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Money in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has a complex monetary system that has evolved through years of economic challenges. Understanding the current currency situation and payment options will help you manage your finances effectively during your visit.

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Current Currency Situation

Zimbabwe’s currency landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years:
In April 2024, Zimbabwe introduced a new currency called the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), replacing the Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL). Key points about the ZiG:
  • Backed by gold and other precious metal reserves
  • Currency code: ZWG
  • Available as both notes and coins
  • Exchange rates more stable than previous currencies
  • Most businesses accept ZiG for goods and services
Note: As this is a relatively new currency, the situation may evolve. Check the latest updates before your trip.
The US Dollar remains widely used throughout Zimbabwe:
  • Officially recognized for transactions
  • Preferred currency for tourism services (hotels, tours, national parks)
  • Accepted almost everywhere, including small businesses and rural areas
  • Often receives better pricing than local currency payments
  • Main currency for high-value transactions
Tip: The US Dollar is still the most reliable currency to carry in Zimbabwe.
While the US Dollar dominates, other foreign currencies have limited acceptance:
  • South African Rand (ZAR): Widely accepted in southern Zimbabwe and border areas
  • Euro (EUR): Accepted at major hotels and tourism businesses
  • British Pound (GBP): Limited acceptance in tourism establishments
  • Botswana Pula (BWP): Accepted near the Botswana border
Exchange rates for these currencies are typically less favorable than for USD.

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Payment Methods

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Cash Payments

Cash remains the most reliable payment method in Zimbabwe, especially outside major cities:US Dollar Notes:
  • Bring clean, newer bills printed after 2009
  • Small denominations (1,1, 5, 10,10, 20) highly valuable
  • 50and50 and 100 bills sometimes difficult to use
  • Counterfeit detection markers often used for larger bills
Local Currency (ZiG):
  • Useful for small purchases, markets, and public transport
  • Obtain from official banks and exchange offices only
  • Exchange rates can fluctuate
  • Consider changing small amounts frequently rather than large sums
Change Issues:
  • Change shortages are common; exact amounts appreciated
  • Small USD bills (1−1-5) often used as change
  • Sometimes change given in local currency even for USD payments

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Card Payments

Card acceptance is improving but still limited:Credit/Debit Cards:
  • Visa and Mastercard accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and upscale establishments
  • AmEx and other cards have very limited acceptance
  • International transaction fees often apply (check with your bank)
  • Sometimes incur additional local surcharges
  • Many businesses require minimum purchase amounts
  • Network connectivity issues can affect processing
Mobile Payments:
  • Increasingly common, especially in urban areas
  • Services include EcoCash, OneMoney, and Telecash
  • Require local mobile number and registration
  • Not practical for most short-term visitors
Contactless Payments:
  • Limited but growing in large supermarkets and hotels
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay have minimal acceptance

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ATM Withdrawals

ATMs are available in cities and major tourist destinations:Availability:
  • Major banks: CBZ, FBC, Stanbic, Standard Chartered
  • Mostly dispense USD, though some offer local currency
  • Victoria Falls, Harare, and Bulawayo have the most reliable ATMs
  • Rural areas have very limited or no ATM access
Withdrawal Limits:
  • Typically 50−50-200 USD per transaction
  • Multiple withdrawals may be possible
  • Daily limits apply (both local bank and your home bank)
Reliability Issues:
  • Cash shortages can mean empty ATMs
  • Power outages affect availability
  • Higher reliability at ATMs in major hotels and shopping centers
Fees:
  • Local ATM fees: $2-5 per transaction
  • Your bank’s international withdrawal fees
  • Currency conversion charges
Security:
  • Use ATMs in secure locations (inside banks, hotels, shopping centers)
  • Shield PIN entry and be aware of surroundings
  • Avoid ATM use at night when possible

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Money Exchange

Important: Only exchange currency at official locations. Black market exchange is illegal and extremely risky, potentially resulting in counterfeit notes, robbery, or legal troubles.

