In Abidjan, the Ivorian economic capital, you can not spend a day without hearing this sentence. To believe that the small currency has disappeared from circulation.
In pharmacies, it is no longer surprising to be given candy or tablet pads instead of 25 pieces; 50 or 100 francs. Communal taxi drivers always ask you if you have the exact change before boarding their car. It is the same for all small traders. Conflicts are not uncommon.
Recently, it was the toll station of the Henry Konan Bédié bridge that entered the dance after the unpopular decision to accept only 2000, 1000 and 500 FCFA tickets in 2016. Users are asked to prepare “La exact currency “now. The briefing note says exactly: “” Out of Currency: as of Thursday, November 9, 2017, prepare the exact amount at the toll “. Fortunately it did not last very long … We must believe that the protest raised by this decision is for something.
One might wonder if the amount of small money made available by the central bank is insufficient. But one thing is certain: this situation suits many people. Especially those who trade small currencies. Some merchants and taximen do not hesitate to collect small change all day long to sell them at a higher value. It is not uncommon to see some traffic lights of individuals offer small change. For example, you will get 900 francs in “chips” for a ticket of 1000 francs.
Not to mention that there is also reported a coin melting circuit for the manufacture of jewelry.
All things that are not made to fix things.
