Due to the extremely high inflation, Zimbabwe's dollar is denominated in the millions. They are not really cash/notes, but defined as "bearer checks". Not only that, they have an expiration date within the year. How cool?!
In the past, the black market rates were MUCH better than the official bank rates, but the gap has been lessening. I was told by everyone not to exchange money on the black market since half of them are undercover agents trying to catch you in the act. So, I behaved...even though you end up paying like 5-6x more by using the US dollar.
I got these from my host right before I left : ) All for $1...have no clue if I got completely ripped off, but I wanted some of their currency!!!
FoodSO hard to find. I've read about the empty shelves and all, but it wasn't as bad as I imagined. There were some food. I'd stay away from the meat though....they looked like they've been in the freezer for ages.
One day, I went to their only fast food chain "Wimpy's". Had a hamburger that did NOT taste or feel right (I'm talking about the texture of meat), so gave it to the dogs. The french fries (which amazingly had fish boned inside!) cost me a fortune of US$6!!!
Gasoline
There are gas stands in the city, but they are all empty. To get gas, you have to go across the border (that's what the tour companies do) or buy canisters under the table. I don't remember how much they cost...
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