Expert Info

Posted by
on 13 Apr 2011

There's a possibility I may be briefly relocated to Lusaka, Zambia for six months. It's a short amount of time so I don't think it's worth it to open a bank account, and I'll still be getting paid South African Rand into my South African Bank Account. I just want to know from expats living in Zambia if there's enough ATMs and if they accept VISA in most places.

Anonymous (not verified) on 13 Apr 2011 - 08:37
Yes, definitely wouldn't recommend opening a Zambian bank account if you're only going to be in the country for a short time and if you're being remitted in ZAR to your SA Account. If your ATM card is a VISA you can pretty much withdraw at most ATMs in Lusaka - you'll must have to pay the foreign bank charges - which can add up after awhile. There's not too many ATMs in rural parts of the coutnry, so bring cash.

VISA credit cards are the most often accepted and recognised in Zambia, but places may add an additional 5 percent onto the cost of an item to cover their bank charges for processing the card. Most things can be purchased for a lower price with cash. Make an effort to exchange in SA, as the bureaux de change in Zambia take decent size commissions.



Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Feb 2013 - 07:03
Can anyone advise me of Zambian defacto rights when local female was in a 6mth relationship with an aussie expat who passed away whilst in SA? Any suggestions or experiences would be much appreciated.