peg, plus per-transaction fees. The exchange windows inside the Retaj and Golden Tulip resort lobbies bake the markup into the rate. And any unofficial "better rate" tout near Volo Volo market or the Moroni medina is most likely a scam. Stick to BIC Comores in central Moroni for cash-to-cash exchange, and budget enough EUR up front because there is essentially no working in-country backup. Comoros does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the (limited) infrastructure.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including EUR-to-KMF timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Comoros
ATM infrastructure in Comoros is extremely limited. Only Moroni has ATMs that sometimes accept foreign cards. Do not rely on ATMs as your primary source of cash. Bring euros as your main money supply and treat ATMs as a backup option only.
BIC Comores (Banque pour l'Industrie et le Commerce)
The most reliable bank for foreign card withdrawals. Their ATM near the main branch on Avenue de la République in Moroni is the best option for Visa card withdrawals. Has a branch in Mutsamudu (Anjouan) as well, though ATM availability there is inconsistent. Try during weekday banking hours for the best chance of success.
Top PickBDC (Banque de Développement des Comores)
A state development bank with a limited ATM presence in Moroni. Their machines occasionally accept Visa cards, but reliability is lower than BIC. Worth trying as a backup if BIC's ATM is out of order or out of cash. Located near the government quarter in Moroni.
Backup Option⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
DCC is essentially nonexistent in Comoros because card transactions are so rare. If you happen to use a card at one of the international hotels in Moroni and the terminal offers to charge in EUR or USD instead of KMF, decline and choose KMF. But realistically, you will be paying cash for nearly everything, making DCC a non-issue here.
ATMs to Avoid in Comoros
With so few ATMs in the country, the main issue is not avoiding bad machines but understanding that most machines simply will not work for foreign cards.
Postal Bank & Microfinance ATMs
The SNPSF (postal savings bank) and microfinance institutions like MECK have ATMs or cash dispensers that serve only local accounts. They do not accept Visa, Mastercard, or any international cards. Do not waste time trying these machines.
AvoidPaying by Card in Comoros
Card Networks
Visa is the only international card network with any chance of working in Comoros, and even that is limited to rare ATM withdrawals and the occasional hotel terminal. Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are not accepted anywhere. If you carry a card, make it Visa, but understand that it is a backup, not your primary payment method.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay do not work in Comoros. There is no tap-to-pay infrastructure anywhere in the country. Mobile money services (Huri Money via Comores Telecom) exist for locals but require a Comorian phone number and bank account. As a tourist, you will not be able to use any digital payment method.
Where Cards May Not Work
Everywhere. Comoros is functionally a cash-only country for tourists. The Volo Volo market in Moroni, all restaurants, all taxis, inter-island ferries, dive operators, hotels on Mohéli and Anjouan, and the Karthala volcano hiking guides all require cash. Even the Retaj Moroni Hotel, the country's most upscale property, may have connectivity issues with its card terminal. Bring enough euros to exchange for your entire stay.
Tipping in Comoros
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not a strong custom in Comoros, but small gestures are appreciated. At restaurants in Moroni, rounding up the bill or leaving 500–1,000 KMF ($1–$2) is generous for a local meal costing 2,000–4,000 KMF. Hotel staff appreciate 500 KMF per bag. Boat operators taking you between islands or to snorkeling spots near Mohéli's marine park typically expect 2,000–5,000 KMF ($4–$11). Karthala volcano guides are the biggest tipping occasion: 5,000–10,000 KMF ($11–$22) for the challenging two-day trek to the summit is standard. Always tip in Comorian francs.
Moroni & Beyond: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
Exchange euros at BIC Comores in Moroni for the best rate. The bank is on Avenue de la République, a short walk from the old medina. Some hotels also exchange euros, though at slightly worse rates. Street money changers exist near the Volo Volo market but rates are not significantly better, and the risk of counterfeit notes is higher.
On Mohéli (the eco-tourism island known for whale watching and Moheli Marine Park), bring all the cash you need from Moroni. There are no reliable ATMs or exchange facilities. Guesthouses and dive operators on Mohéli quote prices in KMF or euros but require cash payment. Budget 20,000–40,000 KMF ($44–$88) per day for accommodation, meals, and activities.
