Mozambique Travel Tips

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Visas
Visas are required from citizens of all countries, which must be applied for in advance. Visitors arriving by air must be in possession of a valid return ticket and visitors must be able to prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country.

Transport
By air: There are regular scheduled flights from Maputo to Johannesburg as well as to Inhambane, Beira and Vilanculos. Transfers by Road or by air and boat to the island lodges are available from all the major airports.

By road: Access to Maputo from the South African border, north up the coast as far as Vilankulo and from Beira to the Zimbabwe border is possible with a normal two wheel drive vehicle, although some damage to these roads have been caused by the flooding of 2000/01. It is advisable to use a 4X4 vehicle in all other areas of the country. Due to the poorly developed national and tourist infrastructure it is recommended that visitors make use of an established tour operator such as Kuoni Private Safaris organising holidays in Mozambique.

Taxis - Taxi services are available in the larger cities and can be booked by hotel staff or at airports.

Trains and luxury inter-city coaches: These run between Maputo and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Official language
Portuguese

Religion
Most people here are Christian, with Catholicism as the largest denomination

Time
GMT + 2

Currency
The unit of currency in Mozambique is the Meticais. The US $ and the South African Rand (ZAR) are the most acceptable foreign currency to carry and can be exchanged in commercial banks in large towns and cities.

Credit cards
Most credit cards are accepted. uxury hotels and certain shops and restaurants in Maputo accept valid, international credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa. Outside Maputo a credit card is largely useless.

Banking hours
Banking hours in most centres are 08h15 to 11h00 Mondays to Fridays. Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Shopping hours
Most businesses and shops are open between 14h00 and 18h00 on Mondays and 08h30 and 13h00 and 15h00 and 18h30 on other weekdays and Saturday, but are closed on Sundays. Curios can be purchased from street traders and at flea-markets in a more informal shopping environment.

Communication
An efficient telephone service is available in towns and cities across the country. Direct national and international dialing is possible. Dialing code: + 258

Post Offices
Post Offices are open Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 12h30 and from 14h30 to 16h30.

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz

Water
Water is not safe to drink in Mocambique and therefore it is best to buy bottled water.

Food
The type of food is distinctly Afro-Portuguese in style. Traditional African menus tend to focus around stiff grain porridge (similar to Italian polenta), accompanied by meat or vegetable-based sauces.

Health
Hospital services are generally poor and often non-existent in rural or more remote regions of the country. However, chemists/pharmacies; private doctors and other medical practitioners are available in large towns and cities. Visitors to Mozambique should take the necessary precautions against Malaria as it is endemic to the entire country. Visitors are advised to consult a travel clinic prior to travelling for the appropriate prophylactics. Visitors travelling from Yellow Fever infected areas (e.g. Tanzania or Kenya) are required to provide proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination before entering Mozambique. Diarrhea is common complaint among travellers in Africa. Always make sure you carry a good supply of bottled water. Most hotels will have bottled water available for guests. Security

Safety
Mozambique has a relatively low level of crime and most offences involve petty thieving. It is important that visitors are aware of the following:

• Avoid lonely and deserted areas in the city, especially after dark.
• Lock passports and money safely away in your hotel.
• Carry your wallet and other documents in a money belt, preferably under loose clothing.
• Do not leave valuables in your motor vehicle, which are visible from the outside.
• Avoid picking up hitchhikers and ensure your car doors are locked.

For more information about our Mozambique holidays or vacation excursions, please be sure to contact us.