In Libreville, there are two bustling markets at Akebe-Plaine, Nkembo and Mon-Bouet. Stone carvings can be bought on the outskirts of both, fashioned by a group of carvers who have adapted traditional skills for the tourist market. Crafts from local villages can also be bought from stalls in the streets or from the villagers themselves. African (Fang) mask carvings, figurines, clay pots and traditional musical instruments can also be bought.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900. Some shops close Monday.
Currency Information:CurrencyCFA (
Communauté Financière
Africaine) Franc (XAF; symbol CFAfr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XAF10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.
Only currency issued by the
Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the
Banque des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Note: Libreville is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Currency ExchangeGabon is part of the French Monetary Area.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, MasterCard and Visa are not widely accepted.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0730-1130, 1430-1630.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | XAF969.87 |
| $1.00= | XAF490.65 |
| €1.00= | XAF655.96 |
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