Zambia is a relatively inexpensive destination compared to most western countries, but tourists will find it more expensive than other countries in East and Southern Africa. This is partly due to currency fluctuations in late 2005 that saw the Zambian Kwacha skyrocket in value, making almost everything one and half times more expensive if you're spending dollars. If you do a lot of self-catering, take the train or bus and don't load up on artefacts, you can keep your costs below about US$25.00 a day. Travellers on a moderate budget can expect to spend about US$25.50 a day or more, depending on their taste for restaurant meals and safaris. Comfortable travel will cost at least US$75.00 a day, or significantly more if you fancy luxury hotels and chartered planes.

You can exchange cash or travellers cheques at banks or foreign exchange (forex) bureaus in most large towns. Travellers cheques get much poorer rates. Bureaus generally give better rates than the banks, especially for cash, and have a faster service. In Lusaka and Livingstone you can get a cash advance on a credit or debit card, and through the Plus network, but ATMs are few and far between elsewhere. There's no black market worth bothering with, and most street moneychangers will rip you off, especially on the borders.

Tipping is technically illegal, but of course still welcomed. You'll find a 10% service charge added to your bill in most restaurants. When shopping for crafts and souvenirs at curio stalls, or when buying some market goods, bargaining is common and expected. Bargaining is not common in shops.

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