No issues elsewhere, but in Namibia, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
Namibia is partially card-friendly, but expect rejections. In Windhoek, FNB and Standard Bank ATMs were reliable, but outside, many didn’t accept my card. Petrol stations along highways often want cash, and even some guesthouses prefer it. Budget about 700-900 NAD daily if you’re road-tripping with meals and park entries. Don’t risk being stuck without cash-always withdraw extra before long drives across remote areas.
On my trip, Namibia’s ATMs gave mixed results. Absa Bank machines in Windhoek worked fine, but my card was rejected in Damaraland. Most towns had at least one functioning ATM, but you can’t count on it. Restaurants in the capital are card-friendly, but roadside fuel stations and craft markets demand cash. Budget around 800 NAD daily for basic expenses. Always stock up on cash in major towns before heading into the wilderness.
Card acceptance in Namibia is inconsistent. My Mastercard worked in Swakopmund at Nedbank, but two ATMs in Walvis Bay rejected it. Safari lodges accepted cards for bookings, but local shops didn’t. Plan to carry 800-900 NAD daily for petrol, meals, and activities. Withdraw extra cash before driving into remote regions, since some ATMs are unreliable. Namibia is spread out, so running short on cash is stressful.
In Namibia, ATM rejection is fairly common outside big cities. In Windhoek, Standard Bank and FNB ATMs worked with my Visa, but others declined it. Supermarkets and malls take cards, but rural petrol stations and lodges often want cash. Daily budget of 700-1000 NAD covers meals, fuel, and park fees. Always withdraw enough in Windhoek before heading into Etosha or desert areas-don’t assume you’ll find a working machine later.