Money
The Namibian dollar (N$) is divided into 100 cents. This is freely convertible in Namibia; there is no black market and no customs regulations applicable to moving it across borders. It is currently tied to the South African rand so that N$1 = R1. Rand can be used freely in Namibia – nobody even notices. It is though, often difficult to change Namibian dollars once you leave Namibia. The contrary is also valid. Many banks overseas know only the exchange rate for rand and, and don’t supply Namibian dollars, or even quote a rate for it. Buy in the US, prior to your trip, South African rand.
Cash in the form of Namibian dollars or South African rand is essential for buying small items, and in remote areas, although we have to say that we saw a great improvement over my last several trips regarding credit card acceptance. However, cash is essential for tipping when staying at lodges and restaurants.
The major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted by lodges, hotels, restaurants and shops, but American Express and Diners Club cards are increasingly difficult to use. Even smaller towns have ATM’s, either as part of a bank, or inside a supermarket, and withdrawing cash by this means is usually no harder than in the US.
Changing money at any commercial banks is easy, but a lengthy process. Opening hours are not as we are used in the US and smaller towns have weird schedule. You need to have your passport with you and make yourself ready to spend some 15 to 30 minutes to get it done. US$ 100 bills are generally not accepted and bills must be in a very good condition or they will be rejected. US$ bank notes dated before 2003 will not be accepted in Africa due to high number of forgeries.
Keep all valuables and cash well hidden. It is well worth having a small wallet for local currency that is easily accessible for shopping and a separate wallet for credit cards and foreign currency, keep them in different places.
Tipping
Tipping is a very difficult and contentious topic – worth thinking about carefully; thoughtlessly tipping too much is just as bad as tipping too little.
Helpers with baggage might expect a couple of Namibian dollars for their assistance. Restaurants will often add an automatic service charge to the bill, in which case an additional tip is not usually given. If they do not do this, then 10% would certainly be appreciated if the service was good.
If a guide has given you really god service, then a tip of about N$150 (US$10) per guest per day would be a generous reflection of this. If the service hasn’t been that good, then don’t tip.
Phone & WiFi
Phone connection will be possible only in larger towns such as Windhoek, Lüderitz and Walvis Bay. All other places, during our trip, your phone will be off the grid.
Most guesthouses and lodges have WiFi, although not necessarily with good and fast connections and sometimes even not working at all. Better, do not count with any service!
Visa & Passport
A valid passport is required to enter Namibia. Visitors to Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, together with onward travel documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
A visa is required to enter Namibia for all U.S. citizens. You will obtain you tourist visa at arrival to the airport in Windhoek. You will have to fill out a form prior entering the passport control queue. The visa costs some US$50.
It is worth living copies of your itinerary, credit cards, passport, visa and insurance details with family or friends so that they can be contacted in case of emergency. An even better plan is to also email yourself copies of these important documents just in case.
Health
Some vaccines are recommended or required for Namibia. The National Travel Health Network and Center and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Namibia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus. Recommended for most travelers to the region, especially if non vaccinated.
Yellow fever is only needed if you are entering Namibia coming from a country which has Yellow Fever. If you never were vaccinated for it, you will have to get the vaccination at least 10 days prior of entering the country that has Yellow Fever advisory.
COVID-19 travel restrictions, mandatory vaccination and testing prior to travel were all lifted. There is the possibility of changes in this matter and we recommend to get updated at the US Embassy in Namibia at least one month prior to your flight.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Namibia. We will not be even close to any of the malaria areas. You will not need any malaria prophylaxis.
Having a small first aid kit is highly recommendable.
We will be carrying around during our entire tour a GPS and GEOS SOS device to ensure our constant exact positioning and SOS signal in case of a health emergency.
Travel Safety
Namibia is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. However it does have a rather high crime rate. Crime is a serious issue in Namibia’s capital Windhoek and other areas throughout Namibia. Incidents such as muggings and bag snatching happen frequently, especially in areas frequented by foreigners.
Nevertheless, Windhoek is generally friendly, but obviously don’t flash your touristness and your wealth about. Nevertheless, Peter had his ATM card stolen during his last Namibia trip.
Always lock the vehicle up and leave in a secure place when going out or while you are shopping. This is especially important in populated areas. Always leave one of your party with the vehicle to look after it, especially in towns. Never leave cameras and valuables in view and always drive with the doors locked when in towns.
Can I drink the tap water in Namibia?
Tap water is purified in hotels, lodges and other public places so is safe to drink. If you are worried about drinking the tap water, bottled water is available to purchase throughout Namibia.