The main Airports in Zambia
The main airports in Zambia are Lusaka Airport which is located at 26 kms / 16 miles from the capital city of Lusaka.
Mfuwe Airport is located in the South Luangwa National park, it lies 1 hour 20 minutes flight from Lusaka Airport. Travelers can be picked up by the lodges and camps in the park once they arrive at the airport by prior arrangements. Besides these, there are over 120 other aerodromes and airstrips in the country.

Banking in Zambia
Zambia has a relatively modern banking system. Some international banks in Zambia include Barclays Bank and Stanbic Bank. Banking hours vary from one bank to the other but most are open from 0830 hours to 1430 hours Monday to Friday and from 0815 hours to 1030 hours on the first and last Saturday of every month.

Climate in Zambia
Zambia has 3 main seasons:
From May to September it is cool and dry
From October to November it is warm and dry
From December to March it is wet.
The hottest months run from December to April when it is also raining.

Clothing for Travel to Zambia
Even though Zambia lies within the tropics, it does not get so hot except in the areas that are in the valleys. Travelers to Zambia are however advised to pack according to the region they intend to visit and also the time of the year. Lightweight wear for the warm and dry season and rainwear for the wet season.

Use of Credit Cards in Zambia
Credit cards are accepted in most big hotels, restaurants and travel agents in the major towns like Lusaka. Automatic Teller Machines are also available from the Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.

Use of Traveller's Cheques
Traveler’s Checks are widely accepted in major establishments in major towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Visa and Passport Requirements for Zambia Travel
A passport and visa are required for travel into Zambia. You passport must be valid for 6 months starting from the date of entry into Zambia. A visa may be obtained in advance at a Zambian Embassy or Consulate or at the port of entry. The fee is $80 for a three year, multiple entry visa or $20 for a day-trip visa (most typically issued to tourists visiting Victoria Falls from a neighboring country). Please try to bring exact change, whenever practical.

At the time of entry, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with the permitted length of stay. Initial entry is for 30 days or less and can ordinarily be extended twice (for a total time of 90 days) by visiting an immigration office.

Zambian Immigration officials insist visitors carry the original or a certified copy of their passport and their immigration permit at all times. Certified copies must be obtained from the immigration office that issued the permit. American citizens should closely follow immigration guidelines, including visa requirements for travel to Zambia.

Visas requirements exemptions for Zambia
1. Nationals of Ireland do not require visa. (all other EU nationals do require a visa);

2. Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

3. A Bonafide Tourist, who is traveling to Zambia on a pre-arranged package tour with a foreign tour operator, or in conjunction with a local tour operator in Zambia, will be issued a fee-waived visa for a stay of no longer than 14 days. The fee-waived visa will be issued at any port of entry to Zambia or at Zambian missions abroad. The Bonafide Tourist will also be exempt from submitting a letter of invitation, photocopy of flight details and proof of funds.

Currency of Zambia
The Zambian currency is called Kwacha (ZMK). 1 Kwacha is equal to 100 Ngwee. Zambian currency notes are available in the following denominations; ZMK50,000, ZMK20,000, ZMK10,000, ZMK5,000, ZMK1,000, ZMK500, ZMK100 and ZMK50. Coins are in denominations of ZMK 1, and Ngwee 50, Ngwee 20, Ngwee,10, Ngwee 5, Ngwee 2 and Ngwee 1.

Customs and Excise Regulations for Zambia
Travelers to Zambia who are aged 18 years and above do not have to pay any duty on the following items coming into Zambia: 400 cigarettes or 500g tobacco, 1 bottle of alcohol and 2.5 litres of beer, 1 ounce of perfume. The same items in the same value may be exported for free.

Drinking Water in Zambia
Visitors to Zambia should avoid drinking water taken direct from the taps. Bottled water, which is purified and treated is available easily for purchase. Major hotels and safari lodges will provide bottled water or flasks with water in the rooms.

Driving and Road Travel in Zambia
Driving in Zambia is on the LEFT. The speed limit is set at 50kph or 30mph in Lusaka city and at 100kph / 60mph outside the city. However, most drivers ignore the speed limits and drive much faster, both within and outside the city. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while in cars and a helmet for those on motorcycles. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and drivers who are suspected will be tested and charged in court. It is an offence to use a mobile phone while driving. For self-drive option of travel, an international Driving Permit is accepted.

There are several travel agents who offer car hire services in the major towns of Zambia.

Electricity in Zambia
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs, as well as two-and three pin round plugs are in use.

Emergency Numbers in Zambia
In case of Emergencies when in Zambia call : 999

Currency Exchange in Zambia
Persons visiting Zambia can exchange money at various exchange buraux de change found in the major towns. These can also be found at the airport and in the hotels. Establishments in the main towns of Lusaka and Livingstone will accept foreign currency and credit cards but the outlets in the rural areas will not accept foreign currency.

