Time
The local time is GMT +2 hours during summer (October to February).
During winter (March to September) it is GMT +1 hour.

Currency
Namibian Dollar (N$), divided into 100 cents, linked to and on par with the South African Rand (R), which is also accepted throughout the country. Credit cards are widely accepted at most shops and restaurants and there are automatic teller machines. Otherwise you can use them to get money at the banks. The banking sector is linked to major international communications networks.

Voltage
220/240/250 volts AC.

Communication
There is a phone-system running throughout the country, cellular phones can also be used.
The international telephone code for Namibia is +264 + area code + number required.
Internet cafe's are found in the major cities, providing internet access and e-mail services. Most of them also have fax services.

Medical
Depending where in Namibia you are going to you should get injections against Malaria, Typhoid, hepatitis A and B and Polio. If you are coming from a Yellow Fever infected area you will need a certificate to prove you do not have it. All major cities have hospitals and the medical service is good. If you go to any area where water is ( For instance the Okavango Delta ) then it is wise to take precaution against mosquitoes.

Climate
Typical of a semi-desert country, with hot days and cool nights. Namibia knows 3 seasons.
Winter with nice temperatures ( May-Sep )
Summer with hot temperatures ( Oct-Dec )
The rainy season ( Dec-Mar )
Heavy winds can be expected from Aug to Oct.

Clothing
In the daytime it is comfortable to wear light clothes, in the evening however it is a bit colder and nicer to wear something warmer. when you go into the desert and you will stay there overnight it is wise to take some warm clothes with you because during the nights it can be rather cold.

Business hours
Normal business hours from 08:00 - 17:00 from Monday to Friday.
08:00 - 13:00 on Saturdays
Shopping hours from 08:00 - 19:00, some shops are open on Sundays too.
Banking hours are :
09:00 - 15:30 from Monday - Friday
09:00 - 11:00 on Saturdays

Souvenirs
Throughout Namibia you will find people selling wood carvings, semi-precious stones, handicrafts and Herero-dolls. Leather items are sold everywhere.

Travel requirements
From some countries you need a visa to get into Namibia, ask your travel agency of you are not sure. Visas are not required of visitors from Austria, Angola, Botswana, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nordic countries, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, UK, USA, Zimbabwe and Zambia. A valid passport is required to enter Namibia.
It is legal to bring the following duty free items into the country :
400 cigarettes , 50 cigars , 250gr. of tobacco , 2 liters of wine , 1 liter of spirits , 50ml of perfume , max. N$500,00 of gifts.

Safety
All cities have at least one police station where you can go in case of an emergency, the cities are safe in the daytime but some areas should be avoided in the night time. Be careful when you drive and people are urging to stop you specially at the Angola border. Check at the Namibian embassy in your country which areas are not safe and which are.

Roads
All the main roads between the cities are tarred and well maintained, a lot of inland roads and desert roads are gravel roads or sand roads. Some areas require a 4X4 vehicle which will be signposted.

Public transportation
Between the cities there is a railroad service running daily. Also busses are driving between cities. Taxis are available in the cities. From airports and major attractions there are shuttle services available. If you don't want to use public transportation you can use a car rent which are available at most places.

Measures
Metric System

Namibia Public Holidays
New Years Day - 1 January Independence Day - 21 March Good Friday - 29 March Easter Monday - 1 April Workers Day - 1 May Cassinga Day - 4 May Ascension Day - 9 May Africa Day - 25 May Heroes Day - 26 August Human Rights Day - 10 December Christmas Day - 25 December Family Day - 26 December