Money in Namibia
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- NADNamibian dollar
- Symbol
- N$
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Namibia
Pegged 1:1 to the South African rand, which most places also accept.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is essential for small purchases, markets and rural areas. Wild Wings Safaris suggests ZAR 500 to 1,000 per person for incidentals, fuel and tips, and says park entry fees are often cash only.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely available in urban areas and larger towns, and Standard Bank, FNB, Bank Windhoek and Nedbank ATMs take Visa. Withdraw in larger towns along your route because ATMs are limited outside major cities.
- Foreign currency
- The Namibian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand and both are said to be accepted throughout the country; sources opened do not say whether US dollars are accepted for everyday payments.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at banks, bureaux and major shopping centres, with many bureaux on Independence Avenue in Windhoek. Rural areas generally have no exchange service.
- Watch out for
- Exchange leftover Namibian dollars before crossing into South Africa, since the currency is not used there and exchange rates are lower than 1:1 (My Guide Namibia, 2016). Cards at fuel stations and some shops may carry a commission.
Tipping in Namibia
Around 10% in restaurants. Tip safari guides, lodge staff and fuel attendants.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Wild Wings Safaris, My Guide Namibia, Wendy Wu Tours, Jacada Travel, Namibia Tours & Safaris, Expert Africa.
Convert to and from NAD
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16.60 NAD | 18.60 NAD | 22.28 NAD |
| 10 | 166 NAD | 186 NAD | 223 NAD |
| 50 | 830 NAD | 930 NAD | 1,114 NAD |
| 100 | 1,660 NAD | 1,860 NAD | 2,228 NAD |
| 500 | 8,302 NAD | 9,301 NAD | 11,140 NAD |
What each amount is worth in NAD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Namibia use?
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD).
Do you need to tip in Namibia?
Expected. Around 10% in restaurants. Tip safari guides, lodge staff and fuel attendants.
Can you pay by card in Namibia?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is essential for small purchases, markets and rural areas. Wild Wings Safaris suggests ZAR 500 to 1,000 per person for incidentals, fuel and tips, and says park entry fees are often cash only.
Are there ATMs in Namibia?
ATMs are widely available in urban areas and larger towns, and Standard Bank, FNB, Bank Windhoek and Nedbank ATMs take Visa. Withdraw in larger towns along your route because ATMs are limited outside major cities.