Zambia travel info
Electricity
The electrical current in Zambia is 230 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs, as well as two- and three-pin round plugs are in use.
Language
Zambia has over 70 local languages, but English is the official language. It’s widely used in business, government and schools, and many Zambians speak it, especially in urban areas.
Money
The currency in Zambia is the Kwacha (ZMW), which is subdivided into 100 ngwee. Notes in use include K500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10; coins include K5, K2, K1, 50 ngwee, 10 ngwee and 5 ngwee (new series issued March 2025). It's advisable to bring US Dollars or Pounds Sterling (newer USD bills are preferred) and to exchange them at official banks or licensed bureaux de change. Credit cards (mostly Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, travel agents and large shops, particularly in Lusaka and Livingstone, but rural businesses may accept only Kwacha. ATMs dispensing ZMW are available in Lusaka and other major centres; they're scarce in rural areas. Bank hours are generally around 8.15am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings to about 11.30am; banks are closed Sundays.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is usually included in restaurant and lodge bills; if not, a 10 percent tip is customary for good service.
Health
It's a good idea to be up to date on routine vaccinations such as polio, and to consider additional ones such as hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, and possibly cholera if travellers are visiting certain areas. Yellow fever vaccination isn't required unless visitors are coming from a country where it's present.
Malaria is present throughout the year, so taking preventative medication and using mosquito protection is strongly advised. Good food and water hygiene is important, especially given recent cholera outbreaks.
While medical facilities in major towns such as Lusaka are available, they can be limited. In rural areas, services are often quite basic. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is highly recommended, and it's helpful to bring a personal first-aid kit. To stay healthy, it's best to avoid food from street vendors and to drink only bottled or properly treated water.
Safety
Most visits to Zambia, including package tours, are trouble-free, and the country remains a welcoming destination for travellers. That said, visitors should take care in cities such as Lusaka and Livingstone, where incidents such as car theft, bag snatching, and petty crime can occur. It's best to keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night. Large gatherings, political rallies, or demonstrations should be avoided, as they can sometimes become unpredictable.
Border areas with the DRC and Angola are more sensitive, and travel to these regions is generally not advised due to occasional security issues and the potential presence of unexploded ordnance. During the rainy season, from November to April, some rural roads may become impassable. Road conditions can be challenging year-round due to potholes, limited lighting, stray animals, and varying driving standards. If driving, visitors should take extra care, and consider hiring a local driver for longer journeys.
Local customs
Zambian culture is generally warm and welcoming, though it remains largely patriarchal. Visitors, including women, are usually treated with respect. Staring or curiosity from locals is common and not meant to be offensive. Modest dress is recommended, particularly for women; short skirts and low-cut tops may draw unwanted attention, and beachwear should be reserved for the beach.
Social interactions tend to be more formal than in some Western cultures. It's polite to greet people and exchange a few pleasantries before asking questions or making requests. A handshake is a common greeting, and it may be held longer than usual as a sign of friendliness.
In many areas, people eat with their right hand rather than using utensils. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Zambia and not socially accepted. LGBTQ+ travellers are advised to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection in order to avoid legal or social issues.
Doing business
Doing business in Zambia is often more straightforward than in some other parts of Africa, but challenges such as limited infrastructure, occasional delays and bureaucratic processes can still pose difficulties. While corruption does exist, particularly in areas such as licensing and customs, many companies operate transparently and professionally.
Business meetings are generally formal in tone, though punctuality is not always observed. It's common for meetings to begin later than scheduled, so patience and flexibility are important. Smart business attire is recommended; lightweight suits or collared shirts and trousers are appropriate, especially in urban areas.
Standard office hours are typically from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with a lunch break around 1pm to 2pm. However, working hours may vary in practice, and some employees may arrive late or leave early. Building personal relationships and showing respect for hierarchy are valued in Zambian business culture.
Duty free
Travellers to Zambia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 400 cigarettes or 500g tobacco or 500g of cigars; 1.5 litres of spirits, 2.5 litres of wine and 2.5 litres of beer, and goods to the value of USD 1,000.
Communications
The international dialling code for Zambia is +260. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). WiFi is limited to top hotels and restaurants, though it's best not to rely on it being offered at all; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
All travellers to Zambia must have a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and any necessary documents for their next destination. Passports should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and should ideally have at least three blank pages, as airline and immigration officials may apply this requirement strictly.
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Some travellers are visa-exempt, while others may obtain a visa on arrival or are required to apply in advance through Zambia's online e-visa system. If using the e-visa, travellers must carry a printed copy of their approval letter to present upon arrival.
There's a special provision for day visitors crossing from Zimbabwe into Livingstone or Kazungula, typically available at the border. While official guidelines are helpful, immigration officers may occasionally apply rules differently, so it's advisable to double-check requirements with an embassy or consulate before travel.
Entry requirements
US passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zambia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or 30 days for business.
UK passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zambia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or 30 days for business.
Canadian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zambia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or 30 days for business.
Australian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zambia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or 30 days for business.
South African passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zambia. A visa is not required.
Irish passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zambia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or 30 days for business.
New Zealand passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zambia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or 30 days for business.
Useful contacts
Zambia National Tourist Board, Lusaka: www.zambiatourism.com
999 (fire, medical emergencies and police).