Need cash when I land, best place in Zimbabwe? Airport or places in the city?
I stepped off a flight into Zimbabwe in April and exchanged $50 at the airport bureau - saved it for taxi fare. Once in Harare CBD, I went to Stanbic Bank. Much better rates, no hidden fees. They also let me withdraw cash using my UK Visa card. Now I carry minimal USD for arrival transfers and do actual currency conversions at city banks. For anyone landing, that’s the smartest mix.
Arrived in Victoria Falls in June, expecting to use my Amex - but couldn’t even get past passport control. The airport bureau only took cash and offered lousy rates. I waited till town to visit CBZ Bank - they had a friendly teller, legit rates, and better notes. If you land early, limit your airport exchange to what you need for the taxi, then convert more in town. It felt way safer and more transparent.
Touching down in Bulawayo this March, I skipped the airport exchangers entirely. Instead took a ride to FBC’s main branch downtown. Their posted rate for USD/ZWL was clearly higher than the airport’s nominal “tourist rate.” While you do need initial funds for taxis, I’d suggest USD cash from home, then convert in city centres at bank desks. That also avoids the dreaded “commission” line you get at airport money changers.
Landed at Harare International (HRE) in May and hit the airport forex counter first - rates were sketchy and service slow. I walked a few minutes to Access Bank’s branch outside the terminal and got a much better rate on USD to ZWL. If you land late, though, the airport’s the only option. My move now: withdraw some USD at Access Bank or CABS in the city before switching to ZWL. That combo worked smoothly for my patchy travel across Midlands.