Foreign Exchange Control in Lesotho - For visitors/tourists into Lesotho

Lesotho is a member of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) that comprises four Southern African countries, namely, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. There are limited foreign exchange controls in these four countries. These controls are limited as the market is restricted to local currency, that is, the public is only free to use the loti/rand for their daily needs.

Acceptance of Foreign Bank Notes and Foreign Currency Travellers’ Cheques

Travel agents, hotels, restaurants, shops and other persons whose business is directly related to the tourist industry may be authorized by the Authorised Dealers to accept at the commercial rate of exchange, foreign bank notes and foreign currency travellers’ cheques from visitors to Lesotho in payment of goods supplied and services rendered against a written undertaking, that such foreign currency instruments will be sold to an Authorised Dealer, in exchange not later than the following business day after acquisition thereof.

Foreign bank notes or other foreign currency instruments such as travellers cheques may be accepted in payments of exports.

Authorised Dealers may purchase foreign bank notes from Lesotho residents who received the foreign bank notes from visitors to Lesotho as payment for services rendered, gratuities, tips and gifts.

Visitors to Lesotho are allowed to sell the balance of unused local currency when they leave Lesotho

There are three Authorized Dealers in foreign exchange in Lesotho, namely Standard Lesotho Bank, Nedbank Lesotho and First National Bank Branch, Lesotho. These local banks operate/serve the public from 08.30 – 15.30 hours during the week days. There are no foreign exchange services on weekends and public holidays.