Is it safe to withdraw cash in Zimbabwe or not?
I used an EcoCash kiosk earlier in the evening, which worked well, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on ATMs late at night. Zimbabwe isn’t particularly unsafe in tourist zones, but once it gets dark, options vanish fast and infrastructure can be inconsistent. Always withdraw during bank hours when help is nearby.
Zimbabwe has gone through currency changes, and even now, USD is more reliable than local cards or banknotes. I was backpacking through Bulawayo and avoided ATMs at night altogether - not due to danger, but unreliability. Machines often run dry or malfunction after hours. I always withdrew during daylight and carried emergency dollars.
While staying in Victoria Falls, I tried withdrawing money after dinner, but the ATM outside the supermarket was out of service. Locals told me it’s best to withdraw during the day because power outages and cash shortages are still a thing. Even when I found a working ATM, the queue was long and it only dispensed small amounts.
I was in Harare and used a CBZ Bank ATM near Samora Machel Avenue around 9 PM. There were street vendors still packing up, and a few taxis nearby. ATM safety at night in Zimbabwe really depends on the area. This spot was decently lit, but I still kept my bag close and didn’t linger. It's smart to use machines next to open businesses or hotels.