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Money & duty free for Namibia
Exchange rates:
Namibian Dollar€1 = N$12.08
£1 = N$14.27
US$1 = N$9.43
Money & Currency
Currency information:
The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Namibia.
Credit cards:
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM. Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.
ATM:
Although ATMs can be found in most towns, it’s worth making sure that you’ve got enough cash handy at all times, as towns can be few and far between. Make sure you notify your bank of your travel plans before you go: Namibia is among the countries that trigger an automatic account freeze (fraud protection) if you fail to tell your bank beforehand.
Travellers cheques:
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for traveller’s cheques than for cash.
Banking hours:
Mon-Fri 0900-1530; Sat 0900-1100. Note that at the end of the month, when many government employees are paid, queues at the banks can be several hours long.
Currency restriction:
The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided it's declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited 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
Like many African countries, Namibia has relatively relaxed customs rules, although export and import of items such as ivory, rhino horn, drugs and military weapons can incur severe punishments. Exporting other goods is freely allowed – provided they don’t exceed around N$1250 in value. The exception is television sets, which will incur a levy. 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$50,000 (including value of imported duty-free items).
Banned imports:
Hunting rifles need a permit issued by customs when entering the country. Special authorisation is required for the import of endangered species. Plants or plant materials require a permit obtained in advance. Prohibited imports include narcotics, illegal drugs in any form, automatic weapons, handguns, unnumbered weapons, toxic and poisonous substances.
Banned exports:
Prohibited exports include endangered species illicit drugs, stolen property, protected cultural artefacts. Permits must be obtained in order to export the following: Military weapons, ammunition, explosives, firearms, conflict diamonds and minerals, pornography as defined by the export country and products which violate national intellectual property protection law (e.g. counterfeit goods, mis-branded products). Ivory, rhino horn or any other part of an endangered or protected animal are also banned.