The Namibian dollar (N$) is the national currency and comes in banknote denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins can be found in denominations of N$5, 1 and 50, 10 and 5 cents. The Namibian dollar is linked to the South African rand, which is also accepted as currency in Namibia.

You can change cash at banks throughout the country and in the larger towns and cities you will find a number of bureau de change kiosks. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted although it is advisable to take cash when visiting smaller towns. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations anywhere in the country. Traveller’s cheques can be changed at banks, although to avoid additional exchange rate charges, you are advised to take traveller's cheques in US dollars or South African rand.

Banks are open from 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 11:00 on Saturdays.

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency, as long as it has been declared on arrival. The same amount of currency that was imported and declared can be exported provided departure is within 12 months of arrival.

The following items can be brought into Namibia by persons over 16 years without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars; two litres of wine and one litre of spirits; 50ml of perfume and gifts to the value of N$50,000. Hunting rifles need a permit which is issued by customs upon entry and handguns are not permitted.

220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Three-pin round plugs are in use, as in South Africa.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from anyone who is arriving from an infected area. The countries which are included in the endemic zones in Africa and South America are regarded by the Namibian authorities as being infected. Typhoid is a risk in some parts of the country and there was a recent outbreak of polio. Both of these diseases should be vaccinated against.

Malaria exists in Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke between November and June as well as being a threat in Kavango and Caprivi regions throughout the year. The recommended anti-malarial drugs are mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone. Hepatitis A is a threat and hepatitis B is hyper-endemic. An increase in rabies cases among dogs in Windhoek was reported in 2006.

Mains water is usually chlorinated and while it is considered safe to drink, most visitors still choose to drink bottled water to prevent stomach upsets. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption.

The medical services are generally very good in the larger towns. Private hospitals can be found in Windhoek, Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund and all have good reputations. Health insurance is very important for every trip to Namibia as the cost of healthcare can be very high.

Medical emergencies: 922

It is advised that all travellers to Namibia avoid travelling to the Kavango and Caprivi regions of northeast Namibia due to security risks. Fighting between Angola and UNITA has crossed the border into Namibia. UNITA has started violent raids and planted many landmines, resulting in the deaths and injury of many local Namibians. Foreign tourists have been attacked and killed by men in military uniform on the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo.

In all other parts of Namibia, incidents of violent crime against tourists are rare, but petty crime is on the rise. The most common offences committed are crimes of opportunity such as pick-pocketing, bag-snatching and vehicle theft. If common sense is used and money and valuables are not flashed around in public, you should be able to prevent becoming a victim of crime.

Police: 922

Namibia is generally a very tolerant and laid-back country. In urban areas, western conventions exist and therefore normal courtesies should be shown when meeting people for the first time or when visiting someone’s home. Casual wear is accepted throughout the country, unless you are attending a formal engagement. In rural regions, you should follow the advice of a local guide and always show respect to everyone you meet.

In restaurants, tipping of 10 per cent is expected as service charge is not normally included. If it is included, you can add to this if you feel the service given was worthy. Hotels add a service charge to the final bill, although porters should be given a small amount for their help. Duty-free shopping can be enjoyed at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.

The country code for Namibia is: +264. There are internet cafés in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Windhoek.

GMT +2

Passports valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into Namibia are required by all nationals from the UK, the US, Europe and Australia. Visas are not required by these nationals for stays of up to 90 days.