Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Money
The currency of Namibia is the Namibian dollar (N$). It's divided into 100 cents, and is
linked to the South African rand. The rand is also legal tender in Namibia at a rate of 1:1.
This can be confusing, given that there are three sets of coins and notes in use: old South
African, new South African and Namibian. We quote prices in Namibian and occasionally
US dollars.
Namibian dollar notes come in denominations of N$10, N$20, N$50, N$100 and
N$200, and coins in values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and N$1 and N$5.
Money can be exchanged in banks and exchange offices. Banks generally offer the best
rates, and travellers cheques normally fetch a better rate than cash. When changing
money, you may be given either South African rand or Namibian dollars; if you'll need to
change any leftover currency outside Namibia, the rand is a better choice.
There is no currency black market, so beware of street changers offering unrealistic
rates.
ATMS
Credit cards can be used in ATMs displaying the appropriate sign or to obtain cash ad-
vances over the counter in many banks - Visa and MasterCard are among the most widely
recognised. You'll find ATMs at all the main bank branches throughout Namibia, and this
is undoubtedly the simplest (and safest) way to handle your money while travelling.
CASH
While most major currencies are accepted in Windhoek and Swakopmund, once away
from these two centres you'll run into problems with currencies other than US dollars,
euros, UK pounds and South African rand (you may even struggle with pounds). Play it
safe and carry US dollars - it makes life much simpler.
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS
Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels, and credit-card cash ad-
vances are available from ATMs. Check charges with your bank.
Credit-card cash advances are available at foreign-exchange desks in most major banks,
but set aside at least an hour or two to complete the rather tedious transaction.
Keep the card supplier's emergency number handy in case your card is lost or stolen.
EXCHANGE RATES
