The national currency is the Lek, and notes are in denominations of Lk5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Lk50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks. US dollars and Euros are the preferred foreign currencies.

ATM’s are not widely available as yet, but locations of machines can be found at:

http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/ResultsDisplayAction.do?startIndex=1&newSearch=false&uid=X2939046-1130580295-ac120664

Credit and debit cards are rarely used as cash is preferred in nearly all cases.  However, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by some banks and hotels.  Travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Euros, although they may not be easily changed everywhere.The import and export of local currency is prohibited, but  the import of foreign currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to USD5000 or up to the amount declared on arrival.