Zambia Fact File

Below you will find relevant information when travelling to Zambia

Banks

Operational hours are 0815 to 1430 hours Mondays through to Fridays and 0815 to 1030 hours on 1st and last Saturdays of the month.

Business hours

Government offices are open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday. Closed from 13h00 to 14h00.

Bank hours vary from bank to bank but most are open from 08h30 - 14h30 Monday to Friday. Only some are open on Saturdays.

Shops are generally open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday although some stay open until 19h00 and on Saturdays from 08h00 to 13h00 although some stay open till 17h00.

Climate

Zambia has three distinct seasons. December to April: warm and wet, May to August: cool and dry. September to November: hot and dry. Average temperatures in Summer range from 25° C to 35° C and in winter from 6° C to 24° C.

To check the today’s weather forecast click here

Currency

The Kwacha ( pronounced ‘qua-cha) has denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10 000, 20 000 and 50 000 kwacha notes.

As of June 2008 US$1 = K 5,000 but this rate fluctuates regularly and sometimes quite dramatically.

Click here for the latest currency exchange rate.

Currency regulations

There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form.

Credit Cards

Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards. Most of the bigger banks will advance local currency against a credit card. Standard Chartered, Stanbic and Barclays Banks have ATM's which accept Visa cards for cash.

Chemists / pharmacies

Travellers should carry an adequate supply of their prescribed medicines with them although chemists in the major centres now carry a wide range of medicines and first aid accessories. There are some emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays in Lusaka.

Clubs

There are a limited number of sporting and social clubs in the major towns. Visitors are usually welcomed. Some charge a temporary membership fee.

Communications

Postal services are fairly well organised in Zambia and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. Telegrams are less certain. There are two commercial Internet servers in Lusaka and another on the Copperbelt.

E-mail

There are several Internet Cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka and time on line is very reasonable. A popular one in Lusaka is at the Kilimanjaro Coffee shop at the Manda Hill Shopping Centre with several computers, a hotspot connections and great food!. Arcades shopping centre also has a large Internet Centre and there are several in Cairo Rd.

Internet Service Providers are Zamnet, Coppernet, Zamtel, Microlink, Iconnect, Africonnect and most offer broadband or dial up connections now.

Public telephones are available in most public buildings, i.e. post offices, and most use tokens. International calls can also be made from a private home or large hotel. (Note the surcharge at hotels is quite high). Direct dialling to neighbouring countries requires 4 sets of numbers: first the international prefix 00, then the country code, the city code, then the number. Incoming calls usually cost less than outgoing calls from Zambia. To book an operator assisted international call, dial 090 or 093. Local directory assistance is 103. There are secretarial services along Cairo Rd in Lusaka that offer telephone, fax and telex and email facilities for a fee.

Customs

Travellers may, for their own consumption, import 2.5 litres of duty free beer, wine or spirits and 400 cigarettes or 500gms of tobacco.

Car Hire

There are many car hire companies in Lusaka and a few in Ndola, offering a small range of vehicles. Some offer a flat weekly rate, but most charge a daily rate plus mileage, insurance and petrol. Most cars come with a chauffeur and are thus expensive. For a list of car rental companies based in Lusaka, click here

Departure Tax

Departure tax is airports is US$25 (international) and $8 (domestic); some airlines include the tax in the ticket (JI Tax) otherwise you will have to pay the tax prior to departure.

Drivers Licence

Visiting drivers must hold an International Drivers Licence. Driver’s licences from other countries are not valid except SADC countries. New residents are required to pass a driving test. A person driving into the country on business can have their car admitted without having to pay duty, provided they will not use it for hire or commercial purposes. They will also have to show that the car is owned by themselves or by their company.

Duty Free

The following items may be imported into Zambia without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; One bottle of spirits and wine and 2.5 litres of beer (opened); 1oz bottle of perfume.

