Need cash when I land, best place in Eswatini? Airport or places in the city?
Best approach in Eswatini is: change about €20-€30 at the airport for a taxi, then head to Mbabane or Manzini. FNB and Nedbank ATMs near the malls are reliable, and Imali Exchange usually beats the banks for cash exchange. Carry rand as well since it’s accepted everywhere at par with lilangeni. If you have Visa, you’ll be fine at most ATMs.
I landed late and had no choice but to use the exchange counter at King Mswati III Airport. Rates were terrible compared to what I later found at Nedbank in Manzini - I think I lost 10-12% on the exchange. ATMs at the airport also seemed to be down. My Revolut card worked fine later in Mbabane, but avoid changing more than the minimum at the airport if you can.
I changed a small amount at the airport just for taxis, then used my Wise Visa at an FNB ATM in Mbabane near The Gables Mall. Got a decent rate and no hidden fees besides my bank’s. A friend staying at Legends Backpacker Lodge in Mbabane recommended Imali Exchange, and they gave me a much better rate than the airport. Honestly, if you can wait until you’re in town, you’ll save some money.
At King Mswati III International Airport, there are a couple of exchange counters, but the rates aren’t great. You’ll do better in Mbabane or Manzini at bureaus like Imali Exchange or straight at Standard Bank and First National Bank (FNB) branches. ATMs from Nedbank and Eswatini Bank also accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. If you land late, the airport counters are fine for small amounts, but for bigger withdrawals, wait until you’re in the city.