US Dollars or Pounds Sterling which can be exchanged at the many bureaux de change found in the main towns. While most of the tourist hotels, restaurants, travel agents and larger shops, especially in Lusaka and Livingstone, accept credit cards many outlets in the rural areas do not and deal only in local currency. ATMs are available in Lusaka and some of the major towns.

Health issues in Zambia
A cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry into Zambia. However, travelers are advised to note that cholera is still prevalent, particularly in the rainy season. The same applies for polio and typhoid. Vaccination against these is recommended.

Malaria is still a risk in Zambia throughout the country, throughout the year, (including cerebral malaria), predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the whole country. Please consult a GP for the appropriate advise on correct prophylaxis required.

Adequate health care cannot be assured outside main towns – Lusaka and Livingstone. It is therefore advisable to carry basic medical supplies as they are limited in Zambia. A comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you are spending time in remote parts of the country.

Medical Facilities in Zambia
Zambian medical facilities that are run by the government often lack medical supplies and sometimes lack enough members of staff. Private hospitals found in the major towns can provide reasonable medical care that does not require highly specialized skills. Such may call for evacuation to South Africa or elsewhere.

Medical services are to be paid for upon delivery. Travelers should also carry their prescription drugs and medication in original labeled containers and where possible have the written prescription from the physician with them. Because of the Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission, if you are not able to get a doctor’s note for your over-the-counter medication, you are advised to leave them behind as this may lead to arrest.

Languages in Zambia
English is the official language spoken in Zambia, but there are over 73 local dialects also spoken. The main local languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.

Photography in Zambia
Visitors are able to take photographs in most places but are advised to avoid military installations.

Public Holidays
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
9 Mar Youth Day.
6 Apr Good Friday.
9 Apr Easter Monday.
1 May Labor Day.
25 May African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation).
2 Jul Heroes’ Day.
3 Jul Unity Day.
6 Aug Farmers’ Day.
24 Oct Independence Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Getting Around Zambian Towns and Cities by road
Zambia has a fairly good network of roads - 38,763km / 24,087 miles in total, of which 8200km /5095 miles is tarmac, although some portion of roads are in poor condition.

Public bus services in Lusaka are provided by private minibuses and shared taxis. The buses are somewhat basic, and can become very crowded. Taxis are not metered and fares should be agreed in advance.

The network of intercity bus services is run by private operators and Zambia Telecommunications (Zamtel). The service used to be unreliable but it is much better nowadays. The buses provided are clean, cheap and frequent. CR coach, linking Lusaka with Livingstone, Chipata, Ndola and Mongu (twice a day, leaving from ShopRite in Cairo Road) should be booked well in advance. Other coach services are available, including Giraffe

Getting around Zambian Towns and Cities by Air
Charters operate domestic routes to destinations including Chipata, Kasaba Bay, Kasama, Kitwe, Livingstone, Lusaka, Mangu, Mfuwe, Ndola and Victoria Falls. Ask travel agents.

Getting Around Zambian towns and Cities by Rail
Zambia has 3 main internal train lines, one from Livingstone to Lusaka, from Lusaka to the Copperbelt, and from Kapiri Mposhi to the Northern border with Tanzania.

The main train station is in Dedan Kamathi Road in central Lusaka, one road east of Cairo Road. There is a daily Kitwe – Lusaka – Lir stopping train. There is also an express train (The Zambezi Express) leaving Livingstone on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, arriving in Lusaka the next morning.

Safety and Security in Zambia
Traveling to Zambia presents no trouble generally. The general threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Travelers are advised against all but essential travel to the parts of the North Western, Copperbelt, Central and Luapula provinces that are close to the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly with the rural areas after dark. There are continuing reports of armed cross-border raids from the DRC. Travelers should also be aware of landmines in this area, and on the borders with Angola and Mozambique.

The seasonal rains have been more severe than usual and this has led to major flooding in most provinces including Western, Luapula, Northern and Eastern Provinces. Travel may be disrupted in these areas and you should seek local advice, monitor local reports and consider leaving an area for higher ground if flooding is worsening.

Shopping in Zambia
The shops and establishments in the main towns like Lusaka open from 0800 hours to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday. Saturday they open from 0800 hours till 1300 hours with a few till 1700 hours.

Modern shops and stores and open air markets offer a good opportunity to buy gifts and souvenirs for travelers. You can purchase African pottery, carvings, beadwork and copperware.

Telecommunications in Zambia
International direct dialing is available in most parts of Zambia.

Mobile Telephone coverage is still limted to areas around Lusaka
There are internet Cafes in Lusaka and Livingstone and some other towns.

Time
Zambia’s time zone is GMT + 2.

Guideline for tipping in Zambia
A 10 per cent sales tax is added to all bills. Tipping in hotels has been abolished by law but a 10 per cent tip may be expected or included in bills elsewhere.