Note: Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but game trophies such as tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or other durable items are subject to export permits.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency – 999
Police – 991
Lusaka, Central police station, – 220006
Lusaka, Central Fire station, 220180
Lusaka, Ambulance service – 220180
National telephone operator – 100
National directory – 102
International operator - 090
Ambulance - 991
Fire brigade – 993
Hospital UTH - Lusaka
- General Line 251200
- Casualty Direct Line254115
Livingstone Central police 03 323575/320116
Livingstone Fire station- 03 324043

Energy

Local current is 220v, 50 cycle AC

Government

The government of Zambia is elected in a multi-party general election every five years. Up until 1991, when the first multy-party elections were held, the country was ruled by Kenneth Kaunda in a one party state. The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has ruled Zambia since 1991. It has been headed by three Presidents, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa who passed away during his second term and was succeeded by the current President, Rupiah Banda. President Banda was sworn in as President after winning a Presidential By- Election towards the end of 2008. Their economic policy is to move Zambia from a centralised, state driven economy to a more liberal open market economy that is private sector driven. The Government has put in place the necessary incentives to encourage private investment which includes privatisation of State owned companies, rehabilitation of strategic infrastructure, a stable monetary policy and the recent enactment of the Competition and Fair Trade Act.

Health Requirements

Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cholera zone (most of tropical Africa and South America) must be able to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Air travellers who only pass through the airports of such a zone are exempt from the requirement. See Health International/ MARS, and Speciality Emergency Services for Medical Rescue Services.

Insurance

Third party insurance must be purchased at the border for a nominal fee.

Language

There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. All media and business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well. Bemba is the next most commonly understood language, followed by Nyanja Tonga, Luvale, Lozi, Mambwe and Tumbuka.

Membership

INTERNATIONAL: Commonwealth, GATT, ILO, IMF, NAM, UN, WB, WHO
REGIONAL: African Development Bank, Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) OAU, Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Media

Magazines: Lusaka Lowdown Maps of Lusaka, reviews of accommodation and restaurants, consumer affairs, articles on tourism and other Zambian issues, life in Lusaka, regular features, interesting links and an archive of back issues.

Newspapers: Sunday Mail
Chrysalis
The Post
Times of Zambia
Zambezi Times Online

Radio Stations: Mulungushi (FM), Phoenix, Christian Voice, Trinity Broadcasting, Radio Icelengo, Voice of America, BBC and radio Canada can be picked up on Short-wave
TV: ZNBC Evening broadcasts only, to major metropolitan centres in English. Mnet and Satelite TV

Other Zambian Sites Zambia on Line (general Zambia e-zine)
Zambiz Business Directory
Lyrics Africa (Zambian music)

Medical services

Medical services are underdeveloped and only in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone can you find anything resembling western standards. There are a number of small clinics in Lusaka which are better than the general hospitals, but the clinics in the rural areas have little more than quinine, aspirin and band aids.

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance should be purchased before you leave your own country and should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you’re spending any time in remote parts of the country.

Petrol

Petrol and diesel can be readily obtained in all major towns, but shortages are common in the very remote areas so make sure you have spare fuel for emergencies. Both petrol and diesel get more expensive the further away you are from the line of rail. Unleaded petrol is now available at most BP stations in the major towns.

Public transport

There are many taxis available. Prices are negotiable. There is a good bus service to Chipata, Livingstone, the Copperbelt and Harare, but they don’t always follow strict schedules. The main bus terminus is in Dedan Kimathi road in Lusaka where one can enquire about timetables. Other private bus companies offer more reliable services to Livingstone, Harare and Johannesburg.

Religion

There is freedom of worship in Zambia with over 15 different churches. Christianity is followed by over 60% of the population.

Road Conditions

Zambia has a total road length of 38763kms tarred roads, 8592kms gravel roads and 21999 kms dirt roads. Zambia is notorious for potholes and road signs are few, but there are major road works on some of the main routes at the moment as the roads are finally being upgraded. Some of the more remote roads require great care and caution while driving. Avoid driving at night if possible as there are no road markings and potholes and animals occur when least expected. A 4x4 is recommended if you’re going anywhere off the main routes.

Road Rules

In Zambia, one drives on the left hand side of the road. The general speed limit on national highways is 100km/h, secondary roads 100km/h and in urban built up areas 65 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

Security

Petty theft is as common as any major city where unemployment is high. Be very awake when walking around carrying anything of value, there are master pickpockets here and there. Never leave your vehicle unlocked and never change money on the streets. For the most part, however, Zambians are very friendly and helpful.

Time

Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern USA time and ten hours ahead of Western USA time.

Tipping

Tipping is discouraged as it is included as service charge on your bill.



