Electrical sockets (outlets) in Namibia supply electricity at 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances. Such adapters are also available at major airports.Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 9:00am to 3:30pm on weekdays and 8:30am to 11:00am on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers checks.

You can also obtain cash from many of the ATMs. Several international banks have branches in main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.

Credit Cards
International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Please note many camps are unable to accept American Express cards. Credit cards are not accepted at fuel filling stations.

Currency
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.

If you are wishing to purchase currency before arriving in Namibia, it is easiest to buy Rand as the Namibian Dollar is seldom available in banks outside of Namibia.

The water in Namibia's main towns is generally safe to drink, though it may taste a little metallic if it has been piped for miles. Natural sources should usually be purified, though water from underground springs and dry riverbeds seldom causes any problems. However, filtered and bottled water are readily available in most towns and all camps, lodges and hotels.Traditional Namibian cuisine is rarely served and so the food at restaurants tends to be European in style and is, generally, of a very high standard.Namibia is very meat-orientated, and many menu options will feature steaks from various animals. However, there is usually a vegetarian and seafood section offered by most camps and restaurants.

Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world's driest deserts, Namibia's climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it's fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between aboutDecember to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there's often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – but if you're lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you'll never forget the drama.

Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local populace, and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.It is easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adaquate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and talking in a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km/h on gravel roads. In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.

For safari activities, casual, comfortable, lightweight clothing in khaki, green and beige colors are recommended. Bright colors are not advisable for walking safaris as the animals can easily see these shades. (Shorts or trousers are best for walking safaris).During the day, shorts or trousers are ideal, and the evenings may be chilly so light cardigans or sweaters are appropriate. Long sleeved shirts and trousers are also advisable in the evenings to lessen the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes. Many safari lodges have swimming pools, so bathing suits should be taken. It is advisable to have a good pair of closed walking shoes.It can be very chilly in the early morning and late evening, no matter how warm it has been during the day. Bring a warm jacket to wear for the morning. It is best to dress in layers of clothing so that you can peel off as the sun comes up. By 9:00 am it could be quite hot again! Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a warm jacket for early winter mornings and evenings. As with most African countries, clothing is modest. Whilst there are no regulations for dress code, it is customary in Namibia for women to cover their legs for the sake of modesty. We ask that you please respect this, particularly in rural areas. Both men and women dress smart casual in the evenings at safari lodges.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Medical facilities in the capital of Windhoek and in large towns are capable of providing emergency care and performing many routine procedures. Doctors and dentists are generally well-trained. Well-equipped facilities are rarely available in smaller towns. Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Be sure to verify with the Namibian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that your medications are legal before you travel.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever – all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis – highly recommended for all travelers 

Malaria

Malaria transmission occurs in the Northern (Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango (east and west), Zambezi, and portions of Kunene) and Eastern (portions of Omaheke) regions of Namibia. Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. 

We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some properties provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind. 

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Ticks
Ticks are also well known as carriers of diseases that affect both animals and humans, and in Southern Africa this is referred to as tick bite fever. After walking in the bush it is best to brush your clothes down and to examine your body for ticks. If a tick is found, remove it entirely without leaving the biting mouth parts in your skin. Anti-tick sprays such as Bayticol can be very effective against ticks and wearing long pants will prevent many bites.

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Namibia. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

Tourist visas are available at the port of entry. 

Children under the age of 18
All children under 18, or those travelling with them, need to have an original version or a certified/notarized copy of their Unabridged Birth Certificate with them. The key distinction between “abridged” and “unabridged” versions is that an Unabridged Birth Certificate identifies both parents of the child.  If minors are not travelling with both parents identified on their birth certificate, they will also need an affidavit from the parent(s) that are not there stating that they have given permission for the minor to travel – or a certified copy of the parent’s death certificate if appropriate.

Language:The official language is English. German and Afrikaans are also widely used and there are numerous African languages and dialects which fall into two main groups, namely Bantu and Khoisan.National Emergency Numbers:Emergency 10111Fire Service 211 111Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan 01 New Year’s DayVaries Good FridayVaries Easter MondayMay 1 Worker's DayMay 4 Cassinga DayMay 21 Independence DayMay 25 Ascension DayAug 26 Heroes' DayDec 10 International Human Rights DayDec 25 Christmas DayDec 26 Boxing DayVAT:All goods and services in Namibia are priced to include value added tax (VAT) of 15%. Visitors to Namibia may reclaim VAT on their purchases at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport. Further enquiries can be made through the Ministry of Finance – Telephone: + (264) (61) 209 2405, Fax: + (264) (61) 209 2001A 30% luxury items tax is subtracted from the cost of such luxury items as jewelry or Swakara garments when tourists present their passport and air ticket at the time of purchase.Time Zone:Namibia is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.US EmbassyPhysical Address: 14 Lossen Street Windhoek, NamibiaTel: 061-295-8500Fax: 061-295-8603Website: windhoek.usembassy.gov