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Zimbabwe has a complex monetary system that has evolved through years of economic challenges. Understanding the current currency situation and payment options will help you manage your finances effectively during your visit. Written by Bryan Fawcett.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s 2026 Monetary Policy Statement and the UK FCDO’s Zimbabwe travel advice. Monetary policy in Zimbabwe can change at short notice, so check before you travel.
The short version: bring US dollars in cash, in small, clean notes. The US dollar is legal tender and is used for most transactions. The local currency, the ZiG, is official too, and you may get it as change. Change money only at banks or licensed bureaux de change, and don’t leave the country with more than US$2,000 in cash.

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Current Currency Situation

Zimbabwe’s currency landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years:
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) on 5 April 2024, replacing the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL). It is still Zimbabwe’s official local currency in 2026. Key points:
  • Currency code: ZWG
  • Backed by gold and foreign currency reserves, with a market-determined exchange rate
  • The rate has been broadly stable since late 2024, at roughly ZiG25–27 to the US dollar (the RBZ reported ZiG25.7 to the dollar in February 2026)
  • New notes in 2026: an upgraded series of ZiG10, ZiG20 and ZiG50 notes has circulated since 7 April 2026. ZiG100 and ZiG200 notes will follow gradually. Old and new notes are both valid, so you may get either as change
  • ZiG2 and ZiG5 coins remain in circulation
Note: The RBZ plans a gradual move to using only the ZiG by 2030. For now, the multi-currency system remains and the US dollar is still legal tender. Check the latest position before your trip.
The US Dollar remains widely used throughout Zimbabwe:
  • Legal tender alongside the ZiG
  • Used for most transactions, and the standard currency for tourism (hotels, tours, national park fees, visas)
  • Most suppliers prefer US dollars in cash
  • Main currency for high-value transactions
Tip: The US Dollar is still the most reliable currency to carry in Zimbabwe.
Plan to pay in US dollars. Other currencies, such as the South African rand, Botswana pula, euro and British pound, are not widely used for everyday payments. Some businesses near the borders or in tourism may take rand or pula, but check first.Banks and licensed bureaux de change will change foreign currency, particularly US dollars.

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Payment Methods

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Cash Payments

Cash remains the most reliable payment method in Zimbabwe, especially outside major cities:US Dollar Notes:
  • Bring clean, untorn notes. Don’t accept torn or damaged notes in change, because shops and restaurants are likely to refuse them
  • Small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) are the most useful, because change is rarely available
  • $50 and $100 bills can be hard to use for small purchases
  • Counterfeit detection markers are often used for larger bills
Local Currency (ZiG):
  • Useful for small purchases, markets, and public transport
  • Obtain from banks and licensed bureaux de change only
  • You don’t need to buy ZiG in advance, and most visitors manage with US dollars alone
  • Change only small amounts, as you can’t easily use ZiG outside Zimbabwe
Change Issues:
  • Change shortages are common; exact amounts appreciated
  • Small USD bills ($1-$5) often used as change
  • Sometimes change given in local currency even for USD payments

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Card Payments

Card acceptance is improving but still limited. Check in advance what payment methods a restaurant, hotel or tour operator will accept.Credit/Debit Cards:
  • Visa and Mastercard accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and upscale establishments
  • Some businesses, including some medical providers, accept only US dollars in cash. Private clinics may ask for a large cash payment before treating you, even if you have travel insurance
  • AmEx and other cards have very limited acceptance
  • International transaction fees often apply (check with your bank)
  • Sometimes incur additional local surcharges
  • Network connectivity and power cuts can affect processing
Mobile Payments:
  • Increasingly common, especially in urban areas
  • Services include EcoCash, OneMoney, and Telecash
  • Require local mobile number and registration
  • Not practical for most short-term visitors
Contactless Payments:
  • Limited but growing in large supermarkets and hotels
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay have minimal acceptance

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ATM Withdrawals

ATMs are available in cities and major tourist destinations:Availability:
  • Victoria Falls, Harare, and Bulawayo have the most ATMs
  • Rural areas have very limited or no ATM access
Don’t rely on ATMs:
  • There is a shortage of physical US dollar cash, so it’s not always possible to withdraw money with an international debit or credit card
  • Bring enough US dollars in cash for your whole trip, and treat your card as a backup
  • Withdrawal limits vary by bank and machine, and your home bank’s daily limit also applies
Reliability Issues:
  • Cash shortages can mean empty ATMs
  • Power outages affect availability
  • Higher reliability at ATMs in major hotels and shopping centers
Fees:
  • Local ATM fees (check the screen before you confirm)
  • Your bank’s international withdrawal fees
  • Currency conversion charges
Security:
  • Use ATMs in secure locations (inside banks, hotels, shopping centers)
  • Shield PIN entry and be aware of surroundings
  • Avoid ATM use at night when possible

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Money Exchange

Important: It is illegal to exchange foreign currency anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers, such as banks and bureaux de change. Street money changers are breaking the law, and dealing with them risks counterfeit notes, robbery or arrest.

