Capital city in Lusaka Province, Zambia
Lusaka
Fast-growing, spread-out capital with malls, cafés and a handy hub for South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi trips. Traffic and heat are the downsides; there's little sightseeing and you need a car or app.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,020–1,730Comfortable, one person · K20,000–34,000Details
- Value for money61/100Better value than 60% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Oct, 33°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–46Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and mobile money in malls, supermarkets and hotels; cash for minibuses, markets and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Lusaka
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kabulonga | Upscale suburb with restaurants, embassies and guesthouses |
| Woodlands | Safer residential area with malls and cafés |
| Rhodes Park | Quiet streets near the city and golf club |
| Roma and Longacres | Hotels and offices near government buildings |
Apps that work in Lusaka
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Airtel Money: Mobile money used widely by locals
- Taxis: Ride apps are safer than hailed taxis, especially at night. Confirm the plate before getting in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Zambia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and mobile money in malls, supermarkets and hotels; cash for minibuses, markets and small shops. ATMs are common but fees apply.
- 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
Going to Lusaka solo?
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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.