Currency.

[Duncs]

Hi all,

We gong to Zambia in 2 weeks and just want to check a couple of things.

1. Cash if we need Kwacha can we draw from an ATM in Lusaka with a SA bank card?
2. In general and up to SLNP are credit cards usually accepted and if not,
3. Which currencies are best Kwacha or USD?

Thanks, appreciate any inputs.

[Chopped]

I can't answer all your questions, but I did draw money in some little town that I have forgotten the name of. With a capitec debit card if that makes any difference.
Usd is only really useful to get kwacha at the airport. My experience anyway. I used kwacha everywhere.

[ozranger]

Hi all,

We gong to Zambia in 2 weeks and just want to check a couple of things.

1. Cash if we need Kwacha can we draw from an ATM in Lusaka with a SA bank card? Yes, most atms are connected to Maestro system so international cards should work fine, just make sure your bank knows that you are going to Zambia to it doesn't get flagged as fraud.
2. In general and up to SLNP are credit cards usually accepted and if not, Credit cards are generally fine at the lodges but cash is still king in Zambia so have enough cash and just swipe where possible. it is pretty common for card machines to not work properly.
3. Which currencies are best Kwacha or USD? Kwacha for sure is much better. USD will work at some tourist facilities but usually at a poor rate. everything else in the country is Kwacha only. If you are bringing $ make sure the notes are new and either $50 or $100 and new notes as changing smaller notes can sometimes give you a worse rate.

Thanks, appreciate any inputs.