Navigating Foreign Exchange in Africa: A Guide for Safari Travellers

Embarking on a luxury African safari with Tailormade Africa is an experience like no other. As you prepare to experience this diverse continent’s breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife, it’s essential to be equipped with practical knowledge, including a good understanding of foreign exchange. While the anticipation of encountering lions, elephants, and gorillas in their natural habitat may be at the forefront of your mind, navigating currencies smoothly will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey.

Africa presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to foreign exchange. With a multitude of currencies and varying regulations, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. This guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the world of African currencies, ensuring a seamless and enriching safari experience.

Securing the necessary foreign currency is crucial to preparing for your safari. While major currencies are widely accepted, smaller denominations are essential for tips, local markets, and smaller purchases. This is where our trusted partner, Manor FX, comes in. Manor FX specializes in providing currency exchange for those smaller denominations that many other providers don’t offer, ensuring you’re well-equipped for every situation.

Currency Basics for Each Country

Here’s a breakdown of the currencies you’ll encounter in the countries in which Tailormade Africa operates:

Tanzania:

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 shilling)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 2,338 TZS; 1 EUR = 2,483 TZS; 1 GBP = 2,918 TZS
• Notes commonly used: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000
• There are no restrictions on the import/export within reasonable limits.

Kenya:

• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 shilling)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 145.96 KES; 1 EUR = 154.94 KES; 1 GBP = 182.01 KES
• Notes commonly used: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000
• There are no restrictions on the import/export within reasonable limits.

South Africa:

• Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 Rand)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 18.85 ZAR; 1 EUR = 20.05 ZAR; 1 GBP = 23.51 ZAR
• Notes commonly used: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200
• There are no restrictions on the import/export of ZAR within reasonable limits.

Namibia:

• Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 dollar)
• Exchange rate: Pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand; freely interchangeable.
• Notes commonly used: The same as in South Africa.

Botswana:

• Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
• Subunit: Thebe (100 thebe = 1 pula)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 13.54 BWP; 1 EUR = 14.37 BWP; 1 GBP = 16.88 BWP
• Notes commonly used: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200
• There are no restrictions on the import/export within reasonable limits.

Zimbabwe:

• Currency: Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 dollar)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 1,757 ZWL; 1 EUR = 1,865 ZWL; 1 GBP = 2,191 ZWL
• Notes commonly used: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000
• The situation is complex due to past hyperinflation. USD is widely accepted.

Zambia:

• Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
• Subunit: Ngwee (100 ngwee = 1 Kwacha)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 20.14 ZMW; 1 EUR = 21.37 ZMW; 1 GBP = 25.11 ZMW
• Notes commonly used: 20, 50, 100, 200
• There are no restrictions on the import/export within reasonable limits.

Republic of Congo:

• Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
• Subunit: Centime (100 centimes = 1 franc)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 655 XAF; 1 EUR = 701 XAF; 1 GBP = 822 XAF
• Notes commonly used: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000
• Pegged to the Euro.

Uganda:

• Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 shilling)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 3,707 UGX; 1 EUR = 3,935 UGX; 1 GBP = 4,624 UGX
• Notes commonly used: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000
• There are no restrictions on the import/export within reasonable limits.

Rwanda:

• Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
• Subunit: Centime (100 centimes = 1 franc)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 1,111 RWF; 1 EUR = 1,181 RWF; 1 GBP = 1,387 RWF
• Notes commonly used: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000
• There are no restrictions on the import/export within reasonable limits.

Madagascar:

• Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
• Subunit: Iraimbilanja (5 iraimbilanja = 1 ariary) – rarely used
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 4,473 MGA; 1 EUR = 4,750 MGA; 1 GBP = 5,582 MGA
• Notes commonly used: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000
• Import/export restrictions exist; declare amounts over 1 million MGA.

Sierra Leone:

• Currency: Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 leone)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 22,550 SLL; 1 EUR = 23,945 SLL; 1 GBP = 28,145 SLL
• Notes commonly used: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000
• Restrictions may apply on import/export; check current regulations at the time of travel with us.

Mauritius:

• Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 rupee)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 46.14 MUR; 1 EUR = 48.99 MUR; 1 GBP = 57.51 MUR
• Notes commonly used: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000
• There are no restrictions on the import/export within reasonable limits.

Seychelles:

• Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
• Subunit: Cent (100 cents = 1 rupee)
• Exchange rate (as of November 28, 2024): 1 USD = 13.63 SCR; 1 EUR = 14.47 SCR; 1 GBP = 17.00 SCR
• Notes commonly used: 50, 100, 250, 500, 1,000
• There are no restrictions on import/export within reasonable limits.

Practical Tips for Exchanging Currency

Before your trip:

• Order smaller denominations in advance: Use Manor FX to obtain smaller bills, which are often harder to find but crucial for tipping and small purchases. This will save you the hassle of trying to break larger bills upon arrival.
• Take along major currencies: US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds are widely accepted and easily exchanged in most African countries if you run out of a local currency.
• Inform your bank: Let your bank know about your travel dates and destinations to avoid issues with using your credit or debit cards abroad.
• Consider a prepaid travel card: These cards can be loaded with a specific currency and offer a secure way to carry money, often with lower fees than credit cards.

During your trip:

• Use official exchange bureaus or banks: Avoid exchanging money on the street, as you may be offered unfavourable rates or counterfeit bills.
• Keep your exchange receipts: These receipts may be required when exchanging currency back to your home currency or for customs purposes.
• Be aware of ATM fees: Using ATMs is convenient, but be mindful of potential fees charged by both your home bank and the local ATM provider.
• Understand tipping customs: Tipping practices vary across Africa. Research the customary tipping amounts in each country you’ll be visiting.

Spending Money Wisely on Safari

• Budget for souvenirs, meals (not included), and activities (not included): Costs can vary significantly between countries. Research typical prices for items you’re likely to purchase to avoid overspending.
• Negotiate prices: Negotiating is common practice in local markets and with some service providers. Be polite but firm in your bargaining.
• Consider mobile money: In some countries, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, mobile money platforms like M-Pesa are widely used for payments and money transfers.

To Conclude

A well-planned safari will make your journey a far more memorable one. Understanding the nuances of foreign exchange in Africa and following these practical tips can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Remember to plan, be informed, and embrace the adventure that awaits you!

For a truly unforgettable and hassle-free safari experience, contact Tailormade Africa today. Our team of safari experts will curate a personalized itinerary, taking care of all the details, including providing guidance on foreign exchange and other essential travel information. Let us turn your dream African safari into a reality!