Besides Zimbabwe's troubled political background there is still a rich
tourist attraction to the country. The famous Victoria Falls lies on
its borders and many have said when the Falls are in its prime it can
be appreciated more from the Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls.
Known as "Africa's Paradise," you will not regret crossing into
this beautiful country. Travelling is very possible since the country
has an excellent infrastructure and the local culture will captivate
any visitors.
CAPITAL
Harare
POPULATION
13 Million
SHOPPING
Shona soft-stone carvings; woodcarvings; T-shirts; safari clothing;
pottery; leather goods; basket ware; sculptures; textiles. Nail
polish and old clothes can sometimes be swopped for carvings.
CURRENCY
1 Zimbabwe Dollar = 100 cents.
You may take 15000 Zimbabwean dollars out of the country. There are no restrictions on foreign currency
brought in. If you don't declare the foreign money you bring in,
you'll only be able to take out 500 US dollars. You may be asked to
account for foreign currency exchanged/spent in country. Hotel bills
must be payed for with credit cards or in foreign hard currencies
e.g. US dollar.
Users of credit cards are subject to a surcharge of about 3 percent on the
total value of goods purchased. US dollar traveller's cheques are
recommended. Avoid street money changers who promise "no
commission, best rates", but then cheat on delivery. There are
strict penalties for illegal foreign currency trading. Several of the
city's large stores don't accept American Express cards; travellers'
cheques are the most convenient means of payment.
CUSTOMS
Duty Free Allowances
- WD 1000 worth of goods inclusive of tobacco, perfume and gifts
- 5 litres of alcoholic beverages (up to 2 litres of which may be spirits)
PROHIBITED GOODS - Drugs
- Honey
- Pornographic literature
- Toy firearms
- Flick knives and lockable knives
SPECIAL NOTES
Only travellers aged 18 years or over may bring in alcohol.
Permits are issued on arrival for firearms and ammunition.
Agricultural products including seeds and bulbs require an import licence.
(NB! For full information, please contact the nearest Embassy of Zimbabwe.)
ELECTRICITY
220 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs in most hotels are 3-pin flat. An adapter is needed.
HEALTH
Yellow fever immunisation is essential if you arrive from an infected
country or area. Visitors are also advised to take pre-arrival
precautions against hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and malaria
(depending on the area visited especially those outside of towns).
Other health concerns include bilharzia (don't swim in the rivers/dams or
drink the water from them as it may be infected), sunburn, limited
medical facilities and supplies outside of towns, AIDS and influenza
(risk extends throughout the year).
HOURS
Office Hours 8am-4.30 pm Mon-Fri
Banking Hours 8am-3 pm Mon-Fri, except Wed 8 am-1 pm; 8 am-11.30 am on Sat
Shopping Hours 8am-5 pm Mon-Fri and 8 am-1 pm on SatOffice Hours8 am-4.30 pm Mon-Fri
LANGUAGE
English is the official language. Chishona and Sindebele are widely spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 January - New Year's Day
12 April - Easter Monday
18 April - Independence Day
1 May - Workers' Day
25 May - Africa Day
11 August - Heroes' Day
12 August - Defence Forces Day
22 December - Unity Day
25-26 December - Christmas
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
Christianity is the main religion, but in rural areas people have traditional
beliefs. Western/European courtesies are observed. Return invitations
are appreciated. Handshaking is the common form of greeting. Dress is
casual, but most hotels require more formal wear, e.g. tie and
jacket; business meetings require suits.
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT+2
TIPPING
Ten-fifteen percent is common
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Subtropical. The best time to visit is Apr-Oct when weather is mild with little rain. Winter (May-Aug) is dry and sunny. Rainy weather is Nov-Mar/Apr.
GETTING THERE
Fly to Harare or drive north from Johannesburg.
