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Zivobooks vs QuickBooks
QuickBooks Online is one of the best-known accounting products in the world, built first for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Zivobooks is built for businesses in Southern Africa and the Gulf, where a sale may be paid in two currencies, invoices must reach the tax authority, and the signal comes and goes.
Side by side
What matters for a business here
The points that decide whether accounting software works in Southern Africa and the Gulf, and how each product handles them.
Two currencies in one sale
Zivobooks
Price in US dollars and take ZiG (or rand, or any currency you trade in) at the till or on an invoice, in the same sale, with exchange differences posted.
QuickBooks Online
Multi-currency on its higher plans. Mixing currencies within one counter sale isn’t part of the product.
Fiscalisation with the tax authority
Zivobooks
Built in, to each authority’s specification, for ZIMRA (Zimbabwe), ZRA (Zambia), MRA (Malawi), AGT (Angola), BURS (Botswana), Lesotho, ZATCA (Saudi Arabia) and the UAE; live in each country once its authority approves Zivobooks.
QuickBooks Online
Not built in for these authorities. A separate fiscal device or add-on is usually needed.
A till for the counter and tables
Zivobooks
An offline till with X and Z reports, supervisor PINs, loyalty, vouchers, lay-bys, and tables with a kitchen screen.
QuickBooks Online
Its desktop point-of-sale product was discontinued in 2023. Counter sales usually come from a separate POS app.
Mobile money
Zivobooks
EcoCash, MoMo, Airtel Money and M-Pesa numbers on every invoice, Paynow and Pesepay checkouts, and mobile money at the till.
QuickBooks Online
Card and bank payments through QuickBooks Payments in supported countries. Mobile money needs a third party.
Payroll with local rules
Zivobooks
Built in across Southern Africa and the Gulf, from ZIMRA PAYE and NSSA to SARS EMP501, the UAE WPS file and Saudi GOSI.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Payroll is offered in a handful of countries, such as the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Languages
Zivobooks
English, Portuguese and Arabic (right to left), for Mozambique, Angola and the Gulf.
QuickBooks Online
Available in several languages; check for Arabic and Portuguese in your region.
Moving across
Zivobooks
Imports from QuickBooks, Xero, Sage and Zoho Books, and every report as PDF, Excel or CSV.
QuickBooks Online
Exports reports and lists to Excel and CSV.
About QuickBooks Online: from its own public website, checked October 2026. Products change, and some features depend on the plan and the country; check with them before you decide. QuickBooks Online is a trademark of its owner, and Zivobooks is not connected to it.
When QuickBooks may suit you better
We would rather you choose the right tool. QuickBooks is a good choice if:
- Your business is in the United States, Canada, the UK or Australia, where QuickBooks Payroll and Payments are available.
- You rely on apps that only connect to QuickBooks.
- Your accountant works only in QuickBooks.
Moving from QuickBooks
Bring your customers, suppliers, products, chart of accounts, open invoices and balances across from QuickBooks Online with the QuickBooks import, in a few minutes.
- 1Start your free trial and choose your country.
- 2Connect or upload your QuickBooks export.
- 3Check the opening balances, then invite your team and accountant.
Switching from QuickBooks: your questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask us directly, and a person will answer.
Can I move my books from QuickBooks to Zivobooks?
Bring your customers, suppliers, products, chart of accounts, open invoices and balances across from QuickBooks Online with the QuickBooks import, in a few minutes.
Does Zivobooks work in my country?
Zivobooks is built for 20 countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Angola; the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait; and the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
Can I try Zivobooks before I switch?
Yes. Every feature is free for 30 days, with no card. Import your data, run the two side by side for a month, and decide.
Will my accountant be able to work in it?
Yes. Invite your accountant with the role you choose. Accountants can manage their first client free, and every report downloads as PDF, Excel or CSV.
Other comparisons
Give your business the back office it deserves.
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