Currency in Swaziland: SZL Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Swaziland with the Swazi lilangeni.
What's in this Swaziland currency guide?
What currency is used in Swaziland?
The official currency of Swaziland (country code: SZ) is the Swazi lilangeni, with symbol L and currency code SZL.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Swaziland?
The domestic currency in Swaziland is the Swazi lilangeni.
What is the Swazi lilangeni currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Swazi lilangeni is SZL — symbol is L.
Which countries use the Swazi lilangeni?
It is the domestic currency in Swaziland.
Is the Swazi lilangeni a closed currency?
No, the Swazi lilangeni is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and SZL?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to SZL (US dollar to Swazi lilangeni)*.
*Converted at the current USDSZL interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Things to know about the Swazi lilangeni
The Swazi lilangeni (SZL) is the official currency of Swaziland, a country located in southern Africa. Here are a few things to know about the Swazi lilangeni:
- The Swazi lilangeni is abbreviated as SZL and is divided into 100 cents.
- The Central Bank of Swaziland is responsible for issuing and regulating the Swazi lilangeni.
- The exchange rate for the Swazi lilangeni is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.
- Swaziland has a small, open economy that is heavily reliant on exports, including sugar, wood products, and textiles. The country is also a major producer of coal.
- The value of the Swazi lilangeni has been relatively stable in recent years, but the currency has faced challenges due to a slow-growing economy and high levels of poverty and unemployment.
Travel money for Swaziland
Using Wise for Swazi lilangeni 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 Swazi lilangeni otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Swazi lilangeni cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the SZL cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Swaziland: Travel Guide
Traveling to Swaziland requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Swaziland is a small, landlocked country located in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. It is officially known as Eswatini, and the official language is Swazi. The population is primarily composed of the Swazi people and the currency is the lilangeni.
The country is known for its scenic beauty, with mountains, forests, and game reserves. Visitors can go hiking, bird-watching, and game viewing, or visit traditional Swazi villages and cultural centers. The annual reed dance ceremony, Umhlanga, is also a major cultural event and tourist attraction.
Swaziland is a poor country and the economy is heavily dependent on South Africa. The country has high rates of poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS. The government has been implementing economic reforms and diversifying the economy, but progress has been slow.
The political situation in Swaziland is stable, but the government is an absolute monarchy, and there are restrictions on political freedoms and freedom of the press. The country is also facing a humanitarian crisis, with high rates of poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS.
Despite this, the country is generally safe for travel, and visitors are advised to take the usual precautions. The US Department of State warns that crime is prevalent in some areas, particularly in urban areas and along the border with South Africa.
Currency tips for eSwatini.
Swaziland’s local currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), whose value is equal to that of the South African rand. (Rand dollars may be used in the country as well.) One U.S. dollar is equal to approximately seven Lilangeni. There are VISA ATMs in major towns in Swaziland, dispensing Emalangeni.
USD/SZL Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/SZL change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Swaziland - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Swaziland 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 Swaziland
When sending money to Swaziland 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 Swazi lilangeni 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 SZL amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Swaziland.
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 Swazi lilangeni deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Swaziland
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Swazi lilangeni currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the SZL exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Swazi lilangeni bank account: A local SZL bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Swaziland. It may also be more convenient to use a local SZL bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Swaziland. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Swaziland. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Swaziland, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Swaziland.
Expat life in Swaziland can be challenging, due to the country's economic and political situation. The limited job opportunities and low wages can make it difficult for expats to make ends meet. Access to basic necessities such as housing, healthcare, and education can also be limited.
Additionally, the political situation in the country can be restrictive for expats. There are restrictions on political freedoms and freedom of the press, and expats should be aware of these restrictions and exercise caution when discussing sensitive political or social issues.
However, the country is known for its friendly and welcoming people, and expats can find a supportive community among other expats and the international community. They can also take advantage of the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
It is also important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the country and the situation is constantly changing, so it is important to stay updated on the latest information and guidelines.
In summary, expat life in Swaziland can be challenging due to the economic and political situation, but it can also be an opportunity to experience a different culture and way of life in a beautiful and welcoming country.