What Currency Does Zambia Use?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Exchange rate (approximate):
1 USD ≈ 18.14 ZMW
1 GBP ≈ 24.32 ZMW
Rates are indicative (July 2026) and change daily. Always check live rates before travelling. Rates by Exchange Rate API.
ZMW converter
100 ZMW ≈ 5.5128 USD
Zambian kwacha conversion table
| Amount | USD → ZMW | GBP → ZMW | EUR → ZMW |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18.14 | 24.32 | 20.72 |
| 5 | 90.70 | 121.59 | 103.60 |
| 10 | 181.40 | 243.18 | 207.19 |
| 20 | 362.79 | 486.36 | 414.38 |
| 50 | 906.99 | 1,216 | 1,036 |
| 100 | 1,814 | 2,432 | 2,072 |
| 500 | 9,070 | 12,159 | 10,360 |
| 1,000 | 18,140 | 24,318 | 20,719 |
| ZMW | → USD | → GBP | → EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0551 | 0.0411 | 0.0483 |
| 5 | 0.2756 | 0.2056 | 0.2413 |
| 10 | 0.5513 | 0.4112 | 0.4826 |
| 20 | 1.1026 | 0.8224 | 0.9653 |
| 50 | 2.7564 | 2.0561 | 2.4132 |
| 100 | 5.5128 | 4.1122 | 4.8264 |
| 500 | 27.56 | 20.56 | 24.13 |
| 1,000 | 55.13 | 41.12 | 48.26 |
Indicative rates (July 2026). Banks and card providers add their own margin and fees, so the amount you actually receive will differ slightly.
Against the US dollar, 1 ZMW is worth about 0.0551 USD. Of the 141 currencies covered on this site, the Zambian kwacha ranks 59th by value per unit (1st = the most US dollars per unit). A high or low number says nothing about economic strength — it simply reflects how the currency is denominated.
Travel Money Card
Travelling to Zambia? Avoid poor airport exchange rates — a prepaid travel money card or multi-currency card usually gets you a far better deal on Zambian kwacha spending.
What is money called in Zambia?
Money in Zambia is called the Zambian kwacha — its ISO 4217 currency code is ZMW, and its symbol is ZK. The Zambian kwacha is the official legal tender in Zambia and is used for all everyday transactions — from paying for goods and services to converting money at banks and exchange bureaus. When travelling, you may also see it referred to as the Zambia currency or simply money in Zambia.
Is the Zambian kwacha used anywhere else?
No — Zambia is the only country on this site using the Zambian kwacha as its official currency.
Practical money tips for Zambia
Card payments are widely accepted in most cities, but it's still worth carrying some Zambian kwacha in cash for smaller vendors, local transport and rural areas. Notify your bank before travelling to avoid transactions being blocked, and compare card fees — many cards charge a foreign transaction fee that a dedicated travel money card avoids.
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Zambia in context
- Zambia covers 752,612 km², making it the 38th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- It shares a land border with 8 countries: Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe.
- Zambia is landlocked, with no direct coastline.
- With 19,693,423 people, Zambia holds about 4.5% of the population of Eastern Africa.
- Traffic drives on the left, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Zambia is a member state of the United Nations.
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Zambia currency — FAQ
What is the currency of Zambia?
The currency of Zambia is the Zambian kwacha (currency code: ZMW, symbol: ZK).
What is the currency code for Zambia?
The ISO 4217 currency code for the Zambian kwacha is ZMW.
What is the Zambian kwacha symbol?
The symbol for the Zambian kwacha is ZK. You will see this on price tags and receipts throughout Zambia.
What currency is used in Zambia?
The official currency used in Zambia is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW).
Can I use US dollars in Zambia?
The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian kwacha, not the US dollar. While USD may be accepted in some tourist hotels and major cities, you will generally get better rates paying in Zambian kwacha and should exchange money before or on arrival.
What is the exchange rate for Zambia?
As of July 2026, approximately 1 USD = 18.14 ZMW and 1 GBP = 24.32 ZMW. Rates change daily — always check a live source before travelling or sending money.
What is money called in Zambia?
Money in Zambia is called the Zambian kwacha (ZMW).
Do other countries use the Zambian kwacha?
No — Zambia is the only country on this site using the Zambian kwacha as its official currency.
What is the Zambian currency?
The Zambian currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW), the official money of Zambia.
What is the currency of the Republic of Zambia?
The Republic of Zambia is the formal name of Zambia. Its currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW).
How much is 100 ZMW in US dollars?
At the July 2026 indicative rate, 100 ZMW is about 5.5128 USD or 4.1122 GBP. Use the converter above for other amounts.
How much is 100 US dollars in Zambian kwacha?
At the July 2026 indicative rate, 100 USD is about 1,814 ZMW.
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