Travelling to Zambia?

Get the best Zambian kwacha exchange rate online

Prepare for your trip and buy Zambian kwacha from Manor FX today. 

Our amazing currency exchange rates mean you’ll get more ZMW travel money to spend.  

We’ll deliver your Zambian Kwacha banknotes securely to your home or workplace. 

Or you can pick them up from our bureau near Heathrow. 

Manor FX provides speedy delivery times and a fuss-free online ordering process for your GBP to ZMW conversion.

Zambian travel money

Get ready to explore Zambia. Here are some useful facts about cash and card payments and the currency of Zambia (currency code ZMW) 

Where can you get Zambian kwacha?

You can buy Zambian kwacha from Manor FX. Get the best online rates for your currency conversion  

With great ZMW exchange rates, fast delivery, and free home delivery on orders over £750. 

You can also convert pounds to Zambian kwacha in person if that’s more convenient. 

Can I buy Zambian kwacha in the UK? 

Yes. You can buy Zambian kwacha in the UK from Manor FX for the best ZMW exchange rate today 

This makes it easy to convert GBP to Zambian kwacha before you go. 

As a specialist currency provider, Manor FX offers a simple, fast and secure way to order less common currencies.

Top tip: Avoid airport exchanges and their high fees to save money and get the best value from your conversion. 

Should I exchange money before I travel to Zambia?

Yes, it’s a good idea to convert British pounds to Zambian kwacha before you travel to get the best rates 

Especially for arrival costs and places that may not take cards. 

Cards are accepted in many larger hotels, restaurants and shops in major centres, but cash is still useful. 

What is the best currency to take to Zambia?

The Zambian kwacha (ZMW) is the best currency to take for everyday spending in Zambia. 

US dollars (USD) can sometimes be useful in tourist areas or for some larger travel purchases, but they are not as widely practical for daily payments.  

Handy tip: If you get back from Zambia with leftover travel money, we can help you convert Zambian kwacha to GBP. We have great ZMW to GBP currency exchange rates.  

Do you need cash in Zambia?

Yes. We recommend that you take cash with you on your trip to Zambia. 

If you plan to travel beyond the main cities, you’ll need cash to pay for most transactions. This includes buying fuel and paying for safari trips.

Convert any leftover Zambian kwacha to British pounds with Manor FX on your return.

Can I use my bank card in Zambia?

Yes, you can usually use your bank card in Zambia at major hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants, especially in bigger towns. 

But cash is still important, particularly in rural areas, and ATMs are mostly found in major centres. 

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, and some places may add a card surcharge. 

Paying in kwacha rather than pounds is usually better for exchange rates. 

Is Zambia cheap or expensive?

Prices in Zambia are significantly lower than prices in the UK. The average cost of living in Zambia is 52% lower than in the UK.

• Low budget: around $350 per person, per day
• Mid-range: around $950 per person, per day
• Luxury: around $2,700+ per person, per day

That said, Zambia gets expensive fast if you’re doing safaris, lodges or internal flights, so that luxury trips can climb well beyond that.

How does tipping work in Zambia?

There is no formal tipping culture in Zambia. Most locals don’t tip, and the country isn’t a major tourist hub yet. If you like the service, you can leave a tip, of course.

Zambian currency

Banknotes in Zambia

The Zambian Kwacha went through a reform in 2012. The old Kwacha (ZMK) became obsolete, and the New Kwacha (ZMW) came into force. One new kwacha equals 1000 old kwachas, dropping three zeroes from the banknotes.

Make sure that you only accept Zambian Kwacha banknotes dated 2024 onwards.

Any banknotes worth more than 500 kwacha or are dated before 2024 are old Zambian kwacha banknotes and are worthless. The Zambian kwacha banknotes in use are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 ZMW. 

• The latest banknote series features Zambia’s cultural heritage and remarkable wildlife, including pangolins, antelopes and giraffes. These animals reflect the country’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Coins in Zambia

There are four coins currently in circulation. These are: 5 Ngwee, 10 Ngwee, 50 Ngwee and  1 kwacha. There are 100 ngwee in 1 kwacha. Zambian coins are little pieces of the country’s culture and history.

Many Zambian coins feature images of fascinating wildlife. You might spot graceful antelopes, majestic elephants, or the colourful crested crane.

Zambia’s national emblems, such as the African fish eagle and the national flower (Bougainvillaea), often appear on these coins.

Some coins showcase traditional Zambian patterns and symbols, offering a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of the country’s diverse cultures.

Using coins in Zambia can be a chance to interact with locals in markets and shops. It’s a small gesture that can lead to big smiles. Zambian coins are also delightful keepsakes of your journey.

Zambia’s currency import and export regulations

There are no restrictions or limits on the amount of foreign or domestic currency you can import or export into or from Zambia. 

You must make a declaration when travelling with currency worth $5,000 or more. You need to declare both on arrival in Zambia and on departure from Zambia.

Ordering Zambian kwacha online (GBP to ZMW exchange)

Order your Zambian Kwacha online today. We offer the best pound to Zambian kwacha exchange rate. No hidden fees or minimum or maximum order. 

Benefit from your travel cash, swiftly and securely, delivered to your home or office with Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®. 

Live locally? You can do in person currency conversion or click and collect your currency up from our travel money shop near Heathrow.  

Click here to buy Zambian kwacha online. Add any other countries’ currencies to the same order if you need.   

Sell Zambian kwachas (convert Zambian kwachas to Sterling, fast)

If you need to convert Zambian kwacha to UK pounds, go to the top of the page and choose “Sell currency” to exchange Zambian kwacha to pounds. 

We’ll pay you good rates for any leftover Zambian kwacha.

FAQs