Namibia
Travel tips for Namibia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards widely accepted. While cards are widely accepted in cities, lodges, and most gas stations, 2025-2026 travelers advise carrying cash (NAD or ZAR) for rural areas, park fees, tips, and as a backup for broken card machines.
Try the food
- Kapana: Strips of beef grilled over an open fire, typically served with a spicy salsa of tomatoes, onions, and chilies.
- Potjiekos: A hearty, slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables prepared in a three-legged cast-iron pot over a wood fire.
- Biltong: Air-dried, spiced, and cured meat, often made from beef or local game such as springbok, kudu, or oryx.
Essentials
- Voltage
- 220V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- SIM tip
- Purchase an MTC prepaid SIM card at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport for the best nationwide coverage, as eSIM options are currently limited.
Etiquette
Always exchange a polite greeting and ask how someone is doing before making a request or ordering, and tip around 10% in restaurants.