New Currency regulations

Zambia is undergoing some economic policy changes at the moment...there are some things that you should know about in the interim....

 You can still pay for your safari in US dollars from abroad but US Dollars are no
  longer accepted within Zambia. You CAN still pay for Visas in US Dollars on
  entry to Zambia but once past Immigration you will need Zambian Kwacha to pay
  for airport departure taxes and any other cash incidentals.

 The USD/Kwacha exchange rate is fluctuating a lot at the moment with a 14% swing in value just within the last 2 weeks so it is important to take this into account
when calculating costs.

 Departure taxes within Zambia are 58,000 Kwacha per person which used to equate to US$11 per person but now – with the swing in value, K58,000 is worth
US$13.

 Some suggestions: 
• Carry a little more $USD on you than you had previously calculated to allow for these fluctuations.
• Bring new notes - ie “Big head” dollars
• It is not possible to purchase Kwacha outside of Zambia so you will need to be prepared to change cash at a Bureau at the airport OR
carry a bank card and withdraw cash at the airport ATM  - don’t forget your
PIN!
• You may need to alert your card provider that you’re travelling
so that they don’t lock your card upon seeing unexpected transactions from
Zambia – most well known cash cards are accepted.