The main place to exchange money near Sossusvlei is Sesriem, which is the closest town to the dunes. The Sesriem Campsite (NWR) and other exchange places in Sesriem are available.
It is also a good idea to use ATMs for cash withdrawals or go to authorized money exchange centers. You should carry Namibian dollars (NAD) for local payments.
Make sure you know how to get local money. It is also helpful to check the latest exchange rates so you can avoid losing money when changing currency.
Here is a list of useful tips when exchanging money in Sesriem. The Namibian dollar is the main currency used in Sesriem and across Namibia.
When visiting money exchange shops, you will see that the Namibian dollar is shown with the code “NAD.” Watch for this code when comparing exchange rates.
It is important to understand a few things before exchanging money in Sesriem or any other foreign town to avoid high fees and bad rates.
If you plan to stay for a long time or make big purchases like property or a car, you can think about opening a bank account in Namibia.
Tips for exchanging money:
- Be careful with “zero fee” services: Places that say “no commission” often give poor exchange rates. They may hide their charges in the rate.
- Check the exchange rate first: Know the correct rate before you go to exchange money. This helps you know if the rate you are given is too low.
- Avoid changing money at airports or hotels: These places are easy to find, but they usually charge high fees and give low exchange rates.
- Use ATMs wisely: Check if your bank at home works with banks in Namibia. This can help you avoid extra ATM charges. Also, tell your bank before you travel.
- Choose to pay in local currency: When using a card or ATM, choose to be charged in Namibian dollars. This helps you avoid extra fees and bad conversion rates.