Climate

Namibia has 300 days of sun a year, although some may prefer to avoid the heat of high summer. The cold Benguela current keeps the Atlantic coast of the Namib Desert cool and rain-free for most of the year, with a thick coastal fog that lends a mysterious edge to the area. Jan and Feb are the hottest months.

Accommodation

Most expats live in the suburbs of Lugwigsdorf, Klein Windhoek, Eros, Pioneers Park, Auas Blick

Schooling

There is only one international school in Namibia which follows the British curriculum.

Healthcare

Namibia’s medical system is modern and capable of attending to whatever needs you may have. Staff are well trained and so HIV transmission in hospitals is not an issue. This applies to government and private hospitals alike, though line-ups are often shorter at private hospitals, and there have been cases of incorrect diagnosis in government hospitals. It is recommended to take precautions against Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Tenaus and Typhoid.

Shops

Spar, Woermann Brock, Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths are available. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some bigger supermarkets are also open Sun 1100-1300 and 1600-1900.

Culture 

Men and women tend to spend the majority of their time socializing within their same gender groups. Men are considered more senior and are shown respect by women in all positions. It is often not acceptable for a woman to correct or disagree with a man in a public setting. Now that women are beginning to hold positions with more superiority, things have started to change in some areas of the country, though this practice of keeping quiet and passive in the presence of men is still very common.

Money

The unit of currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD); however the South African rand (ZAR is also used. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations. ATMs can be found in most towns, it’s worth making sure that you’ve got enough cash at all times, as towns can be few and far between. Mon-Fri 0900-1530; Sat 0900-1100.

Hospitality 

The people of Namibia are justly known for their generous hospitality to foreigners, so never mind in socializing with these kind people and getting close to their lifestyle and customs.

Transportation

Driving is on the left. Roads are generally well maintained but away from the main highways surfaces are gravel or dirt, not tarmac. The minimum driving age is 23 years. Seat belts are compulsory, and the use of mobile phones when driving is illegal. An International Driving Permit is required. There is a local bus service in Windhoek, and taxis are available in all towns.

Greetings 

It is customary when greeting someone to ask them how they’re doing. It’s a simple exchange where each person asks “How are you?” (or the local version “Howzit?”) and responds with a correspondingly short answer, and then proceed with whatever your business is about.

Safety

Namibia is a peaceful country and is not involved in any wars. With the end of the Angolan civil war in May 2002, the violence that spilled over into north-eastern Namibia is no longer an issue. Namibia does, however, have a relatively high crime rate. Be careful around ATMs. For men, it is not prudent to walk or ride taxis alone in Windhoek or Oshakati after midnight. For women, it is not prudent after 9 p.m. Pickpockets can be a problem. Lately, there are many armed robberies reported; in most cases, tourists get robbed of belongings carried with them in a bag. For home security, electric fences are installed in almost every house in Windhoek.

Other

Women in general are not to be in bars and clubs or else they are seen to have a bad reputation. However, due to high unemployment and alcoholism rates, you will see women drinking in public. Namibians are aware that foreign women are different and therefore understand when foreign women act in different ways. When living in Namibia, foreign women should consider the appropriate ways local women are expected to act and if possible should adapt to some of these ways, or at least be aware and respectful of them.