Currency in Lesotho: LSL Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Lesotho with the Lesotho loti.
What's in this Lesotho currency guide?
What currency is used in Lesotho?
The official currency of Lesotho (country code: LS) is the Lesotho loti, with symbol L and currency code LSL.
What is a good Lesotho loti exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
Loading rates...
|
|
|
Good things to know about the Lesotho loti
The Lesotho Loti (LSL) is the official currency of Lesotho, a small landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is abbreviated as LSL and is made up of 100 lisente. The Central Bank of Lesotho issues the currency and is responsible for managing the country's monetary policy.
The Lesotho Loti is pegged to the South African Rand at a rate of 1 LSL to 1.00 ZAR. This means that the value of the Loti is tied to the value of the Rand, and the two currencies are accepted interchangeably in Lesotho and South Africa.
For more LSL information check out our selection of Lesotho loti news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Lesotho?
The domestic currency in Lesotho is the Lesotho loti.
What is the Lesotho loti currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Lesotho loti is LSL — symbol is L.
What does the Lesotho loti look like?
Here is an example Lesotho loti banknote:
Which countries use the Lesotho loti?
It is the domestic currency in Lesotho.
Is the Lesotho loti a closed currency?
No, the Lesotho loti is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and LSL?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to LSL (US dollar to Lesotho loti)*.
*Converted at the current USDLSL interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Lesotho
Using Wise for Lesotho loti travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Lesotho loti otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Lesotho loti cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the LSL cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Everyday Costs in in Lesotho
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Lesotho? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Lesotho (LS)
For travelers considering a week-long mid-range stay in Lesotho, a budget of approximately M7,000 – M10,000 (around $400 – $575 USD) is advisable. This encompasses daily costs for meals, accommodation, and transport, ensuring a comfortable experience without excessive splurging. Below is a quick breakdown of typical expenses you might encounter in Maloti (M), the local currency:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: M80 – M150
- ☕ Coffee: M30 – M40
- 🚍 Public transport fare: M10 – M20
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: M150 – M200
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: M500 – M800 per night
Lesotho is generally considered an affordable destination compared to the United States, where similar experiences would cost significantly more. For instance, a meal in a U.S. restaurant can run you about $20, while the equivalent in Lesotho costs just a fraction of that. Comparatively, prices are also lower than those in Australia and the UK, making Lesotho an enticing proposition for travelers seeking a budget-friendly adventure.
Expats in Lesotho
Living in Lesotho as an expatriate offers a unique cultural experience at a comparatively lower cost. Typical monthly living costs can range from M8,000 to M15,000 (approximately $460 – $865 USD), depending on lifestyle choices. Essential expenses include rent (M1,500 – M3,500 for a decent apartment), grocery shopping (M2,000 – M3,000), and utility bills (M800 – M1,200). For expats managing finances, using local banks may incur higher fees, and credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s prudent to carry some cash for smaller vendors.
When it comes to money transfers, online services like Wise or OFX can often offer better exchange rates and lower fees compared to local banks. However, for everyday expenses and cash withdrawals, exchanging money locally can sometimes yield favorable rates. Consider the convenience of digital banking, which can streamline transactions, especially when sending or receiving money internationally. Balancing both methods may provide the most cost-effective way to manage finances in Lesotho while enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer.
USD/LSL Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/LSL change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Lesotho - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Lesotho you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Lesotho
When sending money to Lesotho it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Lesotho loti amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted LSL amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Lesotho.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Lesotho loti deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!