Zambia Basics

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The Basics

Time: GMT +2.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs, as well as two-and three pin round plugs are in use.

Money: The Zambian currency is the Kwacha (ZMK), divided into 100 ngwee, but the coins are now worthless and seldom used. It is best to bring travellers cheques, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling which can be exchanged at the many bureaux de change found in the main towns. While most of the tourist hotels, restaurants, travel agents and larger shops, especially in Lusaka and Livingstone, accept credit cards many outlets in the rural areas do not and deal only in local currency. ATMs are available in Lusaka and some of the major towns. Banking hours vary but are usually 8.30am to 2.30pm on weekdays and mornings of the first and last Saturday of the month.

Currency Exchange Rates
ZMK100.00 =	US$ 0.02	£ 0.01	C$ 0.02	A$ 0.02	R 0.16	€ 0.01	NZ$ 0.03

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. All business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must obtain a visa to visit Zambia. It can be issued on arrival at a cost of USD135 and is valid for multiple entries for the period of stay. A valid passport is also required for entry to Zambia.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport and a visa to visit Zambia. Single entry visas may be purchased at the port of entry at a cost of GBP70, and will be valid for the period of stay, although it is often best to organise one in advance.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Zambia. Visas may be obtained on arrival at a cost of USD55 and are valid for the period of stay.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Zambia. Visas can be obtained on arrival at a cost of USD50 for a single entry visa and USD80 for a double entry visa and are valid for the period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans do not need a visa to visit Zambia for 90 days within a 12-month period, whether taken together or in sections. A valid passport is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa, which can be issued on arrival at a cost of USD50 for a single entry visa and USD80 for a double entry visa and are valid for the period of intended stay.Visas are valid for length of stay.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for a period of 90 days in a 12-month period, whether taken at once or in sections.

Passport/Visa Note: A return ticket or proof of onward travel, all documents for next destination and proof of sufficient funds is required for all travellers. Visas issued on arrival vary in fee according to amount of entries and nationality. There is a special provision for day visitors coming across the border from Zimbabwe into Livingstone. For those nationalities requiring a visa for Zambia, a fee of US$10 is paid on arrival for a 'Day Tripper Visa' and is valid for a maximum stay of 24 hours.

Travel Health: Polio, typhoid, rabies and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Malaria is endemic in Zambia (prophylaxis is essential), and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are common especially during the rainy season. Visitors to game parks are at risk of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which is carried by tsetse flies; insect repellent is ineffective against tsetse flies. The country also has one of the highest rates of HIV/Aids infection worldwide. Avoid swimming or wading in bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers due to the presence of bilharzia. Medical facilities in the country are under-developed and limited to the point that basic drugs and even clean needles are often not available. The small clinics in Lusaka are regarded as superior to the general hospitals, but clinics in rural areas are rarely stocked with anything more than aspirin or plasters. Full travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation by air, is therefore essential and it is vital to bring a good first aid kit. Avoid food bought from local street vendors and ensure drinking water is filtered and boiled, or bought in sealed, branded bottles.

Tipping: Tipping is discouraged, but still practised on occasion and is usually about 10%. A 10% service charge is included in bills, but tipping in hotels is against the law.

Safety Information: Most visits to Zambia are trouble free, but visitors should be aware that car hijackings and armed robberies are increasing, and mugging, bag-snatching and theft from parked cars is common in downtown areas. Luxury 4x4 vehicles in particular are being targeted for vehicle hijacking. Visitors should avoid the Cairo Road in Lusaka, which is dangerous due to violent robberies. Be vigilant and do not display tempting valuables. Avoid the border areas where Zambia meets Angola and the DRC; cross-border raids are frequent and landmines are a potential danger. Many roads can become impassable in the rainy season (November to April).

Communications: The international dialling code for Zambia is +260. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 1 for Lusaka. Operator assisted calls can be booked by dialling 090 or 093. Public telephones are widely available, most requiring tokens, but card phones are now available from where international calls can be made. Connections tend to be bad, particularly outside of Lusaka. There are GSM 900 cell phone networks in operation, but coverage is limited mainly to urban areas. There are several Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka, and secretarial services in Lusaka offer full telephone, fax, telex and email facilities. Postal services are fairly reliable.

Duty Free: Travellers to Zambia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 400 cigarettes or 500g tobacco, 1 bottle of alcohol and 2.5 litres of beer, and 1 ounce of perfume. Visitors may export the same items for free.