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,$5, $10,$20) highly valuable

• $50 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-$5) often used as change

• Sometimes change given in local currency even for USD 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

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-$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

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