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Travellers Essentials
Money Matters
The local currency is the Zimbabwe dollar (Z$), where 100
cents = 1 Z$. There are major banks in the main towns, open
during the hours of 09.00 to 15.30 weekdays, and 08.30 to
11.00 on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are widely
available 24 hours a day.
All major credit cards (ie American Express, Diners Club
and Visa, although acceptance of Mastercard is limited) are
accepted by tourist-related establishments and businesses,
such as hotels and restaurants, but it's best to have cash
for shopping, especially when visiting smaller towns.
All traveller's cheques in Pound sterling (GBP) or United
States dollars (USD) can easily be exchanged at any bank.
The Harare airport exchange office is open whenever there
is an incoming flight, but they have been known to limit transactions
to USD100.00. Hotels will also exchange traveller's cheques,
but charge commission because it is a service usually reserved
for guests.
A maximum of Z$500 may be imported or exported. There is
no limit on importing foreign currency provided that it is
declared. Foreign currency may be exported up to the amount
imported and declared.
There is an international departure tax of USD20 for non
residents and Z$20 for residents. Children under 12 years
and transit passengers are exempt.
A tax of 16% is charged on retail items, excluding food.
A 19% tax is also placed on luxuries, electrical equipment,
airline tickets, furniture and cars. A 15% tax on hotel rooms,
safaris and other tourist expenses can be avoided by paying
it before your departure, but once the agent has added the
commission you probably won't be saving much money. Taxi drivers
usually expect a 10% tip, as well as people working in touristclass
hotels and restaurants, except in the case where an establishment
has automatically added a 10% service charge to your bill.
Passports and Visas
Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry required
by all.
Visas are required by all travellers except those
from Britain, Australia, Canada, United States of America,
EU countries (except Greece and Portugal), Japan, nationals
of Commonwealth states (except nationals of Bangladesh, India,
Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka), and nationals
of Andorra, French Overseas Territories, Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Monaco, Nepal, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland.
Getting There
The main gateway airport is Harare and is serviced by Zimbabwe's
national carrier, Air Zimbabwe as well as British Airways,
South African Airways, Qantas, KLM, Lufthansa, Swissair, Air
France and other major airlines. The airport is 12 kilometres
(7 miles) away from the city centre. Buses and taxi services
run regularly.
Health Regulations
Certificates proving yellow fever vaccinations are required
if you are entering Zimbabwe from the northern parts of Africa.
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