Top payment methods in Chad: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Chad? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Chad, with a population of around 18.96 million people, has a GDP of approximately 18.79 billion making it the 133rd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Chad is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
The economy is driven by oil exports, which constitute the vast majority of its revenue, with cotton as a secondary product. It is a member of CEMAC, and its main economic partners are China and France.
| Country | Chad |
|---|---|
| Population | 18.96 million |
| GDP (USD) | 18.79 billion |
| Global Ranking | 133rd |
| Currency | Central African CFA Franc (XAF) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Chad?
The primary payment method for the vast majority of transactions in Chad is physical cash, the Central African CFA franc. The leading digital service for peer-to-peer transfers is Airtel Money. Credit cards are not a functional payment method in the country as acceptance is virtually zero.
How to pay in Chad
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Chad.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cash (Central African CFA franc) | Cash is the only reliable payment method and is essential for all transactions. The economy is almost entirely cash-based. | In-person |
| Mobile Money | Mobile money services from providers like Airtel and Moov are present and represent the most viable form of digital payment in the country, used for basic transfers. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers are used only for very large, formal, or government-related transactions. | Online |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Card acceptance is extremely rare. A few top hotels in the capital, N'Djamena, may accept them, but they should not be relied upon for payments. | In-person |
| Western Union | Like in other nations with limited formal banking, services like Western Union are a key channel for receiving international money transfers. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Chad? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Chad?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Chad.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.