Money & duty free for Namibia
Exchange rates:
Namibian DollarC$1 = N$10.53
€1 = N$14.69
£1 = N$17.49
US$1 = N$14.13
Currency & Money
The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 30, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$10, 5 and 1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.
The Namibian Dollar is pegged at par with the South African Rand. Both currencies are legal tender and accepted throughout Namibia.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, petrol stations and larger shops, particularly in towns and tourist areas. Cash is useful for smaller businesses, informal markets and remote areas.
Contactless card payments are increasingly common, while mobile payment services are primarily geared towards local users.
ATMs are widely available in Windhoek and other towns and generally accept major international cards. Availability is more limited in remote areas, so travellers should withdraw sufficient cash before leaving larger towns. Bank and card-provider fees may apply to withdrawals.
The import and export of local currency to or from countries outside the Common Monetary Area (CMA) are limited to N$10,000 in banknotes. There is no limit on Namibian currency carried between Namibia and other CMA countries.
The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but cash and other monetary instruments must be declared where required. Foreign currency may generally be exported up to the amount imported and declared.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at authorised banks and bureaux de change. Major currencies, particularly US dollars, euros and pounds sterling, are the easiest to exchange. The South African rand can be used directly in Namibia at par with the Namibian dollar. However, Namibian dollars cannot be spent in South Africa, so travellers should exchange or spend remaining notes before departure.
Namibia duty free
The following may be imported into Namibia by persons aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• Other goods up to a value of N$5,000.
These allowances generally apply to residents returning to Namibia after an absence of more than 48 hours and may be claimed only once within a 30-day period.
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.
Prohibited imports include narcotic drugs and certain other controlled substances, while firearms, ammunition and explosives are subject to strict permit requirements. Restricted goods include live animals and animal products, meat, honey, certain agricultural products, raw hides and skins, diamonds, gold and used pneumatic tyres.
Travellers bringing firearms and ammunition into Namibia for hunting must obtain the required permits. The import of protected wild fauna and flora, and products derived from them, may also require permits.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
The export of protected wildlife and wildlife products, certain plants and plant products, and unprocessed minerals such as diamonds may be prohibited or require official permits and documentation. Restrictions also apply to archaeological, historical and cultural artefacts. Travellers should obtain the necessary permits before attempting to export any controlled items.
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