Money in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwe Gold. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- ZWGZimbabwe Gold
- Symbol
- ZiG
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Zimbabwe
US dollars are used for most tourist payments, so bring small bills.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Bring enough US dollar cash, especially for remote areas such as Mana Pools and Hwange. Small notes of $1, $5 and $10 are useful because change is often limited.
- ATMs
- ATMs are in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls but are unreliable and may be empty or give only local currency. Wendy Wu Tours warns withdrawal fees may be high.
- Foreign currency
- The US dollar is the most widely used currency in cities, tourist areas and hospitality, and lodges, parks and activity operators generally quote and accept USD, while the local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG, introduced 2024) is used mainly in local shops and markets.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange only at banks, licensed bureaux or reputable hotel desks, and count cash and get a receipt. Avoid informal street exchangers.
- Watch out for
- Go2Africa says notes should be clean and ideally printed after 2013, and older or marked bills may be rejected. Travel With Hello lists counterfeit notes, wrong change and unclear USD/ZiG conversions as common problems, and World Travel Guide says amounts over US$10,000 must be declared.
Tipping in Zimbabwe
Tips are usually given in US dollars. Tip safari guides and lodge staff, and around 10% in restaurants.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Go2Africa, Travel With Hello, World Travel Guide, Wendy Wu Tours, Jacada Travel, Wendy Wu Tours.
Convert to and from ZWG
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26.83 ZWG | 30.05 ZWG | 36.00 ZWG |
| 10 | 268 ZWG | 301 ZWG | 360 ZWG |
| 50 | 1,341 ZWG | 1,503 ZWG | 1,800 ZWG |
| 100 | 2,683 ZWG | 3,005 ZWG | 3,600 ZWG |
| 500 | 13,413 ZWG | 15,027 ZWG | 17,999 ZWG |
What each amount is worth in ZWG. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Zimbabwe use?
Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG).
Do you need to tip in Zimbabwe?
Expected. Tips are usually given in US dollars. Tip safari guides and lodge staff, and around 10% in restaurants.
Can you pay by card in Zimbabwe?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Bring enough US dollar cash, especially for remote areas such as Mana Pools and Hwange. Small notes of $1, $5 and $10 are useful because change is often limited.
Are there ATMs in Zimbabwe?
ATMs are in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls but are unreliable and may be empty or give only local currency. Wendy Wu Tours warns withdrawal fees may be high.