Town in Southern Province, Zambia
Livingstone
Zambia's adventure town on the upstream side of Victoria Falls, with Devil's Pool, rafting, microlights and a relaxed pace. Costs run high for tours but low for food; sellers can be pushy.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$812–1,420Comfortable, one person · K16,000–28,000Details
- Value for money72/100Better value than 71% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–NovWarmest: Oct, 36°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–36Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at hotels and larger restaurants; cash for taxis, markets and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Livingstone
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Livingstone town centre (Mosi-oa-Tunya Road) | Backpacker lodges, cafés and shops; walkable |
| Mosi-oa-Tunya Road toward the Falls | Resorts, lodges and activity operators on the road to the Falls |
| Zambezi riverside lodges | Quieter safari-style stays upstream |
Apps that work in Livingstone
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Airtel Money: Mobile money used widely by locals
- Taxis: Taxis are unmetered; agree fares before getting in. Lodges will call trusted drivers at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Zambia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at hotels and larger restaurants; cash for taxis, markets and small shops. ATMs in town; US dollars accepted at tourist sites.
- Currency: Kwacha (ZMW). US$1 ≈ K19.70 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in cities dispense kwacha; foreign-card fees apply and limits are modest. Rural areas have few machines.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if no service charge; guides and lodge staff are tipped in USD or kwacha at the end of a stay.
- Paying by phone: MTN and Airtel Money are common locally; visitors use cash and cards. Apple and Google Pay are rare.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities are visa-exempt; others get an e-visa or visa on arrival (about 50 USD single entry). Check the immigration site.
- The KAZA UNIVISA (50 USD) covers Zambia and Zimbabwe, with day trips to Botswana; sold at Livingstone airport and borders.
- Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from risk countries; passport needs 6 months validity.
Emergency numbers
Police 991 · Ambulance 992 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airtel and MTN SIMs sold at Lusaka airport and shops for a few dozen kwacha; passport registration required. Data bundles are cheap.
More places in Zambia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.