Zambia Currency: Everything You Need to Know along The Trip

By Azure Lee | Update on: Apr 25, 2025

Zambia, a landlocked nation in southern Africa, is quickly becoming a top tourism destination thanks to its breathtaking, untouched landscapes and welcoming culture. The breathtaking Victoria Falls, as well as a variety of national parks, landmarks, and attractions, are some of the top destinations in Zambia.

Beyond the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and the vibrant tapestry of local traditions, there's a treasure trove of stories hidden within the currency of this beautiful country – the Zambian Kwacha. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the lesser-known facets of Zambia currency, revealing fascinating tidbits that may surprise you.

What is the currency in Zambia?

"What currency does Zambia use?" or "What is the currency of Zambia?" are two of the many questions that tourists to Zambia ask. 

The answer is kwacha, the official currency in Zambia, and is recognized by the government for all financial transactions within the country, including purchasing goods and services, paying taxes, and settling debts. 

In Zambia, only the Zambian kwacha is recognized as legal tender. Zambia does not officially accept any other currency apart from the kwacha.

Kwacha is the official currency in Zambia

History of currency of Zambia 

The Zambian Kwacha is a decimal currency, with one K1 equal to one hundred ngwee.

• 1964: Prior to Zambia's independence in this year, the nation, formerly known as Northern Rhodesia, utilized the British pound as its official currency. 
• 1965: Zambia transitioned to using the Kwacha. 
• 1967: The Currency Act of 1967 finalized this transition, replacing the British pound entirely with Zambian Kwacha banknotes and ngwee coins.

Following that, the New Kwacha was divided into six denominations: K10, K2, 50N, 20N, 10N, and 5N. 

Since 1967, the Kwacha has experienced multiple structural adjustments designed to facilitate economic activities and uphold public trust in the country's currency.

How to use currency in Zambia to make payments?

Travelling to Zambia

It can be challenging to decide how to pay in Zambia if you travel there because of the country's unique currency, banking system, and money conventions. Thankfully, a variety of payment methods are now widely used worldwide, including:

• Credit Cards: Zambia accepts VISA and Mastercard credit and debit cards, particularly in tourist destinations.
• Cash: It's advisable to carry some kwacha banknotes for small expenses, tipping, and emergencies. You can typically exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.
• Mobile Payments: While mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming more popular, it's essential to confirm their availability in Zambia beforehand.
• Prepaid Travel Cards: Consider using a reloadable debit card with a kwacha balance for value, security, and convenience during your travels in Zambia.

Out of these options, utilizing a prepaid travel card is typically the most advantageous payment method in Zambia. This is because prepaid travel cards generally result in lower fees when exchanging currency to kwacha compared to credit cards or bank debit cards. Also, many prepaid travel cards allow you to carry balances in other currencies, enabling you to avoid other hidden fees while traveling while still offering the same degree of security and practicality as your credit or debit card!

You might be able to obtain a prepaid travel card from your bank, depending on where you are from.

In Zambia, only the Zambian kwacha is recognized as legal tender

Money transfer to Zambia

Several people send money to Zambia every year for a variety of reasons:

• Helping out friends or relatives, 
• Covering someone's tuition, 
• Concluding business deals, 
• Getting new or better real estate, 
• And many other things. 

You should be aware of the high costs and exchange rates associated with sending an international money transfer to a kwacha bank account in Zambia if you choose to do so (these fees frequently amount to more than 10% of your transfer total).

Fortunately, there is fierce competition in the market for international money transfers, and numerous reliable alternative providers are vying to give you the best exchange rates (rates that nearly always outperform those offered by the bank!). We advise avoiding the headache and searching for the cheapest provider in real time because the cheapest provider to transfer money abroad varies depending on aspects like where you're sending from, how much you're sending, the payment method, and others.

Zambia currency exchange rates

The kwacha is among approximately 180 currencies used worldwide. Consequently, the kwacha is subject to trading against all other official currencies globally, resulting in the establishment of exchange rates. These rates indicate the ratio of one currency that can be exchanged for another.

Fluctuations in exchange rates occur due to a variety of economic, political, and market-related influences. A higher exchange rate indicates that one currency's value has risen in comparison to another, whereas a lower exchange rate signifies the opposite. When traveling to Zambia, making purchases, or sending money there, Zambia currency exchange rates play a crucial role in these transactions.

Zambia currency conversion to US Dollar

1.00 Zambian Kwacha = 0.048570574 US Dollars

4 facts about the currency of Zambia

Here is a closer look at some fascinating, entertaining facts about the Zambian Kwacha that you might not be aware of:

1. The Central Bank of Zambia released its initial batch of paper currency in 1968

In that year, the Central Bank of Zambia introduced the inaugural paper banknotes for the kwacha. Initially, they printed only five denominations, including 50 ngwee, 1, 2, 10, and 20 kwacha notes.

Subsequently, during the 1980s, the bank added 100 and 500 kwacha banknotes to the currency lineup. Responding to rapid inflation in 1996, they also introduced 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 kwacha banknotes.

In 2013, Zambia initiated a "rebasement" of its currency, whereby denominational values were divided by 1,000. The old currency was replaced with new bills and coins, resulting in, for instance, a 5,000-kwacha note being equivalent to 5 new kwachas.

The Central Bank of Zambia released its initial batch of paper currency in 1968

2. The value of the kwacha is significantly influenced by copper

Copper holds a substantial position in Zambia's economy, and as the prices and demand for copper exports have varied over time, the currency's value has followed suit. During the mid-1980s and early 1990s, when copper prices were depressed, the Zambian kwacha experienced a rapid decline in its value. Conversely, in recent years, as the demand for copper has surged, the kwacha's value has also increased.

3. The currency initially featured the image of the president, followed by an eagle

In 1964, Kenneth Kaunda assumed the presidency of Zambia and held office until 1991. Throughout his tenure, his portrait was featured on all Zambian currency notes.

Following his departure from office in 1991, a currency redesign took place. Kaunda's image was replaced, and in its stead, the currency now featured an African fish eagle. This change symbolized Zambia's sense of pride, its dedication to economic advancement, and its resilience in overcoming challenges, as the fish eagle represents the country’s pride.

4. Zambia was a pioneer in printing polymer banknotes in Africa

Zambia was the first country in Africa to manufacture polymer banknotes in 2003. Paper cannot compare to the durability of polymer, and it is also simpler to add additional security elements to polymer printing materials to avoid counterfeiting.

Conclusion: Zambia currency

If you're seeking an extraordinary travel experience in Africa, Zambia should undoubtedly be on your travel bucket list. With its captivating blend of diverse cultures, delectable cuisine, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Zambia promises an adventure like no other without pressures about the currency in Zambia. As you plan your journey to this remarkable nation, we strongly recommend applying for a Zambia eVisa online to simplify your travel preparations. Discover the top attractions Zambia has to offer and make the most of your Zambia adventure with our assistance at Zambia Immigration Services.