Currency exchange: The 500 FCFA coin rejected despite its legal validity in Ivory Coast

In Abidjan, the 500 FCFA coin is frequently rejected in certain shops, especially in Koumassi and Marcory, despite the banknote of the same value circulating since 2012. Some merchants and customers cite mistrust, internal instructions, or handling difficulties such as change errors as reasons for refusal. The Ivorian Treasury affirms that this coin remains legal currency in Ivory Coast, but its acceptance in daily transactions is limited.