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Zivobooks vs Xero
Xero is a popular cloud accounting product from New Zealand, with a large app marketplace and strong bank feeds in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. 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.
Xero
Multi-currency on its top 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.
Xero
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.
Xero
No till of its own; counter sales come from a connected POS app, such as Lightspeed.
Mobile money
Zivobooks
EcoCash, MoMo, Airtel Money and M-Pesa numbers on every invoice, Paynow and Pesepay checkouts, and mobile money at the till.
Xero
Online card payments through payment partners. 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.
Xero
Payroll built in for Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and through a partner in the US.
Languages
Zivobooks
English, Portuguese and Arabic (right to left), for Mozambique, Angola and the Gulf.
Xero
English.
Moving across
Zivobooks
Imports from QuickBooks, Xero, Sage and Zoho Books, and every report as PDF, Excel or CSV.
Xero
Exports reports and lists to Excel and CSV.
About Xero: 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. Xero is a trademark of its owner, and Zivobooks is not connected to it.
When Xero may suit you better
We would rather you choose the right tool. Xero is a good choice if:
- Your business is in Australia, New Zealand or the UK, where Xero’s payroll and bank feeds are strongest.
- You depend on apps from the Xero marketplace.
- Your accountant runs a Xero practice.
Moving from Xero
Bring your contacts, items, chart of accounts, invoices, bills and payments across from Xero with the Xero import, in a few minutes.
- 1Start your free trial and choose your country.
- 2Connect or upload your Xero export.
- 3Check the opening balances, then invite your team and accountant.
Switching from Xero: your questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask us directly, and a person will answer.
Can I move my books from Xero to Zivobooks?
Bring your contacts, items, chart of accounts, invoices, bills and payments across from Xero with the Xero 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.
Give your business the back office it deserves.
Try every feature free for 30 days. No card, no contract, and your data is always yours to export.
30 days free · Then from $5 a month · Cancel any time · Works on phone, tablet and computer