Malawi currency made simple for UK travellers

If you’re heading to Malawi, here’s the friendly, no-faff guide to the Malawian currency and how to handle your spending like a pro.  

Malawi currency at a glance

The Malawi currency name is the Malawian kwacha, it’s used across the country and is the main currency for Malawi day to day.

The Malawi currency code is MWK, and the Malawi currency symbol is K.

Notes and coins you might see

You’ll spot coins like 1, 5, 10, and 20 MK in circulation, and notes commonly include 50, 100, 200, and 500 (plus higher values too). 

Designs often feature wildlife and national symbols, so even your loose change feels like a mini safari souvenir.

100 tambalas and the small change situation

MWK is divided into 100 tambalas. Tambala is the “pence” of Malawi, but in real life, it’s rarely used because prices have risen over time.

Can you pay by card in Malawi?

In larger towns, cards can work at some hotels, shopping centres and bigger restaurants. 

Outside that, it’s much more cash-based.

If you plan to pay with credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard, treat it as a backup, not your only option. 

ATMs can have limits, outages happen, and your bank may apply fees. 

A good rule is: use a card for bigger payments when it works, and cash for everything else.

What is the best currency to take to Malawi?

For most travellers, take a mix:

• You could carry some British pounds, as some tourist spots and shops accept them. 
• USD (the United States dollar) can be useful in some travel contexts, but you should still expect to use MWK for everyday spending.
• In-country, cash is king for day-to-day purchases outside bigger hotels.

The “best” answer depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing, but the safest approach is: arrive with some MWK, keep a backup option, and avoid swapping cash at the first airport kiosk you see.

Malawi currency exchange: where people swap money in Malawi

You’ll usually see Malawi currency exchange options in cities and tourist areas via banks, bureaux and some hotels. 

Always check the MWK exchange rate, ask about costs, and keep an eye out for extra charges added at the counter before you exchange your Malawian kwacha.

Exchange rate basics 

An exchange rate is just the value of one currency compared to another. 

The bit to watch is that exchange rates fluctuate, and providers add a spread and sometimes extra fees or charges, which can change what you actually get from the headline number.

Why does the Malawian kwacha exchange rate fluctuate? 

MWK value can shift with inflation, foreign currency supply and demand, and broader economic confidence. 

Things like import costs, fuel availability, and agricultural production matter too, because agriculture is a huge part of Malawi’s economic story. 

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (the central bank) publishes rates and sets policy aimed at stability, including decisions linked to interest rates.

International lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank also discuss Malawi’s economic challenges and reform priorities in their reporting.

How to get currency for Malawi with Manor FX

Want travel cash sorted before you fly? 

Here’s a simple way to do it without turning it into a whole-life admin project.

Pick your amount in GBP

Start with how much you want to spend in GBP, or how much MWK you’d like to receive. 

You’ll see the current rate and what you’re getting, in plain numbers.

Lock it in and choose delivery or collection

Choose home delivery or collection, then check the final breakdown so you can see any fees or delivery costs upfront. 

If you need it fast, look for options that offer a quick turnaround on working days.

Pay and get confirmation

Pay using the available options, then you’ll get an order confirmation with the details.

Quick note: this is travel cash, not a money transfer to a Malawian bank account.

FAQs