Money Matters
The currency used is the Namibian Dollar, which is equivalent
to South African Rand. Denominations of N$200.00, N$100.00,
N$50.00, N$20.00 and N$10.00 are issued as notes, and N$5.00,
N$1.00, 50, 10, 05 cents as coins. The Namibia Dollar and
South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. However,
the Namibia Dollar is not legal tender in South Africa.
Credit cards such as MasterCard and International Visa are
generally accepted, while the Speedpoint facility assures
quick and sufficient client service. Visitors are advised
to clarify with a commercial bank whether other cards are
acceptable in Namibia. Further information and assistance
can be obtained from any commercial bank.
Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchange
during normal banking hours at any commercial banks in Namibia.
There is a Bureau de Change service at Windhoek International
Airport.
Entry Formalities
Foreign nationals must be in possession of a valid passport
to visit Namibia. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
after date of entry. A visa is required for all visitors except
nationals of countries with which Namibia has the necessary
visa abolition agreement. Visitors are welcome to remain in
the country for a period of 90 days, while a business visit
may not exceed 30 days. Tourist visas can be obtained from
the Ministry of Home Affairs, at Namibian embassies or at
Namibia Tourism offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Personal Safety
Tourists in any country can become targets. In order to make
your visit a happy and memorable one, the following precautions
should be taken:
Always keep your vehicle locked.
Do not leave visible articles in the car and try to keep
your vehicle in a secure area.
Any valuables should be locked away in a safe place.
Be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pickpockets
or suspicious looking persons.
Make sure your travel insurance covers your valubles.
Make sure that the number of your travellers cheques
are on your receipt and that it is kept in a safe place.
It is always advisable to take out travellers medical
insurance, to be on the safe side.
Telephones
Most of Namibia is now serviced with automatic telephone services.
Some rural region, however, are still serviced by manual exchanges.
In such case, dial the exchange code and wait for the operator
to reply,then state the desired telephone number.
Time Zone
1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time
is observed September to April.
Fishing and Shark-Catching Regulations
The regulations with respect to fishing may change without
prior notice. Fishing is permitted only in the following designated
areas: Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, from the Ugab River mouth to
Walvis Bay and from Pelican Point to Sandwich Harbour.
There are also rules and regulation governing quantities of
the varios species of fish which may be cought and transported,
as well as bait which may be used.
Crayfish season: 1 November to 30th April. Again rules apply
regarding allowable size and quantity.
Legal restrictions on angling, bait, diving and transportation
have been introduced to safeguard the conservation of these
resources. These are strictly enforced by inspectors and it
is advisable to obtain a copy of the rules and regulations
prior to venturing onto the beach areas. Available at tourism
offices in Swakopmund,Walvis Bay and Windhoek.
Cellphone Coverage
Cellphone coverage is limited to major towns only. It is difficult
to make contact in the event of emergencies and it is recomended
that you notify your planned destination of your route and
estimated time of arrival.
Precautions in Remote Places.
A few guidelines for the visitors to Kaokoland, Damaraland
and other remote areas:
Beware of crocodiles in the Kunene river.
Stay on existing roads #45 consider walking to lookout
points than driving out a new track since the area has a fragile
ecosystem that deserves to be treated with care and respect.
Physical damage such as tracks take years to recover.
It is not advisable to attempt going up the Van Zyls
Pass.
Health Regulations
Malaria:
The north of Namibia, including Etosha, is a malaria-epidermic
area and it is strictly advised that travellers not only the
have necessary medication but also carry a suitable lotion
or spray to the skin. You are required to consult a doctor
or local pharmacy on the correct prophylactics for area of
entry. Please be aware of the dangers of bathing in the rivers.
Apart from crocodiles and hippos, most rivers in Africa carry
the bilharzia pathogene.
Driving
Foreign visitors require an international driving licence.
Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Speed limits
are 60 km/h in towns, 120 km/h on tarred roads, and 100 km/h
on gravel roads. Wild animals, especially kudu, running across
the road can cause fatal accidents. Take heed of road signs
warning about the danger of animals crossing the road.
By Air
Windhoek International Airport caters primarily for international
air traffic, while Eros Airport, situated within the municipal
boundaries of Windhoek, handles domestic and regional flights.
All major Namibian tourist destinations have airports, landing
strips and/or heliports to accommodate holidaymakers travelling
by air.
Air Namibia, the national carrier, maintains international
flights to Frankfurt and London, and regional flights to Luanda,
Lusaka, Harare, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Johannesburg
and Cape Town. Flights to local destinations include Swakopmund
and Mokuti Lodge, Tsumeb, Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo, Lόderitz,
Keetmanshoop, the Etosha National Park and Walvis Bay.
Foreign airlines providing a service to Windhoek are South
African Airways, British Airways/Comair, Air Botswana, Air
Zimbabwe, Lufthansa, TAAG and LTU. Local charter companies
include Namibia Civil Aviation, Westair Wings and Cedaro Aviation.
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