Money:
The official currency is the New Metical (MZN), which is divided
into 100 centavos. In the southern parts of the country, South
African Rand, US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also accepted to
pay for accommodation. Credit cards are accepted in some upmarket
hotels in Maputo, but facilities throughout the rest of the country
are limited; it is advisable to carry cash or travellers cheques.
ATMs are limited and tend to be unreliable, but local banks have
branches in most cities.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The rounded
three-pin plug is common, particularly near the border with South
Africa and in Maputo. Two round- and flat-pin plugs are also
found.
Language:
Portuguese is the official language, and there are 13
main national languages spoken. English is taught in secondary
schools, but is only spoken in the southern tourist
regions.
Health:
Health regulations in Mozambique require visitors to have a
yellow fever certificate if travelling from infected areas. Malaria
is a risk throughout the year in the whole country. Cholera and
other water-borne diseases are prevalent during the rainy season.
Diseases caused by unsanitary conditions are common throughout the
country, and untreated water should be considered unsafe to drink.
The government has declared tuberculosis (TB) a national emergency
and it is expected to be a problem for the next 15 years. Hospital
facilities are generally poor and outside the major cities of
Maputo and Beira medical facilities are limited. Comprehensive
medical insurance is essential and it is recommended that visitors
carry personal medical supplies with them.
Tipping:
Tipping in Mozambique is not customary, although in tourist
areas a tip of 10% is expected.
Safety:
Safety in Mozambique is not usually an issue for visitors.
However, a few unexploded landmines still lie scattered about the
southern parts of the country and visitors are advised that it is
extremely risky to wander off well-travelled paths and roads: local
information should be sought before going off-road outside
provincial capitals. Violent crime is on the increase, including
car hijackings. In the cities, particularly Maputo, muggings, bag
snatching and pick-pocketing is common, and visitors are advised to
be alert in public places, to keep valuables out of sight and to
avoid walking anywhere at night. Identity documents should be
carried at all times. All visitors, especially women, should avoid
walking alone on any beach in Mozambique as there have been several
severe attacks (and rapes) on tourists. Overland travel after dark
is not recommended and travellers should be especially alert when
driving near the Mozambique-South African border. Police
checkpoints are common and foreigners are at risk of frequent
harassment. There have been many reports of police attempting to
solicit bribes, and travellers should insist on a written citation
that can be paid at a police station. Many roads can become
impassable in the rainy season (November to April), when there is
also a risk of cyclones.
Customs:
Taking photographs of public buildings is prohibited by law.
Identity documents should be carried at all times.
Business:
Mozambique has largely been cut off from foreign investment and
has only in recent years started opening up to the worldwide
business community. Conducting business in Mozambique can be
difficult as many people only speak Portuguese, or their own ethnic
language. Translators are hard to come by, and most are found in
Maputo. Generally business in Mozambique follows the Portuguese
model in terms of business etiquette - punctuality is important,
dress is usually conservative (though lightweight materials are
recommended). Women, in particular, should dress conservatively and
modest behaviour is encouraged. Meetings usually start and end with
a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are
usually 7.30am or 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to 5.30pm, Monday to
Friday.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Mozambique may enter the country with the
following items and not incur customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g
tobacco, perfume for personal use, and 750ml of spirits. Drugs are
strictly prohibited and a permit is required for firearms and
ammunition.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Mozambique is +258. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are also in use, e.g. (0)1
for Maputo, (0)22 Xai Xai. Outgoing international calls, other than
for South Africa, must go through the operator. Two mobile phone
GSM 900/1800 networks provide limited coverage in and around
Maputo, Beira, some coastal locations and a few other isolated
towns. Internet cafes are available in Maputo.