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Mozambique (Moçambique) [1] is a country on the Indian Ocean coast of Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Tanzania to the north and has inland borders with Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Mozambique's eastern coastline along the Indian Ocean is more than 1,000 km long, a fantastic draw for scuba divers, fishermen, sailors and beach lovers.

[edit] Understand

Almost five centuries of Portuguese colonization came to a close for Mozambique with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by European inhabitants, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multi-party elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992. Heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000 severely hurt the economy. It's now slowly working towards building stability and an economy, and is slowly positioning itself as a major tourist destination. With all it has to offer, the future looks bright.

[edit] Regions

Mozambique has 10 provinces that can be grouped into the following three regions:

• Northern Mozambique encompasses Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa provinces.

• Central Mozambique is home to Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambézia provinces.

• Southern Mozambique is made up of Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo provinces.

[edit] Cities

• Maputo - the thriving capital in the far south of the country.

• Beira - a busy port town and capital of Sofala Province.

• Inhambane - a pretty historic town on a bay.

• Nampula - an industrial city in the north and capital of Nampula Province.

[edit] Other destinations

• Bazaruto Archipelago - a beautiful island resort and underwater marine park with great diving, geared to high-end tourism.
• Cahora Bassa dam - Hydro-electric dam on the Zambezi river and the second largest man-made lake in Africa.
• Gorongosa National Park
• Quirimbas Archipelago & Quirimbas National Park - at the North of the country, a scenic and secluded holiday destination off the beaten track with lush African bush on the mainland and white sand beaches/crustal blue water in the Archipelago and on the coast. Accessible through Pemba.
• Ilha de Mozambique - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital under Portuguese rule.
• Pemba - in Northern Mozambique, a popular holiday destination for Mozambicans, although its isolation has kept it off the tourist route for most Western visitors.
• Ponta d'Ouro - a great dive spot, more easily accessible from South Africa than from Maputo.
• Tofo Beach - a backpacker haven on the coastline east of Inhambane with excellent diving.
• Vilanculos - a popular beach town and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.
• Lake Niassa - The last corner of unexplored Africa - beautiful white beaches and crystal clear fresh waters.

[edit] Get in

[edit] Visas

All visitors (except citizens of Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, & Zambia) need a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at some airports (Maputo, Vilankulo and Pemba), at some land borders and Mozambique's embassies. Visa's on entry can be purchased in meticais and US dollars, in the south South African Rand is also accepted.

Visa cost vary dramatically between consulates and land borders. In September 2009 a single entry visitor visa cost R750 at the Johannesburg consulate general, R175 at the South African land border (Lebombo/Ressano Garcia), R85 at the Mozambican Consulate in Swaziland and R175 on arrival at Maputo International airport.

Many land borders also charge a stamping fee if a visa is not purchased at the border, currently this is R17 at Lebombo/Ressano Garcia. Neither the consulates or the border posts will accept the visa forms available online, you must use the originals provided at consuls and borders. In the case of consuls a nominal charge is levied for this (currently R4 at Cape Town, Johannesburg and Swaziland).

A tourist visa is valid for 90 days after issue and permits a 30 day stay. This can be extended by a further 30 days at immigration offices in provincial capitals but many offices seem unwilling to do this. You can exit and reenter the country to get a new 30 day visa.

There is a USD100 a day fine for over staying a visa.

[edit] By plane

Most international flights arrive from South Africa, although direct international routes also exist between Mozambique and Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Portugal.

There are several flights daily from Johannesburg to Maputo, operated by South African Airways (SAA) [2] and the Mozambican flag-carrier Linhas Aereas de Moçambique (LAM) [3]. These and other airlines such as Kenya Airways [4], Swazi Express Airways [5], TAP Portugal [6] also fly from Durban, Swaziland, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Nairobi and Lisbon. In addition, local carrier Air Corridor [7] may start operating one or more international routes soon.

There are also several flights during the week from Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi to Pemba in the North, operated by either South African Airlink (SAA) or LAM. If you make a telephone booking with LAM and will not be paying for your flight until check-in you must reconfirm the flight 72 hours before departure or they are liable to cancel it.

After checking in you need to get a tax stamp on your boarding card. For internal flights the tax is 200 Mts and for International flights 500 Mts to be paid in cash.

[edit] By train

[edit] From Malawi

There is only one train line in Mozambique, which connects Nampula with Cuamba (near the Malawi border). The train carries first, second and third class passengers and is usually packed.

From Nampula, the train leaves around 5-6AM, although you should arrive earlier to buy tickets from the booking office at the station. The area is packed with people traveling towards Malawi so expect queues. Once on board the journey is long and slow but fairly efficient and will get to Cuamba mid-afternoon. From here chapas will take you to the border (Entre Lagos) as only freight trains use this bit of the line. Be warned that even hardened African travelers will likely find this stretch of road very rough - expect it to take a fair amount of time.

Once at Entre Lagos, the border formalities are located within the station building (easy to find as the town is a typical small border town). The process can take some time as this is a little used crossing. From here it is about a 1km walk to the Malawi side of the border. BE WARNED - the Malawi border closes before the Mozambique one, although there is a guesthouse if you get trapped. The easiest way to get from here to Liwonde is by train - sweet-talk the guards and they may let you share their compartment.

[edit] By car

In order to enter Mozambique by car you will need the original registration documents and if it is not your vehicle a letter from the owner granting permission to take the vehicle in to Mozambique. All foreign vehicles are required to have 3rd party insurance, which is available at many borders for R150, and also to pay road tax which is currently 26.50 Mts.

