Zambia Travel Guide

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Shopping

Lusaka has modern shops, supermarkets and open-air markets. Special purchases include African carvings, pottery and copperware, beadwork and local gemstones.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300 (some stay open until 1700).

Currency

Kwacha (ZMK) = 100 ngwee. Notes are in denominations of ZMK50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of ZMK10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 ngwee.

Currency Exchange

Exchange of foreign currency is carried out at authorized banks and bureau de change.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Most hotels, restaurants, travel agents and bigger shops accept credit cards. ATMs are available within Lusaka and some of the major towns in Zambia. Standard Chartered and Barclays Bank have ATMs which accept Visa.

Travelers Checks

Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to ZMK100. Import and export of foreign currency must not exceed US$10,000 or equivalent.

Banking Hours

Vary from bank to bank, but most are open Mon-Fri 0815-1430. Some banks are open 0815-1030 on the first and last Saturday of the month.

Exchange Rate