• Zambia’s national language is English, the two most common spoken languages are Bemba and Nyanja.
• Zambia has a population of 17 609 178 people in an area of 752 618 km².
• The National Bird of Zambia is the African Fish Eagle known for its evocative cry.
• The brightly coloured Bougainvillea Nyctaginaceae is Zambia’s National Flower.
• The National Sport is soccer.
• The Zambian Motto is – One Zambia, One Nation.

TIME DIFFERENCES

Zambia operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, making it:

• An hour ahead of central European winter time.
• Seven hours ahead of Eastern standard winter time.
• Seven hours behind Australian central time.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Entry by foreign nationals to Zambia is fairly straightforward. Visitors must be in possession of a valid passport, and where necessary a visa. Please contact your travel agent or embassy for further details.

The KAZA Uni-Visa is valid for 30 days, and allows multiple visits into Zambia and Zimbabwe, with day passes granted for Botswana and Chobe.  This is available at all major ports of entry into Zambia and Zimbabwe.

BANKS & MONEY

The currency unit is the Kwacha, denoted by the symbol K. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks, and Bureau de Changes. Most major international credit cards, such as American Express, Mastercard, Visa (and their affiliates), are widely accepted.

TIPPING

Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills, thus it is customary to leave a 10-15% gratuity. Parking and petrol station attendants appreciate any gratuities they receive.

TAX

From the 01 July 2019, a 9% GST will be applicable.

CLOTHING

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight short-sleeved clothes are best, with a light jersey for the evenings. It is advisable to bring a raincoat in the summer. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months.

ELECTRICITY

Zambia’s electricity supply is 220/250 volts. Most plugs have three square pins, adaptors can generally be purchased from major stores. US-made appliances may require a transformer.

HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CARE

There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide. Travellers are advised to have adequate health insurance to cover private hospitals fees.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists.  Use basic common-sense precautions, and be circumspect about how much photographic equipment or jewelry is carried or worn.

ROAD SAFETY

Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as there may be stray animals on the road.

DRIVING

All visitors intending to drive, or hire a car are required to have an international driver’s permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory, and strictly enforced by law.

SHOPPING

Most major shopping centers operate seven days a week, in smaller towns they are closed on Sundays.

General trading hours are:

• Monday – Saturday: 09h00 – 17h00
• Sundays: 09h00 – 14h00

MALARIA

It is advisable to take precautions as certain areas are malaria prone. Modern insect repellents are effective in combatting mosquito bites. Consult your medical doctor about recommended prophylaxis before travelling.