Money:
The official currency is the Malawi Kwacha (MWK), which is
divided into 100 tambalas. Travellers cheques and foreign
currencies are accepted by banks, authorised hotels and other
institutions in the main town centres; bureaux de change are also
available. The US dollar is the easiest currency to exchange.
Credit cards are not widely accepted and ATMs are scarce and should
not be relied upon. Exchanging currency on the black market is not
recommended.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220/240 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin,
rectangular blade plugs are standard.
Language:
English is the official language, but Chichewa is more
commonly spoken.
Health:
Malaria is a health risk in Malawi throughout the year,
especially on the coast. Cases of dengue fever and chikungunya
fever have been reported and are transmitted by mosquitoes;
precautionary measures against being bitten should be taken at all
times. In 2008 Rift Valley fever was reported in five regions;
contact with domestic animals and mosquitoes should be avoided. All
travellers coming from a country with yellow fever require
inoculation against the disease. Other risks include bilharzia,
tuberculosis and rabies. Tap water should not be drunk unless it
has been boiled or chemically treated. Medical facilities are
limited and, outside of the capital, medical care may be difficult
to find. Limited medications are available and it is advisable to
bring along a medical kit for private use. Comprehensive medical
insurance is advised.
Tipping:
Service charges are not included in hotel and restaurant bills,
and tipping is at the client's discretion. It is common practice to
tip guides in the national parks.
Safety:
Malawi is considered a relatively safe country in which to
travel and the majority of visits are trouble-free, but sensible
precautions should be taken with regards to personal possessions
and security, particularly after dark. There have been reports of
robberies, money scams involving tourists, and 4x4 vehicles being
hijacked; also be alert for muggers and bag snatchers. A photocopy
of your passport and visa should be carries at all times. In
Lilongwe the majority of incidents take place on Kenyatta Drive and
around the bus station, so visitors should be particularly vigilant
in these areas.
Customs:
It is customarily expected by most Malawians to be greeted with
a friendly 'Hello, how are you?' and a handshake. It is courteous
to ask permission before taking photographs of people and
homosexuality is illegal. Women may dress as they please but should
take local custom and religion into account when travelling outside
of the main tourist areas and dress accordingly.
Business:
Business in Malawi is quite formal; business cards are usually
exchanged on meeting, accompanied by a firm handshake. Punctuality
is important and dress should be formal; lightweight suits with a
tie are acceptable. English is Malawi's official language and all
business is conducted in English. Malawians tend to be very polite
and thoughtful, and expect the same treatment in return. Business
hours usually start fairly early; from 7.30am to 5pm Monday to
Saturday.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Malawi do not have to pay customs duty on 200
cigarettes or 250g of tobacco. For travellers over 18 years 1 litre
spirits, 1 litre beer and 1 litre wine can be brought into the
country without incurring duty fees.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Malawi is +265. The outgoing
code is 101 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 10127 for
South Africa). There are no city/area codes required. The telephone
system is not very reliable, but Internet, email and fax are
available in most towns and tourist areas. The GSM 900 cell phone
network gives coverage to most of the country and is compatible
with most international operators.