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 the Namibia Bureau de Change in the Levinson Arcade in Windhoek’s CBD, American Express, Thomas Cook, Standard Bank Bureau de Change and First National Bank Bureau de Change, all in Independence Avenue, Casa de Cambio Forex in Wernhil, and the Nova Cambois Bureau de Change Namibia, with branches in Independence Avenue and Maerua Mall.

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: Petrol can be bought with internationally accepted debit or credit cards if the service station has existing point-of-sale devices. Fuel retailers still have the option of whether or not to accept these cards as payment. If they choose to accept cards, a notice to this end should be displayed. Fuel can officially be paid for with Visa/MasterCard debit or credit cards at the following service stations: Windhoek, Walter Motors; Tsumkwe; Lüderitz-, Coastway Tours; Twyfelfontein, Country Lodge; Solitaire, Country Lodge.

Petrol cards can also be used as an alternative means of payment. It is advised that visitors carry enough cash with them when visiting rural service stations, as garage cards are not usually accepted.