Namibia is a long haul destination with plenty travel options, so it's worth planning ahead to get the best out of your journey.  

Currency:
1 Namibian Dollar (N$) = 100 cents
The Namibia Dollar (N$) is fixed to and equals the South African Rand (ZAR) 1:1. The South African Rand is legal tender in Namibia and is accepted throughout for payment.
Currency Exchange : www.xe.com  

Credit Cards :
International Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted throughout Namibia. Holders of other credit cards are advised to clarify with a commercial bank whether their card is acceptable in Namibia. VISA cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations. 

Weather:
Namibia has a dry climate typical of a semi-desert country where droughts are a regular occurrence. Days are mostly warm to very hot, while nights are generally cool. Average day temperatures in the summer vary from 20°C - 34°C and average night temperatures in the winter from O°C - 10°C.
Temperatures in the interior are lower because of the altitude, while the cold Benguela Current has a modifying influence on the coastal desert and its hinterland. The Benguela is the prime determinant of the climate of the Namib, as it reduces rainfall and causes the omnipresent fog typical of the coast. An interesting aspect of Namibia’s climate is the vast differences between the arid southern desert and semi-desert areas and the tropical water-rich north-east with its abundant summer rains.
Voltage :
220/240 volts AC. 3-Pin Plugs are used.
Communications :
IDD is available. Country code: 264 
Namibia has cell phone coverage in most of the towns and cities.

Local Time:
Summertime is GMT + 2 from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April.
Wintertime is GMT + 1, from the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in September.  

Banking Hours:
09h00-15h30 Monday-Friday
09h00-11h00 Saturday  

Language:
The official language is English and all documents, notices and directional signs are in English.
German and Afrikaans are also used throughout the country and there are numerous African languages and dialects which fall into two main groups: Bantu and Khoisan.

Passport & VISA Requirements :
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas. It is advisable to check for the latest visa and entry requirements.  

Health Precautions :
Due to the hot dry climate Namibia is virtually free of tropical diseases, therefore health certificates are not normally required. However, vaccination requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department.

Malaria exists in the northern area throughout the year, but you can reduce the risk of malaria by using prophylactics, which should be started before arriving in Namibia and with your doctor’s guidance.

If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply, to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

The Southern Africa sun is harsh, therefore we advise that you apply highest (SPF '20) sun block liberally prior to going on walks, swimming etc.  

Accessibility:

By Air:
Namibia is directly accessible by regular international flights from Europe by Air Namibia & LTU and neighbouring countries from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Maun, Victoria Falls, and Luanda by Air Namibia, South African Airways, British Airways/Comair and SA Express.

Eros Airport in Windhoek is mostly used for chartered flights and light aircraft.

By Road: Namibia is directly accessible by the regular Intercape Mainliner bus service from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Victoria Falls.  
Airports:
International Airports - Hosea Kutako International Airport, previously Windhoek International Airport
Transport:
Domestic transport services available include Intercape Mainliner bus service and scheduled commercial flights. 

Road Conditions:
A two-wheel drive vehicle is adequate for a self-drive holiday. The country has  a  well  established  road network, of which some 5 450 km is tarred and
37 000km consists of gravel and earth roads, providing access to the majority of towns, parks, nature reserves and tourist attractions in the country. Road conditions are good and well signposted.
Two major development projects, the Trans-Caprivi Highway and the Trans-Kalahari Highway, provide access to Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa and link Namibia with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries for trade, travel and communication.   What to Buy
Finely crafted jewellery, precious and semi-precious gemstones, karakul jackets, indigenous crafts, Namibian brewed beer and locally manufactured chocolates and exotic leather goods.  

Safety

Namibia is a peaceful, democratic country and is relatively crime free. However, as in any other place in the world there are undesirable elements.  By following basic advice it is possible to avoid most potential problems. It is advised that you carry a record of the numbers of your passport, airline tickets and travellers cheque's. These should be kept in a safe place. Please note expensive jewellery should not be taken on safari.

Do not flash lots of money, an expensive camera or jewellery. Take note of onlookers and keep your possessions in sight at all times to avoid opportunistic theft. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items. Never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports. It is best not to wander around the streets after dark.

If you are travelling in a car, do not leave your purse or bag lying on the passenger seat in clear view - rather keep them in the carboot. Do not consider picking up hitchhikers.  

Water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, except for isolated rural areas, where the consumption of filtered or bottled mineral water is recommended.
(Remember water is as precious as diamonds in this drought-stricken land.) 

Tips & Gratuities
Some restaurants do include service charges; otherwise 10 per cent of the billed amount is adequate. The same applies to hotel service personnel.  

What to Pack  

Cotton rather than synthetic clothing is recommended for Namibian summers. This can be bought at shops in Windhoek that specialise in lightweight safari wear. Winters are usually mild to warm, which calls for light clothing in  the  middle  of  the day, and a sweater or jacket for evenings and early mornings when it can become quite cold. It is often cold and windy at the coast, for which warm clothing, including a windbreaker, is necessary. An important item is comfortable walking shoes. Swimsuits are required for public beaches or swimming pools. When packing, remember to include binoculars, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, bathing towel, moisturiser, lip-ice and mosquito repellent. Points for electric shavers (electric current 250VAC) are available at major hotels and most state-owned rest camps and resorts. It is advisable to bring battery-operated or conventional razors when visiting remote areas. Camping equipment can be hired in Windhoek.  

Photographic Equipment
Ensure that you have sufficient film and spare batteries, as these may be difficult to purchase in some areas.
A lens hood and ultra violet filter are advisable.
Dust-proof packing of your equipment is strongly recommended. 

Important Note : It is courteous to ask permission before photographing people. Please be sensitive. Not all African cultures are familiar with cameras. Rural folk will often shy away from having their picture taken. Some locals may ask a fee for having their photograph taken. It is recommended you avoid photographing anything relating to government and military, including personnel (soldiers and police) and buildings.