ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority (ZTA) says Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 (SI142) will not have a negative impact on tourists and travelling public as they can use their VISA and MASTERCARD for payments.
The SI puts to an end the multi-currency regime which came into effect in February 2009 at the consummation of the inclusive government.
According to the Instrument, the Zimdollar which is currently fronted by the Bond Notes and RTGS is the sole legal tender and this brought a string of confusions to the market especially with tourists but ZTA says there is nothing to be worried about as there are systems in place to cater for tourists.
In a statement, ZTA said “credit cards are readily acceptable everywhere in Zimbabwe where the relevant arrangements have been made with the international credit card companies such as VISA, MASTERCARD and others issued by different banks in the countries of origin of the travellers.
“Visitors are required to make the necessary arrangements with their banks before embarking on travel and when in the destination they need to look out for the logos of their respective credit cards.
“Please note that terms and conditions of the respective credit cards will apply and transactions are subject to the limits given by the banks. Service provider do have international credit card enable Point-of-Sale (POS) Machines,” read the part of the statement.
Below is the full statement from Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) on the currency reforms.
STATEMENT BY THE ZIMBABWE TOURISM AUTHORITY ON THE STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 142 OF 2019: RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE (LEGAL TENDER) REGULATIONS, 2019
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority would like to assure all visitors to Zimbabwe that the recently promulgated Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019: Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (Legal Tender) Regulations, 2019 will not negatively affect the travelling public, specifically foreign visitors. The regulations are meant for any transactions carried out within Zimbabwe, where it is now illegal to use foreign in hard cash. The legal tender shall be the Zimbabwe Dollar in both cash and electronic format.
Any freely convertible foreign currencies remain acceptable in Zimbabwe as follows:
- Credit Cards are readily acceptable everywhere in Zimbabwe where the relevant arrangements have been made with the International Credit Card Companies such as VISA, MASTERCARD and others issued by different banks in the countries of origin of the travellers. Visitors are required to make the necessary arrangements with their banks before embarking on travel and when in the destination they need to look out for the logos of their respective credit cards. Please note that terms and conditions of the respective credit cards will apply and transactions are subject to the limits given by the banks. Service providers do have international credit card enable Point-of-Sale (POS) Machines.
- Visitors may also withdraw local cash from international credit card enabled Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) of the different banks. These will be clearly marked international and will have the logos of the accepted credit card companies.
- Foreign cash may be exchanged at the bank, bureau-de-change or any other authorised foreign currency dealers at the prevailing bank rates. Visitors may then use the so acquired local currency to transact. Visitors are however encouraged to use plastic money and only exchange amounts of money in cash that they anticipate to use. However, visitors may convert their money back to their foreign currency subject to prevailing terms and conditions. This may include proof in the prescribed format that one changed money upon their arrival.
- Online payments and telegraphic transfers remain acceptable forms of payment in Zimbabwe
- Visa fees where applicable are payable in foreign currency and may be paid in cash at any port of entry. The Government of Zimbabwe has an e-visa system and intending travellers may apply and pay for their visas online.
- Tipping is not a commercial transaction and hence visitors are at liberty to tip the way they want. It becomes incumbent upon the recipient to ensure adherence to the foreign exchange regulations.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has it from authoritative sources that reports circulating in certain sections of the social media purporting that police are authorised to stop and search people for foreign currency are untrue and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.
For any further information and/or clarifications and in cases of problems please contact the Head Corporate Affairs on +263 71 844 9067 and e-mail koti@ztazim.co.zw or any of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices.
