Money and duty free for Malawi
Currency and Money
Currency information
Malawian Kwacha (MWK; symbol MK) = 100 tambala. Notes are in denominations of MK5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of MK50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50 tambala.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are accepted at larger hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and other businesses in Lilongwe, Blantyre and the main tourist areas. Smaller businesses, markets and establishments in rural areas often accept cash only, and card payment systems may occasionally be affected by power cuts or network problems.
Mobile money services are widely used in Malawi, particularly Airtel Money and Mpamba. They are primarily designed for users with local mobile accounts, so international visitors may find cash and bank cards more convenient for short stays.
ATM
ATMs are available in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and other larger towns, as well as at some shopping centres and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted by many bank-operated ATMs, though machines may occasionally be out of service or run out of cash.
ATMs are less common in rural areas and around remote tourist destinations, so travellers should carry sufficient cash when travelling outside the main towns. Withdrawal limits and bank charges vary between banks.
Banking hours
Mon to Fri 08:00 to 15:00; Sat 08:00 to 11:00.
Currency restrictions
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported into Malawi, but all foreign currency must be declared on arrival. Travellers should keep the currency declaration receipt, as foreign currency taken out of the country may be limited to the amount declared on entry.
The import and export of Malawian kwacha are subject to restrictions, and travellers should check current regulations before travelling with large amounts of local currency.
Malawi residents are subject to different currency regulations and should check current requirements with the relevant authorities before travelling.
Malawi duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Malawi by passengers aged 16 years and above without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco in any form.
• 1L of spirits.
• 1L of wine or beer.
• 250ml of eau de toilette and 50ml of perfume.
• Other goods to the value of K300,000 per person.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports include narcotics, psychotropic substances, hazardous chemical substances and other goods prohibited under Malawian law.
Many agricultural products and foodstuffs are subject to import controls and may require permits, health certificates or phytosanitary documentation. These include certain meat and animal products, dairy products, eggs, fish, honey, fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds and other agricultural goods.
This list is not exhaustive, and travellers carrying food, plants or animal products should check current requirements with the Malawi Revenue Authority or relevant authorities before departure.