Malawi Travel Info

Electricity
In Malawi, the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Malawi if the standard voltage in your country is between 220 - 240 V. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V, you need a voltage converter in Malawi. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Time Zone
Malawi is GMT + 2 (1 hour ahead of continental Europe)

Currency
Kwacha (MWK; symbol Mk) = 100 tambala. Notes are in denominations of Mk500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Mk1 and 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tambala. Acceptance of credit and debit cards is very limited, although in Lilongwe and Blantyre and in main hotels, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa can be used. US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euros or South African Rand are readily exchanged but lesser-known currencies may prove difficult to exchange.

Mobile Phones
Roaming agreements currently exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in urban areas.

Bugs
With Malawi being located in the tropics you may encounter all manner of local wildlife (insects, reptiles, small mammals, rodents, cockroaches). Lights attract bugs so don’t leave your lights on when you leave your room. Mosquitoes are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Regarding medication in malarial areas please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health organisation.

Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and money are securely stored in your room safe. Do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas.

Tipping
Generally not expected, but some employees who are very poorly paid might appreciate a small tip for good service.

Safety on Safari
The basic rules of safari are:
Don’t feed animals you don’t own.
If you don’t know, ask.
Always listen to your guide.
Do not go walkabout without a guide.
Wild animals are called that because they are wild and unpredictable.
Many rivers are populated with crocodiles and hippos, even if you can’t see them.

Road Safety
All major roads are tarmac and most secondary roads are all-weather.

Health
These are merely guidelines please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health Organisation.
Health insurance is essential. It is advisable to take personal medical supplies.

Malaria is a health risk throughout Malawi especially along the coast. Mosquitoes, malarial and otherwise, are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Other risks include bilharzia, meningococcal meningitis, rabies and tuberculosis.
Tap water may not be safe to drink especially in rural areas, so stick with bottled water, which is widely available.

Compulsory Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting countries with infected areas.

Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Rabies, Tuberculosis & Cholera

Visas (all subject to change without notice)
All travellers need a valid passport (usually valid for 6 months after your trip), with sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (usually at least two). For each entry into Malawi you will require a visa (so you will need to if you pop over to an Indian Ocean Island for a few days).

If you are not a citizen of the countries listed below you must obtain a visa in advance from the Malawian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country where you reside.
Nationals of the following countries do not need a Malawi visa (up to 90 days):
British subjects being citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies, British protected persons. Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Fiji, Finland, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Isles, South Africa, Swaziland, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, USA, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Language
English and Chichewa are the official languages of Malawi and are widely understood. Tumbuka and Chiyao are also spoken throughout the country.

Religion
Traditional, Muslim and Christian beliefs are present across Malawi.

Culture and Customs
Most Malawians are extremely friendly and hospitable by nature and the country is known as the ""warm heart of Africa"". Most Malawians expect to be greeted with a friendly 'Hello, how are you?' and a handshake. Women may dress as they please but should take local custom and religion into consideration when travelling outside of the main tourist areas and dress appropriately (covering legs and shoulders) Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi. Women often wear decorative ‘chitenjes’– large rectangular pieces of calico fabric that are used for an array of purposes – head gear, skirts, curtains, to carry babies on backs or bundles on heads, and more.

Photography
Do not photograph government institutions / buildings without checking with your guide. When photographing people ask permission, in some tourist areas it is customary to pay to take photographs.

When to travel 
Malawi has two broad seasons, dry and wet. Most people enjoy the dry winter season during April and November for wildlife viewing. Some of the best bird watching can be had from November to April and the orchids of Nyika are best viewed from December to April.