Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Zimbabwe: 'currency exchange...'
An overvalued exchange rate makes it a very expensive destination for tourists. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at an official bank and you must keep the receipt to show as proof of exchange when spending Zimbabwean dollars. Hotels, by law, can only accept payment for accommodation in foreign exchange but will accept Z$ in restaurants and bars, provided that you show the exchange receipt. Black market rates vary significantly and can be as much as 5 times more than the official rate, but it is dangerous and illegal to change money on the street. US dollars, preferably in small notes, are advisable. Don’t rely on credit cards. Although they are accepted in major hotels (check the exchange rate first), there may be difficulties in getting through. ATMs are few and far between and rarely work.
An overvalued exchange rate makes it a very expensive destination for tourists. Foreign currency can only be exchanged at an official bank and you must keep the receipt to show as proof of exchange when spending Zimbabwean dollars. Hotels, by law, can only accept payment for accommodation in foreign exchange but will accept Z$ in restaurants and bars, provided that you show the exchange receipt. Black market rates vary significantly and can be as much as 5 times more than the official rate, but it is dangerous and illegal to change money on the street. US dollars, preferably in small notes, are advisable. Don’t rely on credit cards. Although they are accepted in major hotels (check the exchange rate first), there may be difficulties in getting through. ATMs are few and far between and rarely work.
# posted by hotelreviewer @ 9:42 am 