HOME BEFORE YOU FLY IN FLIGHT ON ARRIVAL Accommodation Car Rental Destination Guides »Zambia Fact File Baggage Claims TIMETABLE ABOUT US CONTACT US	Zambia Fact File Below you will find relevant information when travelling to Zambia Banks Operational hours are 0815 to 1430 hours Mondays through to Fridays and 0815 to 1030 hours on 1st and last Saturdays of the month. Business hours Government offices are open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday. Closed from 13h00 to 14h00. Bank hours vary from bank to bank but most are open from 08h30 - 14h30 Monday to Friday. Only some are open on Saturdays. Shops are generally open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday although some stay open until 19h00 and on Saturdays from 08h00 to 13h00 although some stay open till 17h00. Climate Zambia has three distinct seasons. December to April: warm and wet, May to August: cool and dry. September to November: hot and dry. Average temperatures in Summer range from 25° C to 35° C and in winter from 6° C to 24° C. To check the today’s weather forecast click here Currency The Kwacha ( pronounced ‘qua-cha) has denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10 000, 20 000 and 50 000 kwacha notes. As of June 2008 US$1 = K 5,000 but this rate fluctuates regularly and sometimes quite dramatically. Click here for the latest currency exchange rate. Currency regulations There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form. Credit Cards Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards. Most of the bigger banks will advance local currency against a credit card. Standard Chartered, Stanbic and Barclays Banks have ATM's which accept Visa cards for cash. Chemists / pharmacies Travellers should carry an adequate supply of their prescribed medicines with them although chemists in the major centres now carry a wide range of medicines and first aid accessories. There are some emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays in Lusaka. Clubs There are a limited number of sporting and social clubs in the major towns. Visitors are usually welcomed. Some charge a temporary membership fee. Communications Postal services are fairly well organised in Zambia and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. Telegrams are less certain. There are two commercial Internet servers in Lusaka and another on the Copperbelt. E-mail There are several Internet Cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka and time on line is very reasonable. A popular one in Lusaka is at the Kilimanjaro Coffee shop at the Manda Hill Shopping Centre with several computers, a hotspot connections and great food!. Arcades shopping centre also has a large Internet Centre and there are several in Cairo Rd. Internet Service Providers are Zamnet, Coppernet, Zamtel, Microlink, Iconnect, Africonnect and most offer broadband or dial up connections now. Public telephones are available in most public buildings, i.e. post offices, and most use tokens. International calls can also be made from a private home or large hotel. (Note the surcharge at hotels is quite high). Direct dialling to neighbouring countries requires 4 sets of numbers: first the international prefix 00, then the country code, the city code, then the number. Incoming calls usually cost less than outgoing calls from Zambia. To book an operator assisted international call, dial 090 or 093. Local directory assistance is 103. There are secretarial services along Cairo Rd in Lusaka that offer telephone, fax and telex and email facilities for a fee. Customs Travellers may, for their own consumption, import 2.5 litres of duty free beer, wine or spirits and 400 cigarettes or 500gms of tobacco. Car Hire There are many car hire companies in Lusaka and a few in Ndola, offering a small range of vehicles. Some offer a flat weekly rate, but most charge a daily rate plus mileage, insurance and petrol. Most cars come with a chauffeur and are thus expensive. For a list of car rental companies based in Lusaka, click here Departure Tax Departure tax is airports is US$25 (international) and $8 (domestic); some airlines include the tax in the ticket (JI Tax) otherwise you will have to pay the tax prior to departure. Drivers Licence Visiting drivers must hold an International Drivers Licence. Driver’s licences from other countries are not valid except SADC countries. New residents are required to pass a driving test. A person driving into the country on business can have their car admitted without having to pay duty, provided they will not use it for hire or commercial purposes. They will also have to show that the car is owned by themselves or by their company. Duty Free The following items may be imported into Zambia without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; One bottle of spirits and wine and 2.5 litres of beer (opened); 1oz bottle of perfume. Note: Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but game trophies such as tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or other durable items are subject to export permits. Emergency Numbers Emergency – 999 Police – 991 Lusaka, Central police station, – 220006 Lusaka, Central Fire station, 220180 Lusaka, Ambulance service – 220180 National telephone operator – 100 National directory – 102 International operator - 090 Ambulance - 991 Fire brigade – 993 Hospital UTH - Lusaka General Line 251200 Casualty Direct Line254115 Livingstone Central police 03 323575/320116 Livingstone Fire