Namibia Holiday & Travel - Tourist Information - Currency and credit cards
The currency in Namibia is the Namibia Dollar (N$), which is fixed to and equals the South African Rand (ZAR). The Namibia Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services. The Namibia Dollar, however, is not legal tender in South Africa.
Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged during normal banking hours at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country. There are Bureau de Change services at Hosea Kutako International Airport, at three points in the Levinson Arcade in Windhoek’s CBD (Bank Windhoek–American Express, First National Bank Bureau and the Namibia Bureau de Change), Nedbank in Carl List House and Nova Cambios Bureau de Change Namibia at 223 Independence Avenue, Windhoek.
International Visa, Diners Club, American Express and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted, while Speedpoint and ATM facilities assure quick and efficient service.
Holders of other cards are advised to clarify whether their card is acceptable in Namibia with a commercial bank. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. Further information and assistance can be obtained from any commercial bank.
SWIFT, the international funds-transfer system owned by and serving the financial community worldwide, operates at commercial banks in Namibia. Note: No credit cards are accepted for petrol at service stations and it is advised that visitors carry enough cash with them when visiting rural service stations, as garage cards are not usually accepted.
