There is a modern
shopping complex in Mbabane but local
markets are always interesting places to shop. Purchases from
craft centers include beadwork, basketry, grass and sisal mats, copperware, wooden bowls, local gemstone jewelry, wooden and soapstone carvings, calabashes, knobkerries (wooden club-like implements), battleaxes, walking sticks,
karosses (animal skin mats), drums, woven cloth and batik and tie-dye, which are often incorporated into traditional Swazi garments. The Malkerns Valley is known for its arts and crafts outlets.
Keep an eye out for
the exquisite works of art from
Ngwenya glass factory. They use recycled glass to create gorgeous images of African animals and birds as well as more traditional tableware.
Shopping hoursMon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300.
Currency Information:CurrencyLilangeni (SZL; symbol E) = 100 cents. The plural of Lilangeni is Emalangeni. Notes are in denominations of E200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of E5, 2 and 1, and 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender (E1 = 1 Rand) so if coming from South Africa, there's no need to change money.
Currency ExchangeVisitors are advised to exchange Emalangeni back into their own currency (or into South African Rand) before leaving Swaziland.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsOnly a few ATMs accept international credit/debit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at hotels and upmarket shops and restaurants.
Traveller's ChequesWidely accepted. Several banks will exchange travelers cheques, but to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take them in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | SZL14.21 |
| $1.00= | SZL9.42 |
| €1.00= | SZL12.90 |
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