Swaziland — Shopping
Shopping
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 hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300.
Currency
Lilangeni (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 Exchange
Visitors are advised to exchange Emalangeni back into their own currency (or into South African Rand) before leaving Swaziland.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
Only a few ATMs accept international credit/debit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at hotels and upmarket shops and restaurants.
Travelers Checks
Widely accepted. Several banks will exchange travelers checks, but to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take them in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 11.21 SZL |
| 1.00 USD = 6.97 SZL |
| 1.00 EUR = 9.85 SZL |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