On Anjouan, Mutsamudu (the island capital) has a BIC Comores branch, but its ATM is unreliable. Exchange euros at the bank during business hours if needed. Hotels in Anjouan's beach areas (Domoni, Sima) are cash-only.
Inter-island travel is by small plane (AB Aviation or Int'Air Îles, tickets around 30,000–50,000 KMF / $66–$110 one way) or by dhow/speedboat (cheaper but less comfortable). Flights can often be booked and paid for in Moroni, sometimes in euros. Boats are always cash.
Money Safety in Comoros
Staying Safe
Comoros is generally safe for travelers. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risk is petty theft in the Volo Volo market area and around the port in Moroni, where crowds can be thick. Keep your money in a hidden belt or inner pocket, not in a backpack or loose trouser pocket.
Carry your cash in different places. Since you will need to carry enough cash for your entire trip (especially to Mohéli and Anjouan), split it between your hotel safe, your person, and your luggage. Do not keep all your money in one place.
Power outages are common across all three islands. This means ATMs may be offline when you need them. Another reason to bring enough euros and exchange in advance rather than depending on electronic banking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency does Comoros use?
Comoros uses the Comorian Franc (KMF), pegged to the euro at 1 EUR = 491.968 KMF. A quick shortcut: 1,000 KMF is roughly €2 or about $2.20. Note that Mayotte (the fourth island in the archipelago) is French and uses the euro, not the Comorian franc.
Are there ATMs in Comoros?
ATMs exist but are very limited. BIC Comores in Moroni has the most reliable ATM for foreign Visa cards. Outside Moroni, ATMs are extremely rare and unreliable. On Mohéli and Anjouan, do not count on finding any working ATM that accepts foreign cards. Bring enough euros for your entire trip.
Can I use credit cards in Comoros?
Card acceptance is almost nonexistent. Only one or two international hotels in Moroni may accept Visa. No restaurants, shops, markets, or transport accept cards. Comoros is a cash-only destination for all practical purposes.
Should I bring euros or US dollars to Comoros?
Euros are strongly preferred because the Comorian franc is pegged to the euro. You get a fixed, transparent exchange rate. USD works but attracts a conversion spread of 2–5%. Bring clean €50 and €100 bills for the best rates.
Is Comoros expensive for tourists?
Comoros is moderately priced. Local meals cost 1,500–3,000 KMF ($3–$7). Mid-range hotels run 25,000–50,000 KMF ($55–$110) per night. Shared taxis between towns cost 500–1,500 KMF ($1–$3). The main expense is getting there, as international flights to Moroni are limited and often pricey.
What is the difference between Comoros and Mayotte?
Comoros consists of three islands (Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan) using the Comorian franc. Mayotte is a French overseas territory using the euro, with French banks, ATMs, and significantly higher prices. They are geographically close but have different currencies, visa requirements, and infrastructure levels.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts at the real mid-market rate. Useful at the few ATMs in Moroni that accept foreign cards.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR cash exchange | Best rate (fixed euro peg) | ★★★★☆ | All travelers (primary method) |
| Wise card at BIC ATM | Good (mid-market rate) | ★★☆☆☆ | Backup in Moroni only |
| USD cash exchange | OK (2–5% conversion spread) | ★★☆☆☆ | If you don't have euros |
| Hotel exchange | Fair (slightly worse than bank) | ★★★☆☆ | Convenience outside banking hours |
Comoros Quick Facts
| Currency | Comorian Franc (KMF) |
| Euro Peg | 1 EUR = 491.968 KMF (fixed) |
| Islands | Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan (Mayotte is separate/French) |
| Best ATMs | BIC Comores in Moroni (Visa only, unreliable) |
| Card Acceptance | Almost none. Cash only for all practical purposes |
| Preferred Foreign Currency | Euros (best rate due to fixed peg) |
| Tipping | 500–1,000 KMF at restaurants. More for guides |
| Best Strategy | Bring euros. Exchange at BIC Comores in Moroni. Carry all cash needed for Mohéli/Anjouan |