Livingstone has several major banks and various bureaux de change dotted throughout town. There are also freelance 'money changers' around Eat Rite and at the border. Unless you are very savvy or desperate, avoid the money changers. They always take advantage of unsuspecting (and even suspicious) tourists by short-changing them somehow.

You can also change money at many of the lodges and hotels. This is the least favourable exchange rate, but most convenient method. There's an ATM at Barclays Bank, but don't rely on it to have money when you want it.

The major banks are situated around the post office area, parallel to the main road. Most open Mon–Fri 08.00–14.00, but get there early if you want to avoid long queues. The main banks include:

Barclays Bank Tel: 03 32114/5 or 324196; fax: 03 322317
Zambia National Commercial Bank Tel: 03 321901, 320171, 320995; fax: 03 320182
Standard Chartered Bank Tel: 03 321743 or 321745; fax: 03 321721

Of these, Zambia National Commercial Bank is our favourite with its spacious air-conditioned interior and more private exchange facilities. Barclays tends to be the most crowded with slowest service, and money is doled out in front of the watchful eyes of everyone else, yet it is the only bank to offer Visa facilities. More convenient for Visa cash advances is Mo-Money exchange bureau. Barclays also have a small branch at Sun's resort complex. Alternatively the larger bureaux de change, many of which are close to, or opposite, Barclays Bank, include:

Falls Bureau de Change Tel: 03 322088. In the post office complex, next to Zamtel Telecom Centre, this is open Mon–Fri, 09.00–13.00 and 14.00–17.00, Sat 09.00–13.00

Mo-Money Tel: 03 323431. Ground floor, Stanley House, on the main road by the Capital Theatre. Consistently have the best rates in town and do not charge commission. They accept TCs, cash and can even do cash advances on your Visa card. Open Mon–Fri 08.00–17.00, Sat/Sun 09.00–13.00

Southend Bureau de Change Liso House; tel: 03 320241/320773; fax: 03 322128