station- 03 324043 Energy Local current is 220v, 50 cycle AC Government The government of Zambia is elected in a multi-party general election every five years. Up until 1991, when the first multy-party elections were held, the country was ruled by Kenneth Kaunda in a one party state. The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has ruled Zambia since 1991. It has been headed by three Presidents, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa who passed away during his second term and was succeeded by the current President, Rupiah Banda. President Banda was sworn in as President after winning a Presidential By- Election towards the end of 2008. Their economic policy is to move Zambia from a centralised, state driven economy to a more liberal open market economy that is private sector driven. The Government has put in place the necessary incentives to encourage private investment which includes privatisation of State owned companies, rehabilitation of strategic infrastructure, a stable monetary policy and the recent enactment of the Competition and Fair Trade Act. Health Requirements Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cholera zone (most of tropical Africa and South America) must be able to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Air travellers who only pass through the airports of such a zone are exempt from the requirement. See Health International/ MARS, and Speciality Emergency Services for Medical Rescue Services. Insurance Third party insurance must be purchased at the border for a nominal fee. Language There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. All media and business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well. Bemba is the next most commonly understood language, followed by Nyanja Tonga, Luvale, Lozi, Mambwe and Tumbuka. Membership INTERNATIONAL: Commonwealth, GATT, ILO, IMF, NAM, UN, WB, WHO REGIONAL: African Development Bank, Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) OAU, Southern African Development Community (SADC). Media Magazines: Lusaka Lowdown Maps of Lusaka, reviews of accommodation and restaurants, consumer affairs, articles on tourism and other Zambian issues, life in Lusaka, regular features, interesting links and an archive of back issues. Newspapers: Sunday Mail Chrysalis The Post Times of Zambia Zambezi Times Online Radio Stations: Mulungushi (FM), Phoenix, Christian Voice, Trinity Broadcasting, Radio Icelengo, Voice of America, BBC and radio Canada can be picked up on Short-wave TV: ZNBC Evening broadcasts only, to major metropolitan centres in English. Mnet and Satelite TV Other Zambian Sites Zambia on Line (general Zambia e-zine) Zambiz Business Directory Lyrics Africa (Zambian music) Medical services Medical services are underdeveloped and only in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone can you find anything resembling western standards. There are a number of small clinics in Lusaka which are better than the general hospitals, but the clinics in the rural areas have little more than quinine, aspirin and band aids. Medical Insurance Medical insurance should be purchased before you leave your own country and should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you’re spending any time in remote parts of the country. Petrol Petrol and diesel can be readily obtained in all major towns, but shortages are common in the very remote areas so make sure you have spare fuel for emergencies. Both petrol and diesel get more expensive the further away you are from the line of rail. Unleaded petrol is now available at most BP stations in the major towns. Public transport There are many taxis available. Prices are negotiable. There is a good bus service to Chipata, Livingstone, the Copperbelt and Harare, but they don’t always follow strict schedules. The main bus terminus is in Dedan Kimathi road in Lusaka where one can enquire about timetables. Other private bus companies offer more reliable services to Livingstone, Harare and Johannesburg. Religion There is freedom of worship in Zambia with over 15 different churches. Christianity is followed by over 60% of the population. Road Conditions Zambia has a total road length of 38763kms tarred roads, 8592kms gravel roads and 21999 kms dirt roads. Zambia is notorious for potholes and road signs are few, but there are major road works on some of the main routes at the moment as the roads are finally being upgraded. Some of the more remote roads require great care and caution while driving. Avoid driving at night if possible as there are no road markings and potholes and animals occur when least expected. A 4x4 is recommended if you’re going anywhere off the main routes. Road Rules In Zambia, one drives on the left hand side of the road. The general speed limit on national highways is 100km/h, secondary roads 100km/h and in urban built up areas 65 km/h unless otherwise indicated. Security Petty theft is as common as any major city where unemployment is high. Be very awake when walking around carrying anything of value, there are master pickpockets here and there. Never leave your vehicle unlocked and never change money on the streets. For the most part, however, Zambians are very friendly and helpful. Time Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern USA time and ten hours ahead of Western USA time. Tipping Tipping is discouraged as it is included as service charge on your bill.
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