Town in Erongo, Namibia
Swakopmund
Namibia's relaxed coastal adventure town, with German-colonial streets, sandboarding, skydiving and Walvis Bay wildlife day trips. Cool and foggy, small, and quiet at night; best with a car or tour.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$960–1,560Comfortable, one person · N$16,000–26,000Details
- Value for money77/100Better value than 76% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Mar, 22°CDetails
- Internet18 MbpsFixed broadband, Namibia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and safe, though slightly salty.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–66Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxiVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work in most restaurants, supermarkets and tour operators.Details
Where to stay in Swakopmund
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Town centre (near the Mole and Kaiser Wilhelm Street) | Walkable cafés, shops, adventure operators and guesthouses |
| Vineta | Beachside suburb with quiet guesthouses |
| Mondesa | Local township; visit on guided tours only |
Apps that work in Swakopmund
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps (download offline maps)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Namibia Wildlife Resorts: Booking Etosha and park rest camps
- Taxis: No dependable ride app. Call a local taxi company or ask your guesthouse; agree the fare first at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Namibia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work in most restaurants, supermarkets and tour operators. Cash for small cafés, craft markets and tips; ATMs are in the centre.
- Currency: Dollar (NAD). US$1 ≈ N$16.66 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in towns only (FNB, Bank Windhoek, Standard Bank); withdraw before long drives.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; N$5–10 for fuel attendants and car guards; tip safari guides and lodge staff.
- Paying by phone: Tap-to-pay cards work widely in towns; local e-wallets need a Namibian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Since April 2025 many nationalities, including UK and US passports and many EU ones, need a visa: buy on arrival or apply online (N$1,600).
- Passport needs 6 months' validity and 3 blank pages; check your entry stamp shows the right length of stay.
- Children need full (unabridged) birth certificates, plus a consent affidavit if a parent is not travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 10111 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type D, M · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
MTC shops at Windhoek airport and in every town; passport needed to register. Coverage disappears on many desert routes. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Namibia
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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.