Local time is GMT +2.
Electrical current is 220-240 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin rectangular blade plugs are common.
English is the official language in Zimbabwe, although it is only spoken as a first language by a tiny percentage of the population. Several indigenous languages are spoken including Shona and Ndebele.
Travellers to Zimbabwe who are coming from infected countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended. A high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists in Zimbabwe. There is a risk of malaria all year in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid any number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for Zimbabwe having one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and striking is common; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication. Medical insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.On 6th September 2018, a Cholera outbreak was declared in Harare. The situation is being monitored by the World Health Organisation. Visitors are advised to seek the advice of a health professional before traveling.
A service charge is usually included in the bill in Zimbabwe, otherwise a 10 percent tip is customary for staff in restaurants, hotels and taxis. In general, tipping for good service is discretionary. Some tour guides and game rangers depend largely on tips for their income.
There have been violent protests in Zimbabwe in January 2019, and the current situation is unsettled. Tourists are advised to exercise caution, and to monitor news and travel advice websites for updates. Note that access to internet has been disrupted and some apps may not be available. Visitors should avoid political activity, demonstrations, and rallies. There is a moderate level of crime. Thus it is wise to use taxis and hire cars to avoid walking the city streets alone at night.Victoria Falls is considered the most safe and well-policed of Zimbabwe and the majority of visits are hassle-free. The resort areas around Lake Kariba are also considered to be safe, especially on guided tours and package holidays.*In March 2019, the Tropical Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe, causing significant flooding and mud slides, especially across the eastern parts of the country. Roads and bridges have been affected, as have electricity, water and telecommunications. Visitors travelling to affected regions should follow advice given by local authorities. They are also advised to check prior to travel that their hotel is still open, and they should monitor local and international weather updates.
In Zimbabwe it is against the law to take photographs of public buildings or government institutions, and it is not advisable to take photographs anywhere in the vicinity of such buildings, or any roadblocks and illegally occupied farms, as this could lead to arrest. It is also illegal to take photographs of police and military personnel, as well as of demonstrations. It is a criminal offence to make insulting comments about President Mugabe and his government. It is also an offence to continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you are on. Visitors should be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. Homosexuality is illegal. Civilians are not permitted to wear camouflage clothing.
Business in Zimbabwe is conducted in English, and is fairly informal, with drinking and socialising very much part of the business scene. Dress is fairly conservative, but lightweight suits or casual jackets are more suited to the hot climate than formal business wear.It is customary to shake hands with men and women at the beginning and end of a meeting. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, although hours vary considerably depending on the establishment; some businesses close at 11am on Wednesdays, and some are open on Saturday mornings.
The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. Local mobile phone operators provide network coverage in most cities, towns, and tourist areas throughout the country. Internet facilities are available in most towns and cities, but internet cafes are often crowded.
Travellers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on items to the value of US$200 provided this allowance is not claimed more than once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal consumption, including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 litres with no more than 2 litres of this being spirits. Prohibited items include narcotic and amphetamine drugs, indecent or obscene reading material, toy firearms, and blade knives.
Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2023 Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media Ltd nor Travel Vogue can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
