Before you travel to the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, its vital that you have a clear understanding of the issues pertaining to foreign exchange. This section will give you all the information that you require.
The following information pertains to travel within Zimbabwe. Most importantly carry small ' units' of international paper currency. Do not carry or exchange large denominations of international currency, as when you change this you are likely to be stuck with a large number of Zimbabwean Dollars. Remember that entrance fees to the Victoria Falls National Park, River Usage Fee, Visa Costs are charged in US Dollars and therefore you need to ensure that you carry sufficient for your requirements. Whenever you are quoted something in Zimbabwean Dollars makes sure you ask what the cost is in a currency that you understand, therefore there will be in surprises. Avoid at all costs using your Credit Card as in this case you are charged the official exchange rates.
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Before you travel to Zimbabwe, its absolutely vital that you have a clear understanding of how to exchange money. The following step by step guide is invaluable but information is constantly changing so please check the latest status with your consultant or by reading the Rhino Africa Travel Documentation, sent to you prior to travel.
- Whether Mr Robert Mugabe likes it or not, two exchange rates exist in Zimbabwe. The first is what is called an official exchange rate, this is the exchange rate controlled by the government and is very unrealistic. The second is a black market exchange rate and is the exchange rate that is used on the streets and markets.
- Using the black market exchange rate is illegal and if you are caught exchanging money you face the possibility of spending longer in Zimbabwe than you had anticipated! We do not condone attempting to exchange money in order to get the best rate, but highly recommend you are aware of the dangers and do so carefully.
- Very few vendors in Zimbabwe have credit card facilities. Mastercard do not operate in Zimbabwe, and Visa look set to withdraw the facility at any moment. When you do use your Credit Cards you are charged at the official exchange rate which makes things very expensive.
- Carry small denominations of international currency. This makes paying for bills easy, and purchasing curios and gifts even easier. Do not carry large denominations of international currency (USD 50, USD 100) as this means your change is given in Zimbabwean Dollars, which can be difficult to get rid of.
- If you see a price in Zimbabwean Dollars always check the cost of this in a currency that you understand. This gives you the opportunity to walk away from the sale or get up from the table before you are too committed to the purchase!
- Meals and Drinks bills need to settled on departure from the hotel in international currency. This is an advantage to you the traveller as you are not being subjected to the fluctuations or wims of the exchange rate.
- Travellers Cheques can be used to pay for bills on the departure from hotels. Do not use Travellers Cheques for foreign exchange.
- These guidelines regularly change, and Rhino Africa accepts no responsibilty for changes. Speak to your Rhino Africa Travel Consultant to get information about the latest status.