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Official Exchange Options

Commercial Banks

  • Most secure exchange option
  • Official rates with receipts
  • Require passport identification
  • Often have long queues
  • Limited operating hours (typically 8am-3pm weekdays)

Bureau de Change

  • Located in major cities and tourist areas
  • Slightly better rates than banks sometimes
  • Faster service with shorter queues
  • Verify they are officially licensed
  • May have wider operating hours

Hotels

  • Convenient but worst exchange rates
  • Good for emergency exchanges
  • Available to hotel guests
  • Often have higher minimum exchange amounts
  • Provide receipts for all transactions

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Estimated Costs

  • Budget meal (local restaurant): $3-7
  • Mid-range restaurant: $10-20 per person
  • High-end restaurant: $25-50+ per person
  • Street food/fast food: $2-5
  • Bottle of water: $0.50-1
  • Local beer: $1-3
  • Coffee at café: $2-4
  • Intercity bus (e.g., Harare to Bulawayo): $15-25
  • Short taxi ride: $3-5
  • Airport transfer (Victoria Falls): $20-30
  • Car rental: $50-80 per day (plus fuel)
  • Fuel: Approximately $1.50-1.80 per liter
  • Local minibus/kombi: $0.50-1 per trip
  • Backpacker/hostel: $10-25 per night
  • Budget hotel: $30-60 per night
  • Mid-range hotel: $70-150 per night
  • Luxury lodge: $250-800+ per night
  • Camping: $5-20 per person
  • National Park entry: $15-30 per day
  • Victoria Falls entry: $30
  • Game drive: $40-120
  • White water rafting: $120-150
  • Helicopter flight (Victoria Falls): $150-330
  • Sunset cruise: $50-85
  • Guided tour (half day): $30-60

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Budget Planning

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Total Daily Budget Estimates

Budget Traveler

$50-80 per day including:
  • Hostel/budget accommodation
  • Public transportation
  • Self-catering and local eateries
  • Limited paid activities
  • Free/low-cost attractions

Mid-range

$120-200 per day including:
  • 3-star hotels
  • Some taxis/private transportation
  • Restaurant meals
  • Daily activities/entrance fees
  • Occasional souvenirs

Luxury

$300-1,000+ per day including:
  • 4-5 star hotels and lodges
  • Private transfers/vehicle
  • Fine dining
  • Premium activities
  • Shopping and souvenirs
Safari Costs: Safari packages typically range from 150−500+perpersonperdaydependingonaccommodationlevel,withall−inclusiveluxurysafarisreaching150-500+ per person per day depending on accommodation level, with all-inclusive luxury safaris reaching 800-1,200 per day. These often represent better value than arranging components separately.

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Money-Saving Tips

Practical ways to make your money go further:
  • Negotiate prices at markets and for unmetered taxis (respectfully and within reason)
  • Carry small USD bills to avoid change problems and overpaying
  • Use local transport (kombis/minibuses) for authentic experience and cost savings
  • Visit national parks mid-week for reduced crowds and sometimes promotions
  • Travel during shoulder season (April-June, September) for lower accommodation rates
  • Self-cater occasionally using supermarkets in major towns
  • Group activities often have per-person discounts for larger numbers
  • Combine border crossings with a KAZA Univisa if visiting multiple countries
  • Drink local beverages like Zambezi Lager instead of imported options

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Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is expected in the tourism industry, and many workers depend on tips to supplement their income:

Restaurants

  • 10-15% of bill for good service
  • Check if service charge already included
  • Tip in USD when possible

Hotels

  • Porters: $1-2 per bag
  • Housekeeping: $1-2 per day
  • Room service: 10% of bill
  • Concierge: $5-10 for special assistance

Safari & Tours

  • Safari guides: $10-20 per person per day
  • Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day
  • Trackers: $5-10 per day
  • Drivers: $3-5 per journey
Tipping is typically done at the end of your stay or tour for multi-day services. Many lodges have staff tip boxes that are shared equally among all staff.

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Money Safety

Keep your money secure:
  • Distribute cash in different secure locations (hotel safe, money belt, different bags)
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public
  • Keep small amounts easily accessible for daily spending
  • Make copies of credit cards (front and back) and keep separate from the cards
  • Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks
  • Record emergency contact numbers for your cards
  • Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch in crowded areas
Ethical Consideration: Zimbabwe’s economy has faced challenges for years. When possible, try to support local businesses, community tourism initiatives, and fair trade shops that ensure benefits reach local people directly.
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