Can You Open a Local Bank Account?
In Zimbabwe, foreign exchange laws are strict, and opening a local account as a non-resident can be complicated with requirements shifting often.
South Africa is more structured, but you’ll likely need proof of residency, a local tax number, and patience for paperwork.
Namibia? Similar story, you’ll need residency and a mountain of documents.If you’re not planning to settle long-term, traditional banks may not be your best friend.
The Smarter, Easier Alternative: Wise
That’s why so many seasoned travelers, expats, and entrepreneurs we meet along our journeys use Wise (formerly TransferWise).
With Wise, you can:
✅ Open a multi-currency account online. No residency required
✅ Get local account details (like a South African rand account)
✅ Hold and convert money at real exchange rates
✅ Use a debit card linked to your Wise account for ATM withdrawals and payments
It’s the perfect workaround if you need to pay local suppliers, receive payments, or avoid nasty currency conversion fees while traveling.
A Tip from the Trail:
Set up your Wise account before you leave home, so you hit the ground running.
We’ve personally used it for group trip payments, booking lodges, and even those surprise “cash-only” situations in small towns. It’s a game changer.
Adventure smart. Bank smarter.
Click here to open your Wise account.
Ready for Southern Africa? Let’s go.
