Money and duty free for Namibia

Currency and Money

Currency information

The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 30, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.

The Namibian Dollar is at par with the South African Rand, meaning they are interchanged at equal value. Both currencies are accepted in Namibia.

Credit cards

Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted by many hotels and restaurants, but petrol stations throughout the country and shops in remote places accept cash only.

ATM

ATMs can be found in most towns. To ensure smooth transactions, notify your bank of your intended travel to Namibia before your trip.

Travellers cheques

Travellers' cheques are no longer popular and should be avoided.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1230. Note that at the end of the month, when many government employees are paid, queues at the banks can be long.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency are limited to N$50,000.

The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency exchange

Available in banks and at bureaux de change, as well as at Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Namibia duty free

Overview

The following may be imported into Namibia by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• Gifts to the value of N$1,250.

Import regulations apply to residents who have been out of Namibia for more than 48 hours and are subject to once in a calendar month. Namibians who have been out of the country for less than six months must declare all watches and fur garments purchased abroad or in a duty-free shop in Namibia.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include narcotics, firearms and ammunition (other than for hunting purposes) and explosives. Imports of live animals, meat, honey, cereal (wheat, maize), raw hide and skins, diamonds, gold, and used pneumatic tires are also restricted.

Passengers carrying firearms and ammunition for only hunting purposes must apply for a permit before entering the country. Wild fauna and flora also require an import permit.

Banned Exports

Prohibited exports include endangered species, narcotics, ivory, rhino horn, and protected cultural artefacts.