Money Use in Lesotho

The unit of currency is the loti (M - plural maloti), which is divided into 100 lisenti. The loti is equivalent to the South African rand, which is also accepted throughout Lesotho.

The Lesotho loti is pegged to the South African rand, which means that prices in Lesotho are similar to those in South Africa, though food is perhaps a little cheaper.

The main commercial banks in Lesotho are Standard Bank, Barclays Bank and Lesotho Development Bank. Branches are found in Maseru and main towns.

Normal banking hours are:

Monday - Friday: 08:30-15:00 Thursday: 08:30-13:00 Saturday: 08:30-11:00

Only banks in Maseru will cash travellers' cheques.

Credit cards are accepted by the major hotels and some guest lodges.

It is customary to tip caddies, taxi drivers, hotel and railway porters, room maids, stewards, waiters/waitresses, tour guides and game rangers 10-15%. Because of poor wages, tips are often heavily relied upon by staff.

General sales tax (GST) of 10% is added to most sales, including accommodation.

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