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ZIMBABWE - TOURIST INFORMATION
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
At this time. United States citizens do require a visa for Zimbabwe as well as a valid passport and round-trip air ticket. Visas are obtainable upon entry into that country for US $30 per person. Double entry visas are US $45 per person and multiple re-entry visas are US $75 per person.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATES
No inoculations are required at this time, however anti-malarial tablets are compulsory, particularly if visiting game areas. It is not advisable to use water in the rivers or dams for swimming or drinking. However, water in towns, hotels and swimming pools is from purified water supplies and therefore perfectly safe. Again, inoculation requirements do change, so it is wise to check with your personal physician prior to departure.
Travelers arriving in Zimbabwe from infected areas are required to possess valid vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow fever.
WHAT TO WEAR
Lightweight and casual clothing is acceptable attire, although some of the country's finer restaurants warrant coat and tie for men and equivalent dress for women. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary on game viewing excursions, while touring Victoria Falls and at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. A jacket or sweater is recommended during the winter months and if visiting higher elevation destinations.
CURRENCY
Zimbabwe's unit currency is the Zimbabwe dollar (Z$) and is divided into 100 cents. You may take up to Z$250.00 and any amount of foreign currency in bank notes into the country, but you must declare the total to customs upon entry or you will be unable to re export your bank notes. Both Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels, restaurants and shops. Please note that US $100.00 bills cannot be exchanged.
BANKING HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 8:30am to 3:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am to 1.00pm
Saturday 8:OOam to 11:30am
SHOPPING HOURS
Most stores are open from 8:00am Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday.
GOOD BUYS
Articles made from glowing Zimbabwe copper, jewelry made from semiprecious gemstones, soapstone or granite sculptures and wood carvings are the best buys.
Hand-woven tapestries, crocheted items and baskets are particularly attractive in the highland areas.
LANGUAGE
The major African Languages are Shona and Sindebele, although English is widely spoken in the cities and tourist areas.
VOLTAGE
City and town power systems are 230 volts. Not all hotels and game parks have plug in points to suit all electrical equipment.
TIPPING
While on safari the driver/guide should be tipped the equivalent of US$5.00 - US$25.00 per person per day) depending on the service received. Hotel porters should be tipped approximately 50 cents per bag, and waiters should receive a 10% tip.
TAXES
The government sales tax is included in the price of all items, including accommodation charges.
DRIVING IN ZIMBABWE
International driving permits and driving licenses issued in Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland are valid in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe you drive on the left hand side of the road and give way to traffic approaching from your right at uncontrolled intersections. The general speed limit is 100 km/h on open roads and 60 km/h in urban areas, but watch for the signs.
BORDER POST HOURS
All posts listed below are open on public holidays at the same time as for weekdays (but may change).
Beitbridge: 06h00 to 20h00 daily
Plumtree: 06h00 to 18h00 daily
Mpandamatenga: 08h00 to 16h00 daily
Kazangula: 06h00 to 18h00 daily
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