Welcome to Zimbabwe 😊

Quick Facts About Zimbabwe

Money and Finances

The currency used in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL). The denominations of coins are 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents, and 1 and 2 dollars. The denominations of notes are 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dollars.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found in major cities and tourist areas, but they may be limited in rural areas. It's always best to have some cash with you when travelling in Zimbabwe.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Zimbabwe, and it can be difficult to find places that accept them. Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than AMEX, but it's still recommended to have cash on hand.

Internet and Phones

Internet access in Zimbabwe is generally slow, with an average download speed of 3.19 Mbps and upload speed of 1.81 Mbps. The government has been known to block social media and messaging apps during times of political unrest.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Zimbabwe are Econet Wireless and NetOne. Mobile phone plans are relatively affordable, with prices starting at around $5 USD per month. However, there may be compatibility issues with SIM cards from other countries.

Dialling to Zimbabwe

To call Zimbabwe from another country, dial the international access code (usually 00 or +), followed by the country code for Zimbabwe (263), and then the local phone number. Within Zimbabwe, landline numbers have a 3-digit area code (e.g. Harare is 4) and mobile numbers have a 2-digit prefix (e.g. Econet is 77).

Transport Around Zimbabwe

Air Travel

Zimbabwe has several major airports, including Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. Harare airport is the busiest and largest in Zimbabwe, with connections to many major international destinations.

Train Travel

Zimbabwe's inter-city train network is operated by the National Railways of Zimbabwe. The main line runs from Harare to Bulawayo, with journey times varying from around 5-10 hours depending on the route and class of ticket. Ticket prices start from around $10 USD for economy class.

Metro / Local Trains

Zimbabwe currently does not have any metro or light rail systems.

Buses

Zimbabwe has a number of inter-city and intra-city bus networks, with a range of companies offering services. Greyhound and City Link are among the largest operators, with ticket prices ranging from around $3 to $20 USD depending on the distance and level of service. Journey times can vary widely depending on road conditions.

Rideshare

There are several ride-sharing companies operating in Zimbabwe, including Uber and Taxify. Prices vary depending on the distance and time of day, but a typical ride in Harare or Bulawayo will cost around $5-10 USD.

Driving by Car

Driving in Zimbabwe can be challenging due to poor road conditions and lack of infrastructure. The speed limits are typically 60 km/h in urban areas and 120 km/h on highways. Zimbabwe uses left-hand drive, so drivers from countries where right-hand drive is used should exercise caution.

Local Customs

In Zimbabwe, it is common to tip in restaurants and for services, with a recommended amount of 10-15% of the total cost. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, and sometimes a hug or kiss on the cheek among close friends and family. When speaking to strangers, it is respectful to address them formally until given permission to use first names. Men and women typically address each other with 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' followed by the last name.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Zimbabwe's medical and health system is currently facing a shortage of medications, facilities and medical personnel. Private healthcare is available but can be expensive for most locals. It is highly recommended to have medical insurance before traveling to the country. A visit to the doctor can cost between $30 to $50 for consultation and basic treatment.

COVID Situation

Zimbabwe managed to control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic through strict measures such as closing the borders, wearing masks in public spaces and limiting public gatherings. However, the current rate of coronavirus cases is still high. It is important to take the necessary precautions, such as wearing masks, avoiding crowded places and sanitizing hands frequently.

Common Health Risks

The most common health risks in Zimbabwe are food poisoning and water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Malaria is also prevalent in the country, especially during the rainy season from November to April. It is highly recommended to take antimalarial medication before traveling to Zimbabwe and to be cautious of what you eat and drink while there.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Zimbabwe, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. However, it is prohibited to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. There are no bans on alcohol consumption, although driving under the influence is punishable by law.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use, including the use and possession of cannabis, is illegal in Zimbabwe and can result in severe punishment. It is not recommended to engage in any form of drug use while visiting the country.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Zimbabwe is a conservative society where pre-marital relationships are not widely accepted and can result in social ostracism. However, there are no specific laws governing these types of relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe and can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years. It is not recommended to engage in any same-sex relationships while visiting the country.

Firearms / Guns

The use and possession of firearms in Zimbabwe is highly regulated and requires a license. Visitors are not allowed to bring firearms into the country without prior authorization from the Zimbabwean authorities.