Mozambique general information

What language do they speak in Mozambique? Do I need a visa for Mozambique? How can I make a call to or from Mozambique? This page provides you with the answers to frequently ask questions most travellers have, when going on holiday to Mozambique for the first time.

Time in Mozambique

As most countries in south eastern Africa, Mozambique is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Since Mozambique doesn't operate daylight saving time, there's no difference between summer and winter time.

Currency in Mozambique

Mozambique's currency is the metical (MZM). At time of writing (Aug 09), £1 = 43,848MZM, respectively US$1 = 26,600MZM – check with www.oando.com for current exchange rates. Most hotels and lodges in Mozambique accept US$ and usually credit cards.

Mozambique's International Dialling Code

The International Dialling Code for Mozambique is +258, followed by an area code. Calling from Mozambique, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States, or 0044 for the United Kingdom). Currently (Aug 09), 3-minute calls from Mozambique to UK or US landlines with TDM Mozambique cost 45,300MZM during peak time, and 36,300 MZM off-peak (every additional minute costs 15,100MZM, or 12,100MZM).

Food in Mozambique

The food served in Mozambique's beach lodges is excellent, and the seafood is superb. Mozambican beer is popular, as are South African wines and beers.

The local cuisine is mainly Portuguese, with Far Eastern influences. Specialities include Piri-piri chicken (chicken with spicy chilli sauce), Shellfish and Delagoa prawns with piri-piri sauce, rice with matapa (ground peanut and cassava leave sauce), and wuza (maize porridge).

Health in Mozambique

Malaria is endemic in Mozambique. The islands are generally healthy, though the usual vaccines (typhoid, polio and tetanus) are sensible and yellow fever certificates may be required. Check with your GP and see the Scottish NHS site for more health info on Mozambique before you travel.

HIV infection rates are high; AIDS is prevalent in Mozambique. Usually, this isn't a concern for travellers, but they should be aware of the current situation, and take the same sensible safety measures to avoid infection which are wise in most countries. We understand that blood supplies used by Mozambique's private hospitals have been carefully screened for years.

Language in Mozambique

Portuguese is the official language, although this is generally only spoken by the more educated amongst Mozambique's population. Beside this, more than 60 different dialects of Bantu languages can be found in Mozambique. English is generally spoken in hotels and beach lodges.

Visas for Mozambique

Currently (Aug 09), UK and US citizens need visas for Mozambique. They can often be obtained on arrival; the same day visa express service costs £60 per single entry (£110 for multiple entries). Please check the latest information for your trip with your closest Mozambican Embassy or High Commission before travelling. Travellers from the UK can get more information from the High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique in London.

Weather and climate in Mozambique

Mozambique follows a typical southern African weather pattern, with slight differences between the north and the south of the country. See our weather and climate in Mozambique page for a detailed description.