Money :
The official currency is the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWD), which issued in denominations of up to ZWD 100 billion. Foreign currency, especially US dollars, is hard to come by,
but widely accepted and always preferred, and many prices are given in US dollars. Hard currency is required to pay for entry to Victoria Falls and many
national parks. Banks and major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and many lodges, travel agencies and shops accept travellers cheques. Major credit
cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops; Diners Club and American Express are sometimes not accepted. ATM
facilities are available in the cities. For tourists US dollars should be considered the de facto currency of Zimbabwe.
Time :
Local time is GMT +2.
Electricity :
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three round pin and three rectangular blade plugs are common.
Language :
English is the official language, although it is only spoken as
a first language by a tiny percentage of the population. Several indigenous languages are spoken including Shona and Ndebele.
Health :
A cholera epidemic is currently sweeping the country and thousands of local people have lost their lives. The Mugabe government denies the crisis and has taken few steps to
combat the epidemic. Travellers coming from infected countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Precautions against Hepatitis A, and rabies
are also recommended. Other risks include typhoid, polio and bilharzia; a high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists. There is a risk of malaria all year in most
of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and
Bulawayo. Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid any number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera
outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also
responsible for the world's lowest life expectancy according to WHO, and a breakdown in the water distribution system, especially in Harare. Visitors are
advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current
economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and many staff are on strike; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal
medication. Medical insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.
Tipping :
A service charge is usually included in the bill, otherwise a 10% tip is customary. In general tipping for good service is discretionary. Tour guides and game rangers depend largely on tips for
their income and ranges from US$5 to US$10 per person per day.
Safety :
Political tensions are extremely high following the results of the national elections held
on 29 March 2008; the presidential run-off between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was held on 27 June 2008, but with
countless incidences of violence and evidence to suggest a rigged voting, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the re-run, effectively allowing
Mugabe to be voted in as president. Visitors are advised to avoid travel to the country for the time being due to the high levels of political tension and
incidences of violence. The security situation remains unstable due to political and social unrest, heightened by an economic crisis which has resulted in
high rates of unemployment and inflation, nationwide fuel shortages, power cuts and serious shortages of basic foodstuffs. Many hotels and restaurants are
having difficulty finding food supplies, and fuel shortages is causing delays and cancellations to public transport and flights. There has been a dramatic
increase in criminal activity and opportunistic theft, particularly from foreigners in Harare and in the main tourist centres, such as Victoria Falls.
Tourists are advised to avoid displays of wealth and valuables and passports should be kept out of sight or preferably left in a hotel safe. Visitors
should be especially cautious at ATMs and after dark; downtown Harare is a particularly high crime area. Visitors to Nyanga should avoid Pungwe Falls,
Mterazi Falls and the Honde Falls, as there have been numerous incidents of violent crime reported at these sites. Extreme caution is advised when
travelling, and independent travel, including backpacking, is not recommended - it is advisable to travel with a recognised tour operator to established
tourist destinations. Although the scene of much crime, many tourist centres have been largely unaffected by political and social unrest. There are
ongoing incidents of illegal land seizures, police roadblocks and violent political demonstrations, which could affect the safety of visitors; a low
political profile is advised and in the event of demonstrations, visitors are warned to leave the area immediately and to make no attempt to watch or
photograph the incident, or use a mobile phone, even from a safe distance, as there have been sporadic, violent attacks on innocent white bystanders in the
past.
Customs :
It is against the law to take photographs of public buildings or government institutions, and it is not advisable to take photographs anywhere in
the vicinity of such buildings, or any roadblocks and illegally occupied farms, as this could lead to arrest. It is also illegal to take photographs of
police and military, as well as of demonstrations. It is a criminal offence to make insulting comments about President Mugabe and his government. It is
also an offence to continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you are on. Visitors should be aware that
an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and a friendly wave may therefore be
misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. Homosexuality is illegal. Civilians are not permitted to wear camouflage clothing.
Business :
Business in Zimbabwe is
conducted in English, and is fairly informal, with drinking and socialising very much part of the business scene. Dress is fairly conservative, but
lightweight suits or casual jackets are more suited to the hot climate than formal business wear. It is customary to shake hands with men and women at the
beginning and end of a meeting. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, although hours vary considerably depending on the
establishment; some businesses close at 11am on Wednesdays, and some are open on Saturday mornings.
Duty Free :
Travellers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on
items to the value of US$250 provided this allowance is not claimed more than once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal consumption,
including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 litres with no more than 2 litres of this being spirits. Prohibited items include narcotic and amphetamine drugs,
honey, indecent or obscene reading material, toy firearms, and blade knives.
Communications :
The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. The outgoing code is
00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). International Direct Dialling is available. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)4
for Harare. Telecel, Econet and Net*One operators provide GSM 900 network mobile phone coverage in most cities, towns and tourist areas throughout the
country. Internet and Email facilities are available in Har
Contacts :
Emergencies: 999.
