Social ConventionsShaking hands is the customary form of greeting. The courtesies and modes of address customary in Portugal and other Latin countries are still observed. Casual wear is acceptable. Formal dress is seldom required.
Photography: Visitors should not take photographs of soldiers, airports, bridges or government/public buildings, since this is illegal. Only photos of beaches and other tourist sites may be taken.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (TM).
Departure TaxUS$20 if destination
is outside Africa; US$10 if destination is within Africa.
Main AirportsMaputo International (MPM) (Maputo) is 3km (1.8 miles) northwest of the city.
To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services run to the center (journey time – 15 minutes).
Facilities: Bank, restaurant, bar, snack bar, car hire and post office.
Beira (BEW) is 13km (8 miles) from the city (journey time – 15 minutes). Beira receives flights from continental Europe, other African countries and America.
Facilities: Restaurant, shops and a post office.
Getting There by WaterBritish, European, American, Japanese and South African cargo
vessels call at
Maputo and
Beira, but there are no regular passenger services.
Getting There by RailA train runs from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border at Komatipoort where there is a connection to Maputo (journey time – 15 hours). An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo. There is a service from Harare to Beira. There are connections from Malawi to Beira (although the border still has to be crossed on foot).
NoteRail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable.
Getting There by RoadThere are good road links with all neighboring countries except Tanzania. However, road travel can be dangerous and should only be undertaken in daylight. Highjacking and robberies are rife and travelers should be aware of the possiblilty of unexploded landmines on the lesser-used roads.
There is a daily
bus service from Maputo to Johannesburg, and there are good bus links to other South African cities.
Minibuses run between Maputo and towns in Swaziland, crossing the border at Namaacha.
For further information about entry requirements and routes for border crossing, contact the high commission (see
Passport/Visa and
General Info).
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Mozambique, by persons irrespective of age, without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco;
0.
75l of spirits;
a reasonable quantity of perfume (opened).
Narcotics are prohibited. Firearms require a permit.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirThere are flights linking Maputo with Beira, Blantyre (Malawi), Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane and Tete. Flights depart from Maputo between 0500 and 0730 and are subject to seasonal alterations. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled and baggage is often lost or tampered with. Air-taxi services are also available, and are the safest means of transport outside the main cities.
Getting Around by RailThere is no rail connection between Maputo and Beira. There is a rail link between Beira and Tete and lines from the towns of Moçambique and Nacala, via the junction at Monapo, to Nampula and Lichinga. Trains also run from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia, and northwards on the line to Zimbabwe. Most trains have three classes, but there are few sleepers and no dining or air-conditioned cars. For seats and sleepers, it is necessary to book in advance. All train services are subject to disruption.
Getting Around by RoadThere are an estimated 29,810km (18,631 miles) of roads in Mozambique. Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It is now possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can still cause serious delays. Traffic drives on the left.
Bus: There are regular services covering most of the country. In more rural areas, road passage can only be undertaken by converted passenger trucks known as
chapas. It is advisable to carry food and water on long journeys. There are occasional controls on the roads to check papers, especially in the north and near the border with Zimbabwe. Bus travel is the cheapest form of transport in the country and is, on the whole, fairly reliable.
Taxi: Rarely available outside large towns.
Car hire: Cars can be hired from international and national agencies in Maputo and Beira. Only hard currency is accepted.
Documentation: International Driving Permit is recommended.
NoteLandmines may make travel by road outside the capital risky, and up-to-date travel advice should be sought. Driving after dark can be hazardous owing to vehicles traveling without headlights. Hijacking occurs.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesBus services in Maputo have been improved with the introduction of new vehicles, and there are now fairly extensive services. Taxis are metered. Taxi drivers expect a tip.
Next Page »
