Mozambique Travel Info

Electricity

In Mozambique, the power plugs and sockets are of types C, F and M. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Mozambique 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 Mozambique. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

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

Currency
Mozambique Metical (MZN; symbol MT) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of MT1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of MT10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.
Note: The new Metical replaced the old Metical (MZM) on 1 July 2006. 1 MZN = 1,000 MZM. The old notes ceased being legal tender on 31 December 2006.

Credit cards
These are increasingly accepted in Maputo, but not generally beyond the capital.

Mobile Phones
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is expanding to all main cities in most provinces.

Bugs
With Mozambique being located in Africa 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. Be vigilant at all times. Beaches or offshore islands are not policed. Avoid walking alone at night and don’t display valuables or money. Use a hotel safe if possible. Avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs at night.

Tipping
Tipping of guides and hotel personnel is not compulsory, but always welcomed. Aside from the guides and drivers you may wish to tip anyone who works in service; waiters in bars and restaurants, porters and room cleaners.

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
Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It's possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can cause serious delays.

Health
These are merely guidelines please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health Organisation.
Full health insurance is essential. Medical facilities are scarce. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies including medications and sterile syringes. All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Malaria is a risk all year and throughout the country.
Mosquitoes, malarial and otherwise, are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Compulsory Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. Exempt: Children under 1 year, those not leaving the airport whilst in transit and those entering Mozambique not having left an airport during transit in affected countries.

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).

Citizens of all countries must obtain a visa in advance from the Mozambique Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country where you reside.
South African and Malawian nationals do not require a visa for up to 30 days.

Language
The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese. Many local African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua are also spoken.

Religion
The majority of the Mozambican population follow African indigenous beliefs while Christianity, Islam and Hindu are also represented.

Culture and Customs
Handshaking is the usual form of greeting, although in the northern parts of the country people clap hands three times before saying hello.
Mozambique is a country full of rich culture and diversity. Even though the country boasts a variety of languages, social relationships and artistic traditions, Mozambicans are united in their love for dance and expression of song and poetry. They are also proud fans of soccer (football) as this is the nation’s favourite sport.

Photography
Visitors should not take photographs of soldiers, airports, bridges or government/public buildings. Only photos of beaches and other tourist sites may be taken.

When to travel 
Travellers who would like to experience the country’s wildlife should visit during August and September; generally, the southern parts of the country are drier with a less tropical climate than the north. Keen birdwatchers will find birding is at its best during the rainy season, around December to April, when it’s hot and wet. The warm water of Mozambique’s ocean attracts a large number of fish, and its pristine coral reefs make it the perfect destination for fishing and diving throughout the year. Mozambique’s tropical climate allows vegetation to flourish beautifully, and the exotic flowers, woodlands and wetlands are on display all year round.