Zambia, home to the mighty Victoria Falls and abundant wildlife, offers a mix of natural wonders and warm hospitality. Whether you’re on safari in South Luangwa, exploring Lusaka’s markets, or marveling at “The Smoke That Thunders” in Livingstone, knowing how to handle your money is essential. While cards are accepted at major hotels and lodges, cash is still widely used for transport, local shops, and rural areas. This guide provides key information on cash and ATMs in Zambia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, helping you stay prepared for your adventure.
Where to find ATMs in Zambia?
ATMs are widely available in major cities such as Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Livingstone. You’ll find machines at shopping malls (e.g., Manda Hill, Levy Junction), university campuses, fuel stations, and near government buildings. Banks like Stanbic Bank, Zanaco, FNB Zambia, and Barclays (Absa) operate most ATM networks. Machines dispense Zambian kwacha (ZMW) and typically support Visa and Mastercard cards. International withdrawal limits and charges may vary.
Tourist Spots:
In Livingstone, near Victoria Falls, ATMs are available around the city center, at the airport, and near major hotels and lodges. Tourist-heavy areas tend to have reliable ATM access, though machines may occasionally run out of cash or go offline, especially during weekends or public holidays.
Rural Areas:
In smaller towns and villages, ATM availability is significantly lower. Machines may not accept foreign cards or may be out of service due to power or network issues. If you’re traveling to national parks (like South Luangwa or Kafue) or rural communities, it’s essential to withdraw cash in a city beforehand, as local vendors often operate on a cash-only basis.
Best ATMs to use in Zambia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Zambia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Indo-Zambia Bank,
- Access Bank,
- Ecobank, and
- First National Bank.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Zambia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Zambia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in ZMW).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in ZMW’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Zambia?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Zambia. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. However, some of them accept both types of cards and some of them accept only Visa or only Mastercard. Majority of them do not accept other card types such as American Express, Diners, Discover, Rupay, CUP, JCB, Maestro cards.
What are the ATM opening hours?
In cities like Lusaka, Livingstone, and Ndola, ATMs are generally accessible 24/7, especially those attached to malls, hotels, and major bank branches. However, machine reliability and cash availability can vary.
What are ATMs called in Zambia?
They are simply referred to as “ATMs”, with signage often branded by banks such as Stanbic Bank, Zanaco, and Barclays (Absa), etc.
Language options at ATMs
Most ATMs operate in English, Zambia’s official language. Interfaces are simple to understand.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Zambia?
ATMs in Zambia dispense only Zambian kwacha (ZMW), the official national currency. Despite the frequent usage of U.S. dollars in border towns, no foreign currencies are available via ATM.
ATM withdrawal limits in Zambia?
ATMs in Zambia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of ZMW 3,000 to ZMW 6000 per transaction. One bank has a lower limit of ZMW 2,000 per transaction and one bank offers as high as ZMW 6,000 per transaction Most banks have daily withdrawal limits of ZMW 25,000.
ATM Fees in Zambia
There are some fee-free ATMs in Zambia. Some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees for foreign card holders while many others charge ZMW 20 to ZMW 23 per transaction as ATM Fees. So you can use the ones with no ATM Fees here.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Zambia. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Zambia
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Zambia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Zambia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Zambia. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Zambia is generally safe for travelers, but like in many urban centers, petty crime such as pickpocketing and ATM fraud can occur in cities like Lusaka and Livingstone. Stick to using ATMs located inside bank branches, shopping malls, or reputable hotels for added security. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash or using outdoor ATMs at night. Be cautious of anyone loitering nearby or offering help. Shield your PIN, keep transaction slips, and monitor your account for any unusual activity.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Zambia takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Zambia?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Zambia. Some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees for foreign card holders while many others charge ZMW 20 to ZMW 23 per transaction as ATM Fees. So you can use the ones with no ATM Fees here.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Zambia?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Zambia and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no confirmed Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Zambia. While providers like Coinhub have signaled expansion plans, no physical crypto kiosks have yet been verified at locations in Lusaka or elsewhere.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Zambia
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: Yes, Citibank has branches in Zambia (e.g. Lusaka) but does not operate consumer-facing standalone ATMs.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has rebranded to Absa in Zambia and does not operate under the Barclays name.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate retail ATMs in Zambia.
- Standard Chartered: Yes, Standard Chartered operates ATMs through its established Zambian branches.
