Windhoek - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are common but the local banks charge a fee to use them, even if it's you bank. Everywhere takes cards so "swipe" and collect your points! - Jul 2024
Yes, yes, and yes. - Jan 2021
All major credit cards are accepted here. When possible it is best to pay in cash, as there have been a couple of instances (not with Americans) of stolen card numbers. This was reported to have happened several times at a restaurant and to have happened at a pharmacy (although the pharmacist was arrested). When using an ATM, you just need to be aware of your surroundings. - Jan 2016
We prefer using cash but have used credit card and ATMs without an issue. - Jun 2015
We do most of our transactions using cash. Credit card skimming isn't unheard of, and the grocery stores' credit card systems crash with enough regularity to make it not worth the trouble. ATMs are all guarded by private security firms. (EVERYTHING here is guarded by private security firms.) So if you use common sense, I think they're fine. - May 2013
We haven't had any problems, although friends have reported credit card fraud after using them outside Windhoek. - Jan 2013
They are safe for the most part, and most have security guards stationed near them. Be mindful of typical schemes and don't use at night by yourself. - Jul 2012
