New Caledonia's currency is the Pacific franc, which is abbreviated to either CFP or XPF. The Pacific franc is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of exchange, with international exchange rates applying to all other currencies, including Australian and New Zealand dollars.

In Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, the official currency is the CFP Franc (XPF). This is the same currency used in French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna. The acronym "CFP" originally stood for Colonies Françaises du Pacifique, though it is now officially the Change Franc Pacifique. One of the most important things to know is that the XPF is pegged to the Euro at a fixed exchange rate (1€=119.33 XPF), which provides price stability for travelers coming from Europe. While major hotels, large restaurants, and supermarkets in Nouméa widely accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), you will definitely need cash for smaller purchases at local markets, "roulottes" (food trucks), or when traveling to the more remote islands like the Isle of Pines. ATMs are plentiful throughout Nouméa, but it is wise to carry some cash as back-up. Australian and New Zealand dollars are sometimes accepted in very touristy areas or near the cruise ship terminal, but usually at a very poor exchange rate, so paying in the local "Franc" is always recommended.