Welcome to Namibia 😊

Quick Facts About Namibia

Money and Finances

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar (NAD) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 50 cents, and N$1, N$5, while banknotes come in N$10, N$20, N$50, N$100, and N$200

ATM Network

ATMs are commonly found in Namibia and are easily accessible in urban areas. However, it may be more difficult to find ATMs in rural areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Namibia, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express may be less widely accepted.

Internet and Phones

Namibia has a relatively slow internet speed with an average download speed of 4.1 Mbps and upload speed of 2 Mbps. The government does not interfere with internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

In Namibia, the main telco companies are MTC and Telecom Namibia. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around NAD 300 per month. There are no major sim compatibility issues to be aware of.

Dialling to Namibia

To call Namibia from another country, dial +264 and the area code for the specific region. Area codes used within Namibia include 061 for Windhoek, 067 for Oshakati, and 065 for Otjiwarongo.

Transport Around Namibia

Air Travel

Namibia has three international airports (Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, and Ondangwa Airport) and several domestic airports. The Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main international gateway, located about 45km east of Windhoek.

Train Travel

Namibia does not have a passenger train network, except for a luxury tourist train that runs between Windhoek and Swakopmund. As such, inter-city travel is mostly done by bus or car. A bus journey from Windhoek to Swakopmund takes 4-5 hours and costs around NAD 200 (USD 14). A car journey takes around 3.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Namibia does not have a metro or local train network.

Buses

Namibia has a well-developed long-distance bus network, operated by several companies. Some popular routes include Windhoek to Swakopmund, Windhoek to Cape Town (South Africa), and Windhoek to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Prices vary depending on the distance, but a journey from Windhoek to Swakopmund costs around NAD 200 (USD 14) and takes around 4-5 hours.

Rideshare

There are a few rideshare companies operating in Windhoek, such as Yambu and Vhuke. Prices vary depending on the distance, but a short trip within the city costs around NAD 30-40 (USD 2-3).

Driving by Car

Driving is relatively easy in Namibia, with well-maintained roads and relatively low traffic. The speed limit on highways is generally 120 km/h (75 mph), and 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas. Namibia drives on the left side of the road, like neighboring South Africa and Botswana.

Local Customs

In Namibia, tipping is not expected in most places, although it is becoming more common in tourist areas. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, and it is polite to ask about each other's well-being. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be respectful and avoid sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Men and women typically address each other with formal titles, such as 'Sir' or 'Madam'.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Namibia has a two-tiered health system comprising both public and private healthcare sectors. The public healthcare system is generally underfunded and understaffed, and medical facilities outside of major cities can be limited. Private healthcare is available in major cities, but costs can be high. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance before visiting Namibia. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor in Namibia is between NAD 500 and NAD 1000 ($30-60 USD).

COVID Situation

Namibia has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent months. The government has implemented strict measures to control the spread of the virus, including mandatory face mask usage and social distancing measures. Travelers arriving in Namibia are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. As of August 2021, there have been over 120,000 confirmed cases and 3,200 deaths due to coronavirus in Namibia.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is prevalent in many parts of Namibia, particularly during the rainy season from December to April. Travelers are advised to take anti-malaria medication and use mosquito repellent. Other common health risks in Namibia include water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera, as well as food poisoning and hepatitis A. It is important to drink only bottled or sterilized water and to avoid raw or undercooked food.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Namibia, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is widely consumed in the country and is legal in most places, but it is prohibited in public areas and some places may have restrictions on selling alcohol on Sundays and during certain hours.

Recreational Drugs

The use, possession, sale, and trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, is illegal in Namibia. Penalties for drug offenses can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Namibia does not have any laws specifically prohibiting pre-marital relationships. However, cultural and religious values may influence social attitudes towards such relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Namibia, but discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is still common. The country does not recognize same-sex marriage and same-sex couples may face legal challenges when it comes to adoption and parenting.

Firearms / Guns

Namibia has strict gun laws and firearm ownership is tightly regulated. Only Namibian citizens and permanent residents are allowed to own guns, and all firearm owners must undergo a background check and obtain a license before acquiring a gun. Automatic weapons are prohibited.

Regions in Namibia

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Namibia, browse through each to see what to visit.

1 Popular Travel Destination in Namibia