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South African Airways (SAA) operates daily flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Windhoek. Air Namibia flies twice-weekly between Windhoek and Harare (Zimbabwe), Lusaka (Zambia) and Gaborone (Botswana). There are border crossings from Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa and bus companies service these routes. A train runs between De Aar and Windhoek, and has further connections to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Driving between South Africa and Namibia is quite comfortable on well-made roads, and it's also possible to hitchhike, although truckies expect to be paid these days (about US$1.50 per 100km).

Currency: Namibian dollar

Meals


• Budget: US$15-25

• Mid-range: US$25-40

• Top-end: US$40 and upwards
  
  Lodging
  

• Budget: US$6-8

• Mid-range: US$8-15

• Top-end: US$15 and upwards

Namibia is a relatively inexpensive country to visit. Budget travellers need only spend about US$25 a day if they camp or stay in backpackers' hostels, self-cater and use public transportation. A mid-range budget of around US$60 a day secures inexpensive hotels and a couple of daily restaurant meals. Better hotels, habitual restaurant meals, guided tours and a rented 4WD requires at least US$100 a day.

Major foreign currencies and travellers' cheques can be exchanged in any bank. Rates for travellers' cheques are better than cash. When changing money, you can choose between Namibian dollars or South African rand; for changing leftover money after your trip, rand is better. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels.

An 11% sales tax is applied to most purchases, including meals and accommodation, but it's not normally included in marked prices. Tipping is only expected in up-market restaurants, and only if a service charge hasn't already been added to the bill. Tipping is prohibited in national parks and reserves. Bargaining, particularly in rural markets, is a local way of life, especially for arts and crafts.