The official language in Mozambique is Portuguese, however, most of the Parks’ and Reserves’ employees also speak English and the local language spoken in their Province. To learn some Portuguese, we suggest a language learning application for your computer or mobile device. One of the best rated is Duolingo.

The Mozambican currency is the Metical (MZN). You can exchange currency in banks, international airports and currency exchange bureaus in Mozambique. South African Rands, US Dollars and Euros are accepted in many touristic locations. Traveler’s Cheques can only be exchanged at Standard Bank. Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted in most touristic establishments. Every major city or town has ATM machines. Don’t forget to inform your bank or issuing entity that you will be traveling to Mozambique, so they can authorize the use of the card.

The electricity in Mozambique is 220 volts with a 50 hertz frequency. You will need a Type C or Type F electric adapter.

The international country code for Mozambique is (+258). When you travel in Mozambique, you might find to have high additional costs if you use your mobile phone under the original contract. If you have a smartphone, we advise to turn the mobile data option off avoiding roaming taxes. You can also travel with an unlocked device to change the SIM card. When you arrive, you can purchase a starting pack, which includes SIM card in any of the mobile operators in the country (mcel, Vodacom or Movitel). You can buy cards to top up your airtime in several stores or street vendors available in any city. The street vendors use a vest from the mobile operator, the cards are scratchable and are colloquially called giro.

It is normal to tip and that is what the hotel and restaurant employees are expecting for. A 10% gratuity will be kindly accepted. The Value-added Tax (VAT) in Mozambique is 17%.

When you arrive in Mozambique, you will be given a printed form in which you must declare all items subject to rights. Personal items and medication for personal use are exempt of rights. You are also allowed to import goods exempt of rights up to a value of US$200, keeping in mind the following restrictions for perfume, alcohol and tobacco:

• Tobacco: 400 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.
• Alcohol: 1 litre of spirit drinks and 2,25 litres of wine.
• Perfume: 50ml.

When you pass through the customs controls at the airport with your luggage, the officers normally check every luggage, but don’t worry because, as a tourist, you have the right to import most of the products you normally travel with.

Driving in Mozambique is done on the left side.

There are new rules for traveling from and to South Africa with children, in effect since October 2014. The parents who make an international travel with children must hold a birth certificate for each child, including both parents’ details. This rule is applied even when both parents are traveling with their children and applies to both foreigners and South African citizens.

When the children are traveling with their tutors or person responsible, those adults must hold a declaration signed by both parents proving their authorization for the children to travel. It is important to note that an integral birth certificate can take from six to eight weeks to obtain.

Besides everything you should do before any trip, visit your doctor at least 4 to 8 weeks before to obtain the recommended vaccines and medication. There is no risk of yellow fever in Mozambique, but the travellers entering Mozambique and who have been in a yellow fever zone must hold their vaccination registration. All travellers must hold their vaccination certificates upon crossing the border.

We advise all international visitors to acquire travel insurance that provide coverage in case of a medical emergency during the travel and also to protect you in case of cancelled flights.

You should get advice from your doctor in regards to the adequate medicine and vaccines. During your stay, remember to use insect repellent and to sleep under a mosquito net. Use sunscreen and remember keep hydrated during activities! You will find bottled water in any commercial establishment, during safaris and in your accommodation of choice.