Money Matters

CURRENCY: The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD) and is divided into 100 cents. Coins are issued in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c, N$1 and N$5. Notes come in denominations of N$10, N$50 and N$100. The Namibian dollar is fixed to and equals the South African Rand on a one-to-one basis. The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services in the country. The Namibian Dollar, however, is not legal tender in South Africa. Traveler's checks and foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, which are well represented throughout the country. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country. In preparation for your journey, you may want to calculate the exchange rate from the US dollar to local currencies. There are several websites that offer a conversion engine. You can also check the Wall Street Journal for currency rate information.
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
http://www.xe.net/ucc
http://www.x-rates.com

CREDIT CARDS, CASH AND ATMS: Some major credit cards are accepted such as MasterCard and Visa, but American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted. Please note that Discover Card is basically unknown in Southern Africa. However, it is advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in small denominations of US Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it. Exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. ATMs may be found in large cities but not in camps and game reserves. Keep your traveler's checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works the best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

TIPPING: Tips for hotel and lodge personnel are usually included in your tour price; however you should be prepared to tip the staff on safari. Tips to your driver and naturalist guides are also at your discretion. A suggested detailed tipping chart will be sent to you with your final documents prior to departure.

SHOPPING: In the major centers, such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, many shops specialize in attractive local products such as diamonds, semi-precious stones, curios of all types including dolls dressed in the traditional Herero style (these are made by Herero woman), hand-carved wooden objects, beautifully fashioned jewelry, shoes made of Kudu leather, karosses (rugs made from the pelts of wild animals), and popular SWAKARA garments. A note of warning: If you intend to ship any of your purchases back home to the United States from your journey, it is highly recommended that you negotiate the shipping charges with the local vendor/mailing service on premises ahead of time. Do not be saddly surprised when your shipment arrives in the U.S. with a large cost attached as sometimes shipping charges can cost more than the actual item. Save yourself a headache (and a hit to your wallet) and negotiate these charges when you send off your prized purchases.

VAT (VALUE-ADDED TAX): Value Added Tax (currently 15%) is levied on all goods and services and is usually included in the advertised price. VAT paid by tourists on certain goods is refundable on departure.

DEPARTURE TAXES: Information specific to your itinerary will be outlined in the final documents/instructions.