Swakopmund

The questions people ask first about Swakopmund, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD, N$), pegged 1:1 to the South African rand; rand is accepted in Namibia…Namibia-wide
• SIM or eSIMMTC has the widest coverage; TN Mobile is the alternative.Namibia-wide
• Tap waterTap water is safe in Windhoek and main towns (Windhoek recycles water to drinking standard).Namibia-wide
• TippingRestaurant: About 10%.Namibia-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Namibia-wide
• SafetySwakopmund is a relaxed resort town and generally safe by day; the real risks are fog, cold water…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeN$25–45
• Sit-down mealSit-down restaurant mealAdd about 10% tip.N$150–300
• Beerdraught / bottle at a bottle storeN$30–50N$20–30
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within townN$30–50
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekN$200–400
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum or aquarium entryN$20–30
• Budget bedHostel or backpacker bed, a night, per personNAD 300
• Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomNAD 1,600
• High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomNAD 3,500

A day, not counting the bed: Budget NAD 900 · Mid NAD 1,600 · High NAD 3,000

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

WVB Walvis Bay Airport (About 35 km (22 mi) south; the nearest airport with scheduled passenger flights. Some guesthouses run shuttles; local shuttles cost around N$200.) · WDH Hosea Kutako International (Windhoek) (Most travellers arrive here and drive the B2, 4–5 hours.)WVB Walvis Bay Airport (About 22 mi (35 km) south; the nearest airport with scheduled passenger flights. Some guesthouses run shuttles; local shuttles cost around N$200.) · WDH Hosea Kutako International (Windhoek) (Most travellers arrive here and drive the B2, 4–5 hours.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

N$700–1,200 excl. bed

Mid

N$1,200–2,200 excl. bed

High

N$2,200+ excl. bed

• Coastal fog is frequent and can drop temperatures below 10°C (50°F) in winter; bring a jacket even in summer.Coastal fog is frequent and can drop temperatures below 50°F (10°C) in winter; bring a jacket even in summer.
• The Atlantic here is cold and the southern beach has no breakwater — swimming is not safe there.
• Driving the C34 north along the Skeleton Coast in fog is dangerous; do it in daylight only.
• Do not drive outside towns after dark: animals and unlit gravel roads.
• Since April 2025 most Western passports need a Namibian visa — apply online for e-visa pre-approval or pay N$1,600 on arrival.