Welcome to Malawi 😊

Quick Facts About Malawi

Money and Finances

The currency used in Malawi is the Malawian kwacha (MWK). Coins range from 1 to 100 kwacha, while banknotes range from 200 to 5,000 kwacha.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in major cities in Malawi, however outside of these areas they can be limited. It is recommended to carry cash when traveling to more rural areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Malawi, and it is recommended to carry cash for most transactions. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at larger hotels and restaurants in major cities, but AMEX is not commonly accepted.

Internet and Phones

Malawi has a relatively slow internet speed, with an average download speed of 2.5 Mbps and an average upload speed of 1.1 Mbps. There are some government restrictions on internet use, including censorship of certain websites and social media platforms.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Malawi are Airtel Malawi and TNM. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around MWK 5,000 (USD 6.50) per month. There may be some sim compatibility issues, so it's best to check with the telco provider before purchasing a sim card.

Dialling to Malawi

To call Malawi from another country, dial the international code (usually 00 or +), followed by the country code for Malawi (265), and then the phone number. Within Malawi, the area codes and phone numbers vary depending on the city or region.

Transport Around Malawi

Air Travel

Malawi has one major international airport, the Lilongwe International Airport, which is located in the capital city of Lilongwe. Other airports include the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre and the Mzuzu Airport in the northern region of the country.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in Malawi, however, there is a small scenic rail service that runs from Limbe to Blantyre.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro train system in Malawi.

Buses

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Malawi, with many routes connecting major cities and rural areas. Prices for a journey can range from 1000 to 6000 Malawian Kwacha (1.3 - 8 USD). Journey times can vary depending on distance and traffic conditions.

Rideshare

Ridesharing services are starting to become more popular in Malawi, with companies such as GoLomwe and Tisu collaborating with taxi drivers to offer ride-hailing services. The average price for a ride in Lilongwe is around 2,000 Malawian Kwacha (2.6 USD).

Driving by Car

Driving can be challenging in Malawi due to unpredictable road conditions and poor infrastructure. The maximum speed limit on highways is 80 km/h (50 mph) and 50 km/h (30 mph) in urban areas. Malawi drives on the left-hand side of the road, similar to the UK.

Local Customs

In Malawi, tipping is not expected, but appreciated in the service industry. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or hug, and men often pat each other on the back. Women may curtsy as a sign of respect. It is common to speak with strangers and make small talk. Men and women generally address each other formally with titles such as 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.'.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in Malawi is sub-optimal, with limited resources and infrastructure. Private healthcare facilities are available in urban areas, but are often expensive. It is highly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel insurance before visiting Malawi. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is around MWK 4,000 (USD 5).

COVID Situation

Malawi declared a state of disaster in March 2020 due to COVID-19. The country has seen a relatively low number of cases and deaths compared to other countries, with around 6,000 confirmed cases and 185 deaths as of September 2021. The government has implemented measures such as restrictions on gatherings and mandatory mask-wearing in public places to contain the spread of the virus.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is a significant health risk in Malawi, particularly during the rainy season from November to April. Other common diseases include typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis A. Travellers should take appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent, drinking only bottled or purified water, and getting vaccinated before travelling to Malawi.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Malawi, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is widely available and there are no restrictions on the consumption of alcohol in public places, as long as it does not lead to public disorder. However, there are some restrictions on sale of alcohol during certain hours in the day. The government has banned the production and sale of traditional beer known as kachasu due to the perceived health risks associated with the drink.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use is illegal in Malawi. Cannabis, cocaine, and heroin are prohibited and can lead to severe penalties. The punishment for drug-related offenses can include life imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Malawi's laws criminalize pre-marital and extra-marital sex. Same-sex activity is also illegal and may be punished with up to 14 years in prison. It is important to note, however, that enforcement of these laws is sporadic.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex activity is illegal in Malawi and can lead to harsh punishment. Homosexuality is not widely accepted in the country and there have been cases of violence against LGBTQ individuals.

Firearms / Guns

Guns and firearms are highly regulated in Malawi. Only licensed individuals are allowed to possess firearms, which are used mainly by security forces and hunters. Unauthorized possession of firearms can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences.