Headed to Namibia in early September and was wondering if it's better to bring travellers checks or rely on ATM's?
Second question: When I was last in Europe I had trouble using credit cards because they have something called 'chip and PIN', will I have the same problem charging things in Namibia?
I'd use ATM and credit cards as primary way to transact in Namibia. I used my non chip cards in both South Africa and Namibia without any issue.
If you're going to SA first, get SA Rand for Namibia too to save on banking fees. It is treated just like local currency in Namibia (same exchange rate). And make sure you use all Namibian Rands before leaving the country. No one will want it even in SA.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/youngadventure/sets/72157625578378522/
ATM's can be found most everywhere in Namibia so I would go that route most of the time. There is often a relatively low limit at some of the ATM's so make sure if you have to pay for a lodge in cash or anything that you plan appropriately.
ATMs for cash.I have a chip and pin credit card but in Namibia you always have to sign the slip and they do still swipe the cards
We didn't have any trouble using a credit card in Namibia. Don't know what a chip and PIN is so it shouldn't be a problem with your credit card if it's not one. We also used ATM's for cash and just had to plan to have enough for gas when we were in more remote areas without ATM access - never longer than a day, though. If you are going to SA after Namibia, you can change Namibian dollars in SA for SA rand but they will only change notes - no coins. Have fun.