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Which payment method is used in Zimbabwe?

In Zimbabwe, a variety of payment methods are used, both traditional and digital. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Bank Cards

  • Visa & Mastercard: Widely accepted for local and international transactions.

  • Debit Cards: Issued by local banks like CBZ, Steward Bank, Ecobank, and FBC.

2. Mobile Money

Mobile money is extremely popular due to limited access to international banking services.

  • EcoCash – The most widely used mobile wallet in Zimbabwe.

  • OneMoney – Offered by Steward Bank.

  • TeleCash – Offered by TN Bank.

  • Zipit – Bank-to-bank instant transfers via mobile apps.

3. Bank Transfers

  • RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) – Common for larger payments between banks.

  • SWIFT – Used for international transfers.

4. Online Payment Platforms

  • PayPal – Limited; Zimbabweans generally cannot receive funds directly without workarounds like linked foreign accounts.

  • Skrill, Neteller – Some people use these for online transactions.

  • Cryptocurrencies – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins are increasingly used due to hyperinflation and currency instability.

5. Cash

  • Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) – Local currency for daily transactions.

  • US Dollar (USD) – Still widely used, especially for larger or informal transactions.

💡 Tip: EcoCash dominates everyday payments, especially for retail, utilities, and online purchases within Zimbabwe.

WiTech Zimbabwe https://www.witechzim.org