Zambia's currency is the kwacha (ZMW, written K), divided into 100 ngwee. In Livingstone you will use two currencies: US dollars for visas, park fees and many tourism businesses, and kwacha for almost everything else. Bring some clean US dollar notes from home, and plan to draw kwacha from an ATM or change money at a bank or bureau when you arrive.
Kwacha or dollars?
The kwacha is Zambia's only legal tender. In 2025 the Bank of Zambia issued directives requiring domestic transactions to be settled in kwacha, with some exemptions. In practice, at the time of writing (November 2026):
Usually in US dollars:
- Visas at the airport and borders, including the KAZA UniVisa.
- Many lodges and hotels, which often quote rates in US dollars.
- Activity operators: flights, rafting, Devil's Pool, Chobe day trips. Many quote in dollars and will tell you whether to pay in dollars or the kwacha equivalent.
Usually in kwacha:
- Shops, supermarkets and pharmacies.
- Restaurants and cafes in town.
- Taxis and minibuses.
- Fuel.
- Markets and craft stalls, although some craft sellers will quote in dollars to visitors.
Park entry at the falls is priced in US dollars for international visitors. Check how it can be paid when you arrive.
The exchange rate has moved a lot in recent years, so look it up close to your trip rather than relying on an old figure. If someone quotes in dollars and you pay in kwacha, check the rate they are using.
Cards
- Visa is accepted more widely than Mastercard. American Express is rarely accepted.
- Larger lodges, hotels, supermarkets and established restaurants in Livingstone generally take cards.
- Small businesses, markets, taxis and many roadside stalls take cash only.
- Card machines depend on power and network connections, both of which drop out. Always have enough cash to cover the day.
- Some businesses add a surcharge for card payments, often a few per cent.
Tell your bank you are travelling, and carry two cards from different banks if you can, in case one is blocked.
ATMs
Livingstone's ATMs are mostly in the town centre along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, at bank branches and at shopping centres. They dispense kwacha only. A few points:
- Use machines inside banks or shopping centres during the day.
- Expect a per-withdrawal limit, and a fee from both the local bank and your own.
- ATMs sometimes run out of cash at weekends and before holidays. Don't leave withdrawing until the last day.
- There are few or no ATMs once you are out at the riverfront lodges or in the national park.
Changing money
Banks and licensed bureaux de change in town will change US dollars, and usually pounds, euros and South African rand. Bring your passport. Never change money with people on the street, and be cautious with anyone offering a rate that looks too good.
US dollar notes
This catches visitors out at borders and park gates. US dollar notes printed before about 2013, or ones that are torn, marked or very worn, are often refused or accepted only at a discount. Bring:
- Clean, recent notes in good condition.
- A mix of denominations: 50s or 20s for visas and fees, and 1s, 5s and 10s for tips and small payments.
Crossing to Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has had a long series of currency changes. Its current local currency, the ZiG, was introduced in 2024, but US dollars are widely used in Victoria Falls town for activities, restaurants and park fees. If you are visiting the Zimbabwean side for a morning, take US dollars in small notes. See Victoria Falls: Zambia or Zimbabwe.
Mobile money
Most Zambians pay for everyday things with mobile money (such as Airtel Money and MTN MoMo) on their phones. You can use it if you buy a local SIM card and register it with your passport, which takes a little time at a provider's shop in town. For a short trip it's usually not worth the effort, but it is useful for longer stays.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in tourism, and wages are low. As a guide:
- Restaurants: around 10%, if service is not already included.
- Guides and drivers on activities: tip at the end of the trip, in dollars or kwacha. A few dollars per person for a half-day activity is common, more for a full-day trip.
- Lodges: many have a communal staff tip box, shared among all staff, plus a separate tip for your guide. Ask the manager what is customary.
- Porters: a small tip per bag.
Tips in kwacha or US dollars are both fine. Coins are not much use to anyone.
Prices and bargaining
Fixed prices apply in shops, restaurants and lodges. At the markets and craft stalls prices are negotiable, but keep it friendly. A taxi has no meter, so agree the fare before you get in.
Costs to budget for
Prices change, so treat these as categories rather than numbers:
- Visa (if needed): see the KAZA UniVisa guide.
- Park entry for the falls, separately on each side.
- Activities, which make up most of a typical visit's spending.
- Transfers and taxis, unless included by your lodge.
- Tips.
Some lodges include meals, drinks, transfers and activities in the rate, which reduces how much cash you need day to day. Check what is included when you book.
Security
- Carry only what you need for the day, split between two places.
- Use the safe in your room.
- Keep cards in sight when you pay.
- Keep a photo of your passport and cards separately in case of loss.
For getting from the airport with the right cash in hand, see how to get to Livingstone.
