Money Matters

Namibia's currency is the Namibian dollar (N$), which is linked to the South African rand. (Namibia's currency can’t be used in South Africa except unofficially at border towns.) At this writing, the Namibian dollar was trading at about N$10 to US$1. Bureau de change offices at the airports often stay open until late.

There are main branches of major banks near or in the city center of Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay, plus several easy-to-find ATMs. Ask at your accommodation for more information. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere but at street markets, with Visa being the preferred card. South African rand are accepted everywhere. In more rural or remote areas, carry Namibian dollars or South African rand. Note that some gas stations take only cash.

Tipping: Tipping is tricky and depends on where you’re staying and what services you’ve received. Your in-room lodge-information package often makes tipping suggestions. Tips can be given in U.S. or Namibian dollars or South African rand. Most lodges suggest US$10 per person per day for your guide and US$5 per person per day for your tracker.