Zambia's currency is the Kwacha and is available at airports, hotels, ATMs and exchange offices. Larger shops, hotels, restaurants and tour operators increasingly accept major credit cards. Use ATMs or banks and bureaux de change to exchange money.

The official and best currency to use in Zambia in 2026 is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). While major tourist hubs like Livingstone (Victoria Falls) and high-end safari lodges in South Luangwa frequently display prices in U.S. Dollars, you will almost always get a better rate and avoid "rounding up" fees by paying in the local currency. As of 2026, the exchange rate hovers around 30 ZMW to 1 USD, though it can be volatile. In 2025, Zambia introduced new 200 and 500 Kwacha notes to handle inflation, which are now widely used for larger purchases. It is a high-value peer tip to carry "new" USD bills (issued after 2013) in $1, $5, and $10 denominations for tipping and small border fees, but use your credit card (Visa is most widely accepted) for hotels. When using a card, always choose to be charged in "Local Currency" (ZMW) to avoid the predatory "Dynamic Currency Conversion" rates. Also, remember that while you can exchange Kwacha at major banks in Lusaka, it is nearly impossible to convert it back once you leave the country, so try to spend your remaining balance before you head to the airport.