• General Information
• Accommodation
• Maps
• Provinces
• Lighthouses
• National Parks
• Facts

GENERAL INFORMATION

LANGUAGE
The official language is Portuguese and Changan, Ronga, Ndau, Zulu and Swahili are a few of the local dialects. English is largely spoken in the urban centres of Mozambique.

CURRENCY
The official currency of Mozambique is Metica (MZM or MT). Rand, US Dollars, Euro & Sterling can be exchanged at any bank in Inhambahne and there is also a bank at the border. It is advisable not to change money with the locals at the borders. Foreign exchange attracts a better exchange rate and the exchange of Travellers Cheques in normally difficult and very expensive.
Most of the hotels, shops and markets will accept payment in South African Rands or US Dollars. In general, shops, lodges, markets and restaurants do not accept Credit Cards.

CLIMATE
The local climate is wonderful all year round with the coolest temperatures in June & July ranging from 19C to 28C. January & February are the hottest months with temperatures from 25C to 40C. It is advisable to pack a track suit for winter evenings.

INSECT REPELLENT
Insect reprellents such as Peaceful Sleep, Tabard and Citronella Oil are strongly advised. Also mosquito coils. Although there are not many mosquitoes due to the onshore breeze from the sea, there are palm flies that bite and the best repellent for these is Citronella Oil. It is advisable to wear long sleeved shirts and light cotton longs on summer evenings.

MALARIA
Like most African countries, Mozambique is a high risk malaria area particularly during the summer season (December-March). Consult your family doctor prior to departure as there are many differing opinions on preventative medication. Prophylaxis treatment, repellents, mosquito nets, mosquito coils and other precautions are strongly advisable.
Prevention against the bite is the best!
Should Malaria symptoms develop, all rural medic centres are equipped to do the Malaria blood test and to indicate adequate treatment.

MEDICAL TREATMENT
There is a hospital in Inhambahne but bandages and drugs are often in short supply. The pharmacy in Inhambahne is improving all the time but it is still advisable to carry a well stocked First Aid Kit.

SHOPPING
Alcohol
Local beers are very similar to those available outside of Mozambique and the local gin and rum is not bad. It is advisable to bring any other liquor you require with you as, although most brands are available, they are very expensive. Cases of Coca-Cola, Sprite, etc., can be bought in Inhambahne but mixers are not always available.

Tobacco Products
Local brands of cigarettes are cheap and a few international brands are available.

Fresh Produce
There is a local market in Inhambane where fresh produce and certain other consumables are available. Prices are slightly higher than those in South Africa as these consumables are imported.

General Commodoties
Many Trading Stores supply day to day requirements but only long life milk is available. It is expensive as are butter/margarine, cheese and cereals. These items are also sometimes in short supply.Opposite the market there is a Bakery where fresh Portuguese bread can be bought.

Petrol
There are two Petrol Stations in Inhambahne but supply is irregular. It is advisable to top up tanks every time you are in town and, if possible, to fill a spare container.

WATER
Despite the fact that all towns have treated drinking water, it is advisable to drink mineral water or to boil and filter the tap water.

CUISINE
Afro-Portuguese style fare is traditional and an abundance of sea food is available. The world famous Mozambican cuisine boasts amazing prawns, crabs, lobsters, 'Matapa' and clams.

TIPPING
Tipping is a common practice and 10% is adequate.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & CUSTOMS
Valid Passport with more than 6 months remaining till expiry date
Valid Visa, which should be obtained prior to your visit. South African Passport holders do not need a Visa. Please Note: if the period issued on your visa is exceeded, a fine of R500 per day will be charged for every day overstayed.
Current Driver's license or International Drivers License. A Mozambican Driver's License is required if staying for more than 6 months.
If entering the country with more than $US 5,000 (or equivalent), a declaration on entry of foreign currency must be completed at the customs desk. The declaration must be shown if leaving with more than $US 5,000 (or equivalent).
The Gift allowance is $US 100. Import Duty must be paid on gifts above $US 100 in value.
No drugs, firearms or explosive materials can be brought in Mozambique.
Duty Free allowances

Every visitor is entitled to import the following:
Goods to the value of $US 200, inclusive of beer and other consumables, such as meat.
1 (one) litre of spirits
2,5 litres (3 bottles) of wine
2 cartons (or 400) cigarettes
Children under the age of 18 do not qualify for liquor allowances.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR VEHICLES AND BOATS
Vehicle's and trailers original registration documents or certified copy issued from finance house.
A vehicle customs clearance form - available at the border post.
Mozambican customs form or temporary import permit for vehicles and boat trailers - available at border, and valid for 30 days, for R25.
Mozambican 3rd party insurance document - compulsory and bought at at the border for a cost of R85 per vehicle.
Mozambican permit to launch boats - obtainable from the local 'Administraçáo Martima' at a cost of MT 291.000 (about R97.00).
Proof of car insurance
A red hazard triangle or a yellow triangle with a blue background, to display on the front of your vehicle if towing a trailer

CRIME
Maputo is not a high crime city but, like all large cities, it is best to be sensible and not to display expensive jewellery, cameras etc. Beware of pickpockets in the downtown central market area. Parked cars can be guarded by local boys for a fee of MT 5,000 payable upon departure.

MOTORING
U-turns on Avenida Eduardoi Mondlane are forbidden. Use the service road in order to turn left off the avenue. Drive Safely in Mozambique
Give way to the right. At traffic circles or roundabouts, cars in the circle have priority.
The transit laws in Mozambique require that seat belts are worn at all times.
All vehicles must have two emergency triangles.
Speed limits are strictly enforced in all of the villages and trapping starts at the exact speed limit.
Fines are currently under review but up to one million Metacais (R500) can be charged for traffic transgressions.
Driving on beaches is not allowed.
Use existing paths and roads only when accessing the beaches.

FISHING (and cashew nuts!)
Mozambique has some of the best game fishing in the world including Marlin, Sharks, Rays and Barracuda.
A 'Fishing Sport License' is required for all water sports, including fishing competitions, and can be obtained from the Martime Administrator in each Provincial capital city, or from a yacht club, or on site (Mt 150,000 plus annual membership fee).
Boats can only be launched from access roads. Noise should be minimised and care must be shown for the safety of other people on the beaches (maximum speed of 15 km/h). Please do not interfere with the activities of the local fishermen that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.

Please note:
Only a limited quantity of raw fish products (i.e. prawns, fish, calamari, crayfish etc.) can be exported and that the allowance of cashew nuts is also limited. Information regarding exact quantities are obtainable from the Mozambican customs at Ressano Garcia Borderpost.

EMERGENCY
If you should ever lose your passport, be arrested, detained or imprisoned by the Mozambican authorities, or become destitute due to circumstances beyond your control, you should contact the consular section at the SA High Commission, Av 41 Eduardo Mondlane, at (01) 491614, 493030, 490587, 490547, 496250 during office hours or on 082-304-460 after hours.