Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Namibia - cash only, or do cards work too?
Honestly, I found Windhoek’s shared taxis very efficient. From my lodge near Klein Windhoek, I could jump in a shared cab for N$13, hand over cash, and be in the city center within minutes. No apps or cards, but because ATMs like Nedbank and Standard Bank are so common in Maerua Mall and along Independence Avenue, I never struggled. The drivers knew all the shortcuts and would even drop me closer to Joe’s Beerhouse for a small extra. Yes, it’s cash, but it works smoothly if you’re prepared.
Public transport in Namibia felt behind compared to other countries I’ve been to. Staying in Hochland Park, I tried the municipal buses and shared taxis, and both insisted on small cash notes. One time I only had a N$200 note from a Standard Bank ATM, and the driver flat-out refused me. No prepaid cards, no contactless, no app. If you’re used to just tapping your Revolut or N26, forget it - here it’s cash or nothing. Tourists really need to plan ahead and keep change ready.
When I was staying at Chameleon Backpackers in Windhoek, I used minibuses and shared taxis daily to get around Katutura and Eros. Every driver expected cash in Namibian dollars, and they often got annoyed if I pulled out bigger notes from the FNB ATM near Zoo Park. Once, I asked if I could tap my Visa card - not a chance. Even the buses at Rhino Park terminal were strictly cash. My advice: keep a stack of N$10 and N$20 notes handy, it’ll save you from headaches when drivers can’t give change.
Namibia doesn’t have a metro system, but Windhoek does have city buses and shared taxis. When I stayed near Independence Avenue, I noticed buses run by the City of Windhoek only accepted cash, usually small Namibian dollar notes or coins. I tried asking about card payments, but the driver laughed. Shared taxis are even more common - you just flag one on Sam Nujoma Drive and hand over around N$13 in cash. ATMs from Bank Windhoek and Standard Bank are everywhere, so getting change isn’t hard, but cards won’t work for fares.