Main Airports in Mozambique
Maputo International Airport (MPM) is the main airport. It is 3 km / 1.8 miles from the city of Maputo. The other airport is Beira (BEW), which lies 13 kms / 8 miles from Beira. Beira airport receives from the rest of Africa, Europe and America.
Bank in Mozambique
Banking hours in Mozambique is from 0730 hours to 1530 hours, from Monday to Friday
Climate of Mozambique
The climatic conditions vary according the physical features and area and the time of the year.
The higher inland area are normally cooler. The Lower coastal areas are warmer. Generally, the hottest period is between October and March. The coastal area has a warm and dry weather during the period between April and September. The average sunshine hours is 8 hours per day.
Clothing for Travel to Mozambique
If you are traveling during the months of June, July, August and September, pack slight woolen wear for the evenings as it will get cooler. Otherwise, tropical light clothing, beach and casual wear will serve just well. Rainwear should be included throughout the year.
Use of credit Cards in Mozambique
Most large hotels and other larger business establishments including restaurants and shops accept credit cards. Smaller businesses may not be able to process payment by any card – credit or debit. Cards can however be used to obtain cash from the Autmotaic Teller machines. The cards the enjoy the widest acceptability are the MasterCard and Visa.
Visa and Passport regulations for visitors to Mozambique
Travelers to Mozambique must have all their tickets and travel documents that are necessary for return journey or for onward travel. They must also have sufficient funds for the period of their stay in the country. Those traveling for business can obtain a visa on arrival at the entry point – the airport only - for a fee of US$25
These passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements for citizens of South African: South Africans must have a valid passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days.
The following nationals require entry visas:
Irish Nationals
Canadian Nationals
United Kingdom Nationals
United States of America nationals
Australian nationals
New Zealand nationals
Important note:
Mozambican law requires that all persons carry an identification document, such as a passport or driving license , when out in public and produce it if requested by police. A notarized copy of the biographic page and the Mozambican visa are acceptable.
Currency of Mozambique
The currency for Mozambique is called Metical (MTN0. 1 MTN = 100 centavos. The currency notes are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are available in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1 metical and also in 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Centavos.
Customs and Excise regulations in Mozambique
Travelers to Mozambique can import the following items without paying any import duty, irrespective of the age of the person: 250 g of tobacco, 200 cigarettes, 0.75 litres of spirits and a reasonable quantity of perfume that has already been opened.
Guns and any types of firearms require a permit to import. Narcotics are prohibited.
Drinking Water in Mozambique
Travelers are advised to avoid drinking water directly collected from the taps. Instead, drink bottled water that is available for purchase at affordable prices
Driving and Road Travel in Mozambique
In Mozambique, driving is on the LEFT. There are occasional controls on the roads throughout the country to check documents. This is especially more in the northern side and near the border with Zimbabwe. Cars can be rented from agencies found in Maputo or Beira. For car hire, only hard currency is accepted. The international driving permit will be required for non- Mozambicans.
Public Transport in Mozambique
Getting around into and around Maputo by Air
There are flights linking Maputo with Beira, Blantyre (Malawi), Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane and Tete. Flights depart from Maputo between 0500 and 0730 and are subject to seasonal alterations. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled and baggage is often lost or tampered with.
Getting Around in Mozambique by Rail
There is no rail connection between Maputo and Beira. There is a rail link between Beira and Tete and lines from the towns of Moçambique and Nacala, via the junction at Monapo, to Nampula and Lichinga. Trains also run from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia, and northwards on the line to Zimbabwe. Most trains have three classes, but there are few sleepers and no dining or air-conditioned cars. For seats and sleepers, it is necessary to book in advance. All train services are subject to disruption.
Getting Around in Mozambique by Road
There are an estimated 29,810km (18,631 miles) of roads in Mozambique. Tarmac roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It is now possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can still cause serious delays. There are regular services covering most of the country. In more rural areas, road passage can only be undertaken by converted passenger trucks known as chapas. It is advisable to carry food and water on long journeys.
Note
Landmines may make travel by road outside the capital risky, and up-to-date travel advice should be sought. Driving after dark can be hazardous owing to vehicles traveling without headlights. Car-jacking incidents occur.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Bus services in Maputo have been improved with the introduction of new vehicles, and there are now fairly extensive services. Taxis are metered. Taxi drivers expect a tip.
Electricity in Mozambique
Electricity current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs used are 2- and 3-pin round
Currency Exchange in Mozambique
Import and export of Mozambican currency is illegal. The South African currency, the Rand and the United States of America dollar is widely accepted in Mozambique. Travelers are advised to carry reasonable amount of cash as credit cards may not always be accepted everywhere.
Health issues for Visitors to Mozambique
Precaution should be taken against the following Tetanus, Hepatitis, Malaria and yellow fever.
Medical Facilities in Mozambique
Medical facilities are basic and medicines are not always available. Maputo's Sommerschield Clinic can provide general and basic emergency services and accepts major credit cards. Doctors and hospitals outside Maputo generally expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Languages in Mozambique
Portuguese is the official language. Many local African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua, are also spoken.
Public Holidays
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
3 Feb Heroes’ Day.
7 Apr Women’s Day.
1 May Workers’ Day.
25 Jun Independence Day.
7 Sep Lusaka Agreement Day.
25 Sep Armed Forces Day.
4 Oct Peace Day.
25 Dec Family Day.
Safety and Security in Mozambique
The security situation in Mozambique requires caution. Street crime and car-jacking in major towns occur frequently. Visitors should also be aware of the presence of other types of violent crimes, muggings that take place on the beaches and the streets. Medical facilities offer minimal services and the road conditions are wanting.
Shopping in Mozambique
You can purchase souvenirs and gifts in form of basketwork; reed mats; woodcarvings; masks; printed cloth; leather articles; prawns; wine.
Telecommunications in Mozambique
The telephone country code for Mozambique is +258. All outgoing international calls must go through the operator.
Internet country code: .mz
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is expanding to all main cities in most provinces. Handsets cannot be hired for short periods.
Internet Access
There are Internet cafes in Maputo.
Timezone
Mozambique lies at GMT + 2.
Guidelines for Tipping in Mozambique
Tips are generally not expected in the areas outside Maputo. But in Maputo and the other tourist areas, around 5% of the bill would be normal.

