Zimbabwe Travel Guide

TRAVEL WARNING

Current information

Since mid-2016, against the backdrop of the country’s acute economic and financial crisis, there have been repeated clashes between demonstrators and the police. Travelers should therefore be particularly attentive, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and follow the instructions of the security forces. For the introduction of the so-called “Bond Notes” see below in the section “Money, Foreign Exchange, Exchange”.

Country-specific safety instructions

Domestic situation

The country’s unclear political and economic development as well as the persistent drought, which has led to a considerable deterioration in the food supply in rural regions, harbor an increased potential for uncertainty.

Foreigners should leave the immediate vicinity of demonstrations immediately and not take photos. Also, foreigners without state accreditation are not allowed to report on current developments in the country. This also includes collecting any information, talking to the population or taking snapshots with the mobile phone camera, as this can be interpreted as illegal journalistic activity.

In the event of an emergency, the security forces are usually not expected to help.

Crime

When traveling to Zimbabwe, a country located in Africa according to thesciencetutor, it must be taken into account that the extremely difficult political, economic and social situation of the population has led to an increase in crime. Pickpockets and “smash and grab” attacks are particularly common in the inner cities of Harare and Bulawayo, but also in the smaller towns. Avoid walking after dark.

In the car, the windows should always be closed and the doors locked from the inside. Handbags, cameras, etc. should not be visible in the car. There is an increased risk of robbery at night, especially in cities, at red lights and unlit intersections.

Land / road travel

When traveling with your own car or rental car, the main roads should not be left. Because of the increased risk of accidents, you should refrain from driving overland after dark.

The condition of the rental cars cannot be compared with that in European countries. It is advisable to take out the best possible insurance when renting the car, as otherwise travelers will have to be liable for damage to the rental car, even if they are at fault.

A warning is issued against overland journeys with public buses. These are often in poor technical condition due to the lack of spare parts and poor maintenance.

Taxis are mainly available from the large hotels, but they can also be called by phone. In principle, licensed taxis are equipped with taximeters. If this is missing, travelers should negotiate a flat rate. This is particularly recommended for longer journeys.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Overview

The following items can be imported into Zimbabwe duty-free:

Goods up to a total value of US $ 200 including perfume, gifts and
tobacco products in opened packaging without quantity limit (no age limit)
and 5 liters of alcoholic beverages (including up to 2 liters of spirits) (people aged 18 and over).

Prohibited imports

Narcotics, honey, toy guns, jackknives, pornographic products, most foods.

COMMUNICATION

Phone

International direct dialing. The national telephone company is called TelOne.

Cellphone

GSM 900. Network operators are Econet (Internet: www.econet.co.zw), Net One Cellular (Internet: www.netone.co.zw) and Telcel Zimbabwe. Roaming contracts exist with mobile phone companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others. The transmission / reception range for mobile communications is limited to urban areas.

Internet

Internet providers are Data Control, Zimbabwe Online (Internet: www.zol.co.zw/), ComOne (Internet: www.comone.co.zw) and iWay-Africa (Internet: www.iwayafrica.co.zw/index.php). There are internet cafes in Harare and other cities.

Post Office

In addition to the standard services, the national postal company ZimPost also offers express services for 18 national and 66 international destinations. Airmail letters to Europe can take up to a week to travel.

Radio

Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.

SHOP

Overview

10-22% sales tax is added to all purchases, excluding items that are exported. Copper goods, carvings made of wood and soapstone, leather goods, ceramics and wicker are nice souvenirs. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

NIGHTLIFE

Introduction

The larger cities have night clubs, cinemas and theaters, while in the smaller towns restaurants and discos often provide the only evening entertainment. There are three casinos in the main vacation areas.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels

There are hotels and lodges (a type of inn that offers bed and breakfast). Foreign visitors have to pay in foreign currency. A list of the registered hotels is available from the Tourist Office (see addresses).

Categories: The hotels are categorized according to the 5-star system. Over 70 hotels (with at least one star) are registered with the Tourist Office. Hotel Association Address: Hotel and Restaurant Association of Zimbabwe (HARAZ), 9th Floor, Travel Center, Jason Moyo Avenue, PO Box CY 398, Harare. Tel: (4) 73 32 11. (Internet: www.haz.co.zw)

Camping

Most of the holiday areas have campsites, while lodges and cabins are available in the national parks.

Zimbabwe Travel Guide