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Major credit cards such as Master Card and Visa are accepted throughout Namibia. However, shops in remote areas and service stations only accept cash.
Currency
The Namibian Dollar (N$) and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. Why the South African Rand, you may ask?
Until 1990, Namibia has been a mandate of South Africa and the South African Rand was the only currency used in Namibia.
After independence, the Namibian Dollar came into effect. The two currencies are on par. Foreign currency, travellers and personal cheques can be converted to the Namibian Dollar at any bank or Bureau de Change.
Duty Free Imports
Visitors may import duty free 400 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 250g Pipe Tobacco; 2 litres Wine; 1 litre Spirit or other alcoholic beverages; 50ml Perfume.
Electrical Appliances
All run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin, 15 amps type.
Firearms
Handguns are not permitted in Namibia. Only properly licensed hunting rifles with valid permits for Namibia, are permitted. Licences and permits should be applied for well in advance, as attempting to do so at the border is a lengthy process. Hunting rifles are not permitted in Botswana and have to be carried sealed if in transit to Namibia. All arms and ammunition should be declared even if in possession of a valid South African permit.
Firewood
Firewood is usually available at most filling stations. Supplies should be replenished before entering remote areas, where wood is scarce and should not in any event be gathered for fire.
Fishing Regulations
Fishing is only permitted at Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, from the Ugab River mouth to Walvisbay Bay and from Pelican Point to Sandwich Harbour.
Strictly enforced rules and regulations are in place to govern the seasonal quantities and species of fish which may be caught and transported, as well as the bait used. A licence is required. It is advisable to obtain a copy of the rules and regulations prior to venturing on the beach.
Communications
Most of Namibia is now networked by automatic telephone exchanges, with public telephones in even the most remote places.
Some rural areas, however, are still serviced by manual exchanges. In such cases, to call dial the exchange code and wait for the operator, then state the desired number.
The international access code when calling from Namibia is 00. The country code is 264. When calling international to Namibia, dial +264, then the area code, omit the first 0, and then the local number.
When calling within Namibia dial the area code, including the 0, and then the local number. Cell phone coverage is provided by Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC) and Cell One (at the coast, central, north and Windhoek area) through its GSM 900 network.
All major towns in Namibia are covered, as well as some portions of the national highway. International roaming agreements with more than 218 networks in 102 countries are in place.
Pets
No pets are allowed into any game reserves or lodges. Check with private establishments prior to arrival.
Time
Standard: from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, Namibia reverts to GMT/UTC +2. The same as in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. The caprivi region stays on the same time as botwsana, south Africa and Zimbabwe.
Namibia border posts with Botswana, and south Africa adjust their operating hours to their time i.e GMT/UTC +2.
Daylight Saving: GMT/UTC +1 during winter starts from the first Sunday in April, and ends on the first Sunday in September.
VAT
All goods and services are priced to include VAT. Visitors may claim back VAT for goods purchased in Namibia at the customs and Excise offices, Department of Inland Revenue, in Windhoek. Further details can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance Information Centre by calling (061) 2092642 or (061) 2092644.
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