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ZAMBIA - TOURIST INFORMATION
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
United States citizens require a Zambia visa at this time. However, entry requirements do change
from time to time, and it is advised that up-to-date Information is obtained from a travel agent,
Zambia Airways, or a local tourist board.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Yellow Fever and Cholera inoculations are recommended. as are anti-malaria tablets.
Inoculation requirements and recommendations do vary; it is suggested that you consult with
your personal physician prior to departure.
CURRENCY
The Zambia currency is the kwacha, meaning dawn in the Cinyanja language. A kwacha (k) is
divided into 100 ngwee (n). All foreign currency must be declared upon entering Zambia, but
there is no limit to the amount taken into the country. The import and export of local currency is forbidden. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger hotels and are limited to American Express
and Diners Club.
BANKING HOURS
Banks are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:15AM to 12:45PM. On
Wednesday from 8:15PM to 12:00Noon, Saturday from 8:15AM to 11 :OOAM. The banks at
Lusaka Airport are only open to meet international flights, and WILL NOT convert Zambia
currency back into foreign money.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress is casual and in game viewing areas light clothes and good walking shoes are essential. It
is wise to bring along a pair or long trousers and a sweater for cool evenings.
WHAT TO BUY
Typical Zambian crafts include ceremonial masks, copper ware, malachite articles, Barotse
basketry and jewellery crafted from precious and semi-precious stones.
SHOPPING HOURS
In suburban areas, shops are open all day Monday through Saturday. Elsewhere, they are
generally closed Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday. The best souvenir
sources are the museums. craft shops and curio sellers. Bartering is acceptable only with
street vendors.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Zambia is English, and the visitor will have no problem getting around,
understanding and being understood in Zambia. There are also 70 other tongues spoken
throughout the country, most of which are closely related.
VOLTAGE
The electricity runs on 220 volts, 50 cycle, AC.
TIPPING
A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant and hotel bills. When baggage handling
is not included in transfer charges, a tip of about 40 ngwee per bag is the norm. Officially,
tipping is prohibited by law.
RESTAURANTS
The major hotels offer fine continental cuisine and, in some of the larger cities, local restaurants provide international as well as local foods. The national dish of Zambia is nshima
a pounded maize eaten with a peppery relish and meat. Mealie meal is also popular and is
prepared with mushy fish and a corn flour dish. The national drink is chibuku, made from ground soybeans. Beer lovers will appreciate the locally brewed Mosi beer; it has won every competition in this region of Africa.
TAXES
There is a current departure tax of K50 for domestic flights which is paid in local currency.
International departure tax on flights from Lusaka is US$20.00 and must be paid in U.S.
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