Better to bring US dollars, Sterling, Euros or South African Rand into Namibia?
I will need to bring around US$7000 worth of currency into Namibia for a short stay.
(Note that the Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African Rand, and Rand are accepted in place of Namibian dollars everywhere in Namibia.)
Would it be better to:
- carry euros or sterling and exchange it at a local bank or bureau
- exchange euros or sterling into South African rand in Europe before travelling
- use a MasterCard in Namibia at a bank to obtain the local currency needed?
Another option is to convert euros/sterling into US dollars before travelling and to carry those.
In the past, I have bought rand in Europe before travelling, and that has been fine. On this occasion the sums are larger and any losses in exchange will be magnified.
Best Answer
Our usual advice is to take plastic to the country and use ATMs (or a bank) when there. Make sure that your debit card does not charge excessive fees for foreign withdrawals. We have several threads on finding a bank for which this is true.
In your case, however, you may hit maximum withdrawal limits. You certainly can't get $7000 US (or its local equivalent) from an ATM in one day. Maybe in three days. I don't know if these limits would apply to a face-to-face withdrawal at a bank.
I discourage carrying large sums of cash. A legitimate safari will accept payment by card. I can't think of any way to spend that much money in "a few days" in Namibia that doesn't involve something dodgy.
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What is the best currency to take to Namibia?
The Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand are both used side by side as the countries currency. They are valued at 1 : 1. You will only be able to get Namibian Dollars once you reach Namibia. But, I suggest you take South African Rand and use them instead.Is Rand accepted in Namibia?
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia.Can I use euros in Namibia?
Paying with cash in Namibia 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 the South Africa rand (you may even struggle with pounds).Are US dollars accepted in South Africa?
In most African countries, the US Dollar is acceptable for payments made in local currency, but in certain cases it is more appropriate to tip the service provider.To be sure that tips are paid on a Rand basis, South Africans should provide it here.Namibia Currency | South Africa Rand to Namibian Dollar | us Dollar, Rupee, Pound to Namibian Dollar
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