Namibia currency: the fun guide to money in Namibia 

Planning to visit Namibia? This guide makes Namibia currency simple, so you can spend less time stressing about money and more time chasing dunes, wildlife, and that first sunset on the coast.

Namibia currency at a glance

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar. It is the official currency, the national currency, and the everyday currency of Namibia for prices, tips, and snacks. 

You will see it written as NAD currency on signs and receipts, and it is the currency used in Namibia for normal spending.

Currency of Namibia in real life 

In Namibia, people casually say “dollar” when they mean the Namibian dollar. 

It is still a good idea to look for “N$” on price tags so you know which dollar you are dealing with.

Namibia currency code and symbols

The Namibian currency code is NAD, and the Namibian dollar symbol is usually “$” or “N$”.

Namibian dollar currency banknotes you will use most

You will mainly use banknotes for day-to-day spending. 

Common denominations include 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200. 

Each note has designs tied to the country’s story and identity.

Coins for small buys

Keep coins for parking, quick snacks, and small tips. 

The dollar is divided into cents, so you might see cent coins alongside 1, 5, and 10 dollar coins, depending on where you are spending.

The South African rand

Yes, the South African rand is widely accepted in Namibia, and it is used alongside the Namibia dollar at par in many places. 

You will also see it written as South African rand, ZAR. 

This is handy in Windhoek and bigger stops, but it is still smart to carry some NAD for smaller purchases.

What is the best currency to use in Namibia?

The Namibian dollar is the best currency for Namibia because it is the local currency and works everywhere. The rand is also widely accepted, but NAD is simplest.

What is the best currency to take to Namibia from the UK

For most travellers, take British pounds at home, then buy Namibian dollars before you fly. 

It means you land with local cash ready for your first taxi, first water, and first meal. 

Keep other currencies to a minimum unless you already have them, because juggling too many currencies is how people lose track of their spending.

Namibia currency exchange rate basics

Let’s keep it simple. Exchange rates change, and so does your final cost. 

The key phrases to watch are:

• Mid-market rate vs the rate you are actually offered
• Fees and hidden fees
• The difference between “rate today” and what you receive after charges
   

If you want to track exchange rate movements, use a reliable source and compare like-for-like. 

A good plan is to check the mid-market rate first, then compare the quotes you get from providers.

GBP exchange rates

When you compare GBP exchange rates, you are really comparing what you get in NAD per GBP, after the spread and any fees. 

This is why the “best” offer is not always the biggest headline number.

Namibia currency to GBP

Looking up Namibia currency to GBP rates is useful for budgeting, especially if you are trying to estimate your daily costs. 

The most straightforward approach is to decide your GBP budget first, then convert to NAD using a currency converter to see the value in local terms.

Currency converter tips

A currency converter is your friend when you are comparing currencies. Use it to:

• Convert currencies for quick budgeting
• Check exchange rates for a sense check
• Avoid confusing one dollar price with another

Credit cards and cash

Credit cards work well in larger hotels and bigger restaurants, especially in Windhoek. 

In rural areas, cash matters more. 

Your bank might charge FX fees, and the exchange rates used by a card provider can differ from cash rates, so check before you travel.

Bank of Namibia 

The Bank of Namibia is the central bank, and it is part of the wider world of central banks that influence currency stability through policy, including interest rates. 

You do not need to be an economist to benefit from this; just remember that policy and market confidence can affect exchange rates.

Security features

Do a quick check of security features on any banknotes you receive, especially if you are swapping cash on the go. 

Look for clean printing, consistent colour, and the usual built-in features you would expect on a modern note. 

If something feels off, trust your instincts and exchange it at a reputable counter.

A quick history of the currency

Before independence, the territory was known as South West Africa under South African rule, and it used the rand. 

Namibia gained independence in 1990, and the Bank of Namibia was established soon after. 

The Namibian dollar arrived later as a new national currency. It replaced the South African rand at par on 15 September 1993.

If you want a name to attach to the moment, Sam Nujoma is often noted in independence-era stories and the founding years of the new state.

How to get your currency with Manor FX

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Namibian dollars (NAD) and enter how many you want to exchange into GBP.
2. Review the Namibian dollar exchange rate and your total cost before you commit.
3. Pick delivery or collection and complete your order.
4. Get your confirmation, and you are sorted.
   

Manor FX is for travel cash. 

It is not the same thing as send money services or money transfers to a bank account.

Mini travel money checklist for Namibia

• Carry both NAD and South African rand for flexibility
• Keep a few coins and small banknotes for quick purchases
• Use a bank card in cities, cash for rural stops
• Watch fees, hidden fees, and the spread

Where will you spend the most?

If you are heading into the Namib Desert, expect more cash moments for fuel stops and small buys. 

On the Skeleton Coast or along the coast, prices can feel higher in tourist hotspots, so keep an eye on your daily spending.

 Inland routes can be quieter and more remote, so plan your cash. Desert drives, dunes, and wildlife days are brilliant, but they reward good prep.

Fun detail: you might hear Afrikaans, German, and Portuguese around tourist routes, especially near borders and popular stops. Southern Africa is multilingual like that.

FAQs