Places to exchange currency in Namibia

When I first visited Namibia, I exchanged $200 at the airport counter and instantly realized I’d lost value. On my next trip, I just used a Standard Bank ATM at arrivals and withdrew Namibian dollars directly. Worked perfectly. Later, in Swakopmund, I saw that shops also took rand, which was convenient since I had some leftover from South Africa. Out in Etosha, cash was essential since cards weren’t always accepted. My advice: use airport ATMs and skip the counters completely.

Airport counters in Namibia have poor rates, so stick to ATMs. Standard Bank, FNB, Bank Windhoek, and Nedbank all operate machines at Hosea Kutako Airport. Withdraw Namibian dollars there for taxis and meals. If you’re carrying South African rand, it’s accepted 1:1 in most places. Outside Windhoek, ATMs can be sparse, so plan ahead if heading to Etosha or the desert. My routine: withdraw a few thousand Namibian dollars at the airport ATM, then carry cash for rural travel.

I wouldn’t bother exchanging at the airport in Windhoek. ATMs from FNB, Standard Bank, and Nedbank work well and are safe. They give you Namibian dollars directly at proper rates. Since the Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African rand, I often bring some ZAR with me, which works everywhere. I usually withdraw about N$1000 at the airport, then rely on ATMs in town. Cash is important in rural areas, so stock up before leaving Windhoek.

At Hosea Kutako Airport in Windhoek you’ll see exchange counters, but they’re overpriced. I usually just grab cash from ATMs. Standard Bank, FNB, and Bank Windhoek have ATMs at the airport and across the country. They dispense Namibian dollars at the official rate. South African rand is also accepted 1:1, so if you’re carrying ZAR you don’t need to exchange at all. My approach is to withdraw N$500-1000 on arrival, then use cash for taxis, food, and smaller shops.