Capital city in Khomas, Namibia
Windhoek
Compact, orderly capital with good supermarkets, cafés and a relaxed pace. Mostly a base for self-drive trips and short stays; walking at night is risky and public transport is limited.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,020–1,680Comfortable, one person · N$17,000–28,000Details
- Value for money73/100Better value than 72% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–OctWarmest: Dec, 32°CDetails
- Internet18 MbpsFixed broadband, Namibia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableWindhoek's recycled and treated tap water is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–66Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundLEFAWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in most shops, malls and restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Windhoek
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Central Windhoek (CBD) | Walkable by day: Independence Avenue, cafés, craft markets |
| Klein Windhoek | Leafy, safe suburb with restaurants and guesthouses |
| Eros | Quiet residential area with upscale guesthouses |
| Ludwigsdorf | Family suburb with gated communities and malls |
Apps that work in Windhoek
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
- Maps: Google Maps (download offline maps)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Namibia Wildlife Resorts: Booking Etosha and park rest camps
- Taxis: Registered taxis are metered or agreed in advance; avoid unmarked cars. Book via phone or app after dark.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Namibia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in most shops, malls and restaurants. Cash for informal markets, minibus taxis and some rural fuel stops.
- 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
Going to Windhoek 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.