Mozambique - Useful Facts
>>
Mozambique Accommodation Provinces Bazaruto
Archipelago Map
Guided Tours
Travel Documents
To travel to Mozambique you will need a valid passport and an entry visa.
Visas can be obtained from Mozambican embassies and consulates, as well as
from Mozambique border posts. To obtain a visa, you will require your
passport and two passport-size
photographs.
Currency
The local currency in Mozambique is the Metical. However, the American
dollar and the South African Rand are accepted in many places, in addition
to VISA, AMEX and MASTERCARD credit cards and Travellers Cheques.
Opening times
In general, public opening times are between 08h00 and 12h30 and from 14h00
to 17h30. Some shops in cities and tourist towns are open until 21h30.
Banks
Mozambique's commercial banks - Banco Standard Totta de Moçambique, Banco de
Fomento, Banco Austral - ABSA, Banco Internacional de Moçambique, BNP/Nedbank,
BCI, BDC, BMI, Novo Banco, BIC - have foreign currency exchange services at
their main branches.
Banks are open from Monday to Friday between 08h00 and 15h00.
Post offices
Open from Monday to Friday, between 07h45 and 12h00 and from 14h00 to 17h00
and Saturday mornings. There are also EMS, DHL and FEDEX services.
Telephones
The majority of cities are served by satellite telephone networks. It is
possible to dial direct to South Africa and Swaziland and via an operator to
other destinations. To obtain an outside line via the operator, dial 100.
To call Mozambique from abroad the country code is 258 - 1 for Maputo, 258 -
3 for Beira and 258 - 6 for Nampula. Maputo, Xai-Xai, Beira, Chimoio,
Quelimane, Nampula, Tete and Cabo Delgado are served by MCEL (mobile
network)
Air Connections
The following international airline companies operate in Mozambique:
LAM - Linhas aéreas de Moçambique
South African Airways
Regular flights from Johannesburg to Maputo as well as to Vilanculos,
Inhambane and Pemba are conducted every week.
Distances
Distances from Johannesburg (South Africa) to:
Beira - 1431 km
Inhambane - 1015 km
Maputo - 585 km
Nampula - 2485 km
Pemba - 2815 km
Ponto Do Ouro - 487 km
Quelemane - 1952 km
Vilanculos - 966 km
Xai- Xai - 791 km
The Climate
The climate ranges from tropical to subtropical. The rainy season broadly coincides with
the hot months, between November-March, though most provinces have some rain over 7-9
months of the year. Winter is in July-September, but in the coastal areas the average
temperature does not fall below 12 degrees Celsius.
Driving
As in the majority of southern Africa countries, driving is done on the left
hand side. It is essential to carry your driver license at all times while
driving as well the car registration documents. By law you have to wear seat
belts at all times while driving.
Drinking water
Water is treated, but it will be safer to drink mineral water, which can be
found in all supermarkets and shops.
If you leave the cities, we recommend taking along mineral water or boil the
water.
Electricity
220 / 230 V AC 50 Hz. Round pin wall sockets are used. If you from a country
with different voltage and pin sockets, we recommend to bring adaptors with
you.
Food
Food is traditionally based on the Afro-Portuguese style. All over
Mozambique you will find several quality restaurants, serving typical dishes
and international food.
Health
Inoculations against yellow fever, tetanus, hepatitis etc are currently not
required by Mozambique.
However, you should consult your doctor or the hospital of tropical diseases
before you start your trip.
Take precautions against tetanus, malaria, hepatitis and mostly yellow
fever.
Language
The official language is Portuguese, however English is spoken all over the
country.
Main borders
The most common opening hours are 07.00 a. m to 07.00 p.m
- Ressano Garcia to South Africa - 120 kms from Maputo
- Namaacha to Swaziland - 80 kms from Maputo
- Machipanga to Zimbawe - Beira via Mutare
- Nyamponda to Zimbawe - Tete to Harare
- Chanida to Zambia
Public Holidays
January 1 New Year's Day
February 3 Heroes' Day
April 7
Women's Day
May 1
Workers' Day
June 25
Independence Day
September 7 Victory Day
September 25 Revolution Day
October 4 Day of Peace and
Reconciliation
December 25 Christmas
Local time
G.M.T plus 2 hours
