No issues elsewhere, but in Kosovo, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
Namibia’s card acceptance is inconsistent. In Windhoek, Absa and Standard Bank ATMs worked well, but outside, I had several failures. Supermarkets and malls were card-friendly, but rural petrol stations and craft markets required cash. For budgeting, 700-900 NAD daily should be safe for meals, lodging, and wildlife activities. Don’t rely on cards during long road trips across desert regions. Withdraw enough before leaving Windhoek or Swakopmund to avoid being stranded without fuel or food.
When I visited Namibia, my cards were hit-or-miss at ATMs. Nedbank machines in Windhoek accepted them, but out near Damaraland they didn’t. Safari lodges sometimes took credit, but many preferred cash. Budget at least 900 NAD daily if including fuel, food, and park entry fees. Namibia is spread out, so running into card rejection far from towns can be stressful. Always stock up on cash before leaving major cities.
Namibia relies on cash in many areas. ATMs in Windhoek malls usually worked with my Mastercard, but in Swakopmund I had two rejections before finding a working FNB machine. Stores and restaurants in tourist areas like Walvis Bay accept cards, but smaller guesthouses didn’t. Budget about 800 NAD per day for meals, activities, and petrol. Don’t depend only on cards while driving long distances-carry enough cash for emergencies and fuel stops.
In Namibia, ATM rejection is not unusual. In Windhoek, Standard Bank and FNB ATMs worked for my Visa, but others didn’t. Stores in shopping malls generally take cards, but once outside the capital, cash is essential. At petrol stations and small lodges, cards often failed. Plan around 700-1000 NAD daily for meals, fuel, and park fees if you’re road-tripping. Always withdraw enough in Windhoek before heading into Etosha or the desert regions.