Money in Zambia
Zambia uses the Zambian kwacha. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- ZMWZambian kwacha
- Symbol
- ZK
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Zambia
Carry cash for markets and small towns. Park fees are often quoted in US dollars.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Many lodges, camps and small shops in remote areas may not take cards, so carry kwacha or US dollars. Carry small notes, since vendors may lack change for K50 and K100.
- ATMs
- ATMs are available in Lusaka, Livingstone and other major towns, with very few or none outside them. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express.
- Foreign currency
- Many tourist shops, hotels and lodges accept US dollars, though Zambia Tourism says payments within Zambia can only be made in kwacha by law and change may be given in kwacha.
- Exchanging money
- Use a designated bureau de change or bank. Informal changers offer poorer rates and carry risks of scams and fake bills.
- Watch out for
- SafariFind reports park gates take cash only, with US dollars preferred for international visitors and kwacha accepted at most gates, so bring small USD notes. Amounts over USD 5,000 must be declared on arrival (Zambia Tourism).
Tipping in Zambia
Tip safari guides and lodge staff. Around 10% in upscale restaurants if no service charge is added.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Zambia Tourism, Bushtracks Africa, SafariFind (park fees), IOL Travel, Expert Africa, Jacada Travel.
Convert to and from ZMW
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20.32 ZMW | 22.76 ZMW | 27.27 ZMW |
| 10 | 203 ZMW | 228 ZMW | 273 ZMW |
| 50 | 1,016 ZMW | 1,138 ZMW | 1,363 ZMW |
| 100 | 2,032 ZMW | 2,276 ZMW | 2,727 ZMW |
| 500 | 10,159 ZMW | 11,382 ZMW | 13,633 ZMW |
What each amount is worth in ZMW. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Zambia use?
Zambia uses the Zambian kwacha (ZMW).
Do you need to tip in Zambia?
Expected. Tip safari guides and lodge staff. Around 10% in upscale restaurants if no service charge is added.
Can you pay by card in Zambia?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Many lodges, camps and small shops in remote areas may not take cards, so carry kwacha or US dollars. Carry small notes, since vendors may lack change for K50 and K100.
Are there ATMs in Zambia?
ATMs are available in Lusaka, Livingstone and other major towns, with very few or none outside them. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express.