Official rate vs parallel market rate for the Sudanese pound

Last reviewed: 2026-10

A simple explanation of the official exchange rate and the parallel market rate, why they differ, and which to rely on when sending money.

What is the official rate?

The official rate is the exchange rate announced by the central bank and used by banks and government bodies in formal transactions. It changes when a new decision or bulletin is issued and does not always reflect daily market activity.

What is the parallel market rate?

It is the actual rate at which people and offices exchange currencies outside banks. It follows supply and demand, the availability of hard currency and economic events, so it moves during the day and is often higher than the official rate.

Why do the two rates differ?

When demand for foreign currency exceeds what is available through official channels, many people turn to the parallel market and its price rises. The wider the gap, the more important it is to know the rate you will actually deal at before you send money.

Which rate should I rely on when sending money?

Transfers through offices are normally priced close to the parallel market, but the final rate is set by the office and may differ from the published one. Our rates are a general reference, not the rate of a specific office, so agree on the final rate and on the amount the recipient will receive before you pay.

How can I follow the rates?

We update the parallel market rate daily after following the market and publish the official rate when it is released. The time of the last update is shown at the top of every page, and you can set a price alert that reaches you on Telegram.

This is the general parallel market rate for reference, not an office rate. The office sets the final transfer rate.