Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Zambia: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
I skipped the Lusaka airport bureau in May - brought enough USD to pay taxi fare. Visited FNB in downtown Lusaka next morning and got a far superior rate. The convenience at the airport isn’t worth it, especially with hidden commission charges. If you must use airport, only exchange enough cash for your first ride; everything else is better done in city bank branches.
Just arrived in Livingstone this June and tried airport exchange - felt like daylight robbery: exchange fee, tourist markup, plus commission. Instead I used Barclays (Absa) ATM downtown: better conversion and only a flat $5 fee. I recommend taking out ZMW via ATM immediately when prices are favorable, not relying on airport counters.
In April I compared: at Kenneth Kaunda airport, they quoted ZMW 18 for $1. In town, Stanbic offered ZMW 19.5, and FNB was up to ZMW 20. Those smaller differences add up fast on larger sums. ATM withdrawal (ZMW) then letting your home bank convert beats airport counters unless you're collecting cash late at night. Always check “Without Conversion” on ATM, then let your bank do the rest.
Touched down in Lusaka airport last month and tried the money changer; the rate was awful, plus a 5% commission. I walked into town and hit a Stanbic Bank branch - got a much better rate on USD to ZMW. If you’re landed late and need transport, withdraw a small ZMW sum via ATM or use USD in taxis, then convert in town. Don’t bother exchanging big amounts at the airport.