Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), a government arm that regulates and promotes tourism in Zimbabwe has refuted reports circulating on some sections of social media alleging that police are authorised to stop and search people for foreign currency as untrue and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.
In a statement released by the authority, ZTA assured tourists that travellers will not be negatively affected by a new regulation that bans foreign currency as legal tender in Zimbabwe.
“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,” read the statement.
ZTA added that any freely convertible foreign currencies remain acceptable in Zimbabwe. “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.
“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,” further read the statement. The authority encouraged visitors to formal exchange their foreign currency. “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,” the statement continued.
The organisation indicated that foreign currency shall be accepted for visa payments. “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,” added the statement.
However, tipping was ruled as an informal transaction and hence visitors are at liberty to tip the way they want.