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Cash limits when you arrive and leave

  • Arriving: declare cash or travellers’ cheques worth US$10,000 or more. You will get a certified declaration showing that you brought the money in.
  • Leaving: it is illegal to leave Zimbabwe with more than US$2,000 in cash. Plan your spending so you don’t have more than this when you fly out.
  • Customs rules can change. Check with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) before you travel if you plan to carry large sums.

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Official Exchange Options

Commercial Banks

  • Most secure exchange option
  • Official rates with receipts
  • Require passport identification
  • Often have long queues
  • Limited operating hours (typically 8am-3pm weekdays)

Bureau de Change

  • Located in major cities and tourist areas
  • Slightly better rates than banks sometimes
  • Faster service with shorter queues
  • Verify they are officially licensed
  • May have wider operating hours

Airports

  • Harare airport has banks and bureaux de change
  • Convenient on arrival
  • Change only what you need
  • Keep your receipt

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Estimated Costs

These are indicative prices to help you budget. Prices change, so check with your lodge or operator.
  • Budget meal (local restaurant): $3-7
  • Mid-range restaurant: $10-20 per person
  • High-end restaurant: $25-50+ per person
  • Street food/fast food: $2-5
  • Bottle of water: $0.50-1
  • Local beer: $1-3
  • Coffee at café: $2-4
  • Intercity bus (e.g., Harare to Bulawayo): $15-25
  • Short taxi ride: $3-5
  • Airport transfer (Victoria Falls): $20-30
  • Car rental: $50-80 per day (plus fuel)
  • Fuel: Approximately $1.50-1.80 per liter
  • Local minibus/kombi: $0.50-1 per trip
  • Backpacker/hostel: $10-25 per night
  • Budget hotel: $30-60 per night
  • Mid-range hotel: $70-150 per night
  • Luxury lodge: $250-800+ per night
  • Camping: $5-20 per person
  • National park entry (international visitors, 2026): $12-58 per day. See park fees
  • Victoria Falls Rainforest entry (international visitors, 2026): $58
  • Game drive: $40-120
  • White water rafting: $120-150
  • Helicopter flight (Victoria Falls): $150-330
  • Sunset cruise: $50-85
  • Guided tour (half day): $30-60

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Budget Planning

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Total Daily Budget Estimates

Budget Traveler

$50-80 per day including:
  • Hostel/budget accommodation
  • Public transportation
  • Self-catering and local eateries
  • Limited paid activities
  • Free/low-cost attractions

Mid-range

$120-200 per day including:
  • 3-star hotels
  • Some taxis/private transportation
  • Restaurant meals
  • Daily activities/entrance fees
  • Occasional souvenirs

Luxury

$300-1,000+ per day including:
  • 4-5 star hotels and lodges
  • Private transfers/vehicle
  • Fine dining
  • Premium activities
  • Shopping and souvenirs
Safari Costs: Safari packages typically range from $150-500+ per person per day depending on accommodation level, with all-inclusive luxury safaris reaching $800-1,200 per day. These often represent better value than arranging components separately.

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Money-Saving Tips

Practical ways to make your money go further:
  • Negotiate prices at markets and for unmetered taxis (respectfully and within reason)
  • Carry small USD bills to avoid change problems and overpaying
  • Use local transport (kombis/minibuses) for authentic experience and cost savings
  • Visit national parks mid-week for reduced crowds and sometimes promotions
  • Travel during shoulder season (April-June, September) for lower accommodation rates
  • Self-cater occasionally using supermarkets in major towns
  • Group activities often have per-person discounts for larger numbers
  • Combine border crossings with a KAZA Univisa if visiting multiple countries
  • Drink local beverages like Zambezi Lager instead of imported options

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Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is expected in the tourism industry, and many workers depend on tips to supplement their income:

Restaurants

  • 10-15% of bill for good service
  • Check if service charge already included
  • Tip in USD when possible

Hotels

  • Porters: $1-2 per bag
  • Housekeeping: $1-2 per day
  • Room service: 10% of bill
  • Concierge: $5-10 for special assistance

Safari & Tours

  • Safari guides: $10-20 per person per day
  • Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day
  • Trackers: $5-10 per day
  • Drivers: $3-5 per journey
Tipping is typically done at the end of your stay or tour for multi-day services. Many lodges have staff tip boxes that are shared equally among all staff.

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Money Safety

Keep your money secure:
  • Distribute cash in different secure locations (hotel safe, money belt, different bags)
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public
  • Keep small amounts easily accessible for daily spending
  • Make copies of credit cards (front and back) and keep separate from the cards
  • Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks
  • Record emergency contact numbers for your cards
  • Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch in crowded areas
Ethical Consideration: Zimbabwe’s economy has faced challenges for years. When possible, try to support local businesses, community tourism initiatives, and fair trade shops that ensure benefits reach local people directly.

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Sources

Last modified on October 21, 2026