[edit] From South Africa

[edit] Johannesburg

Johannesburg - Maputo (Lebombo/Ressano Garcia) The highway from Johannesburg to Maputo is very good. From Johannesburg, take the N4 towards Nelspruit. From Nelspruit, continue following the N4 to Komatipoort, the last town on the South African side. Just past Komatipoort is the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post. On the Mozambican side follow the EN4 for a further 100km to reach Maputo. The stretch of the EN4 after the border leading up to the border has two toll stations that can be paid in USD, ZAR or MTS. Change is provided in MTS.

If you are arriving on a weekend or early afternoon keep in mind that tracking down a currency exchange in Maputo will be virtually impossible, changing R100 at the poor exchange rate offered at the border will save you money compared to paying Rand in Maputo.

[edit] Kruger Park

Kruger Park - Giriyondo (Kruger Park/Giriyondo via Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park) Access to this border crossing is via Kruger Park and requires 4WD. The border is open 08:00 to 15:00 from April to September and 08:00 to 16:00 from October to March.

Enter Kruger Park from Phalaborwa Gate and follow the signs for 95km to the Giriyondo Border Post. On entering Mozambique you will be charged a conservation fee for entering Parque Nacional do Limpopo which is currently 200Mts/R67 per person and per vehicle. You do not need 3rd party insurance unless you exit Parque Nacional do Limpopo but this can be purchased at the park exit gate to Massingir.

[edit] Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay - Maputo (Kosi Bay/Catembe) Use of this border requires a ferry ride after the border (R45) and you must have a 4WD to get through. Due to the use of seasonal dirt roads both before and after the border it is advisable to use a GPS route provided by someone who has recently completed the journey.

[edit] From Swaziland

[edit] Mhlumeni

Mhlumeni - Goba Open 7am - 6pm. Easily the nicest of all the Mozambique borders to pass through, it is deserted most of the time. Getting a visa and 3rd party insurance at this border can be problematic so arrange ahead of time.

If coming from Johannesburg and traveling over the weekend or during South African holidays you can expect to save at least an hour transiting via Swaziland to this border compared to using Ressano Garcia.

[edit] Namaacha

Namaacha - Lomahasha Open 7am - 8pm. The busier of the two Swaziland/Mozambique border posts and is very busy over weekend periods.

[edit] By bus

[edit] From Malawi

There are a number of border crossings to/from Malawi. By far the easiest and most frequently plied is at Zóbuè. The road is in good condition. Daily chapas run to/from Tete to the border, where you will have to walk about 300 m to get to Malawian transport. Daily through buses from Chimoio and Beira also use this crossing.

There is another border crossing to the north, at Dedza, which may be more convienient for Lilongwe but the public transport on either side can be sporadic.

To leave/enter Malawi to the east, there are two crossings, Milange and Mandimba. Milange is in the south-east of Malawi, and to get there you need to catch one of the daily vehicles that run between Mocuba and Milange. At Milange there is a 2 km walk to the border, and then another 1km to where Malawian transport leaves.

Mandimba is further north, used mainly to get to Malawi from Lichinga. Several vehicles run daily between Lichinga and Mandimba, from where it is another 7km to the border. Hitching is relatively easy, or bicycle-taxis do the trip for about $1.

It is also possible to cross the Lake - see BY BOAT below.

[edit] From South Africa

You can take the Intercape Mainliner [8], +27 861 287 287, from Johannesburg to Maputo. These buses run in both directions on a regular basis, one in the morning, and another overnight, and are safe and affordable. Other carriers include Greyhound [9] and Translux [10]. If you intend on obtaining a visa at the border you should only purchase a ticket as far as the border, bus companies will not permit you to board with a ticket to Maputo if you are not in possession of a visa. If you ask the bus conductor they will help you obtain a visa a the border and avoid the usually extremely long wait at the Mozambique side. Once through immigration either re board the bus and pay the fare to Maputo on board or pick up a minibus taxi to Maputo from the border.

Three times per week there are bus connections to and from Durban (via Big Bend, Swaziland). There is also a service from Nelspruit and Komatipoort to Maputo.

There are the "taxis" to and from any destination in South Africa at affordable prices, now from 4AM to 12AM.

[edit] From Swaziland

Chapas leave from both Manzini and Mbabane to Maputo via Goba typically around 11am. Usefuly they arrive in to Baixa (and can drop you at 24 de Julho) so you are within walking distance of both Fatima's and Base. The fare is R80.

[edit] From Tanzania

The border between Mozambique and Tanzania is formed by the River Rovuma. Daily pick-ups connect Moçimboa da Praia with Palma and Namiranga, the border post on the Mozambique side. The main route runs from Moçimboa da Praia (on the Mozambiquan side), via Palma (Mozambique), to Mtwara (on the Tanzanian side) and vica versa. It is recommended to take 2 days over this trip due to the low quality of the roads on the Mozambique side, and the low level of traffic. When coming from Tanzania, lifts depart from Mtwara and Kilambo to the Rovuma river. Kilambo is a small place with one road running through it, so lifts should be easy to find. Mtwara is much larger however, so ask the locals where and when lifts leave from. When coming from Mozambique, your lift to the river will normally start from either Palma (more likely), or - if you're lucky - Moçimboa da Praia and go to the border post at Namiranga. It will generally wait for you to have your passport stamped at the border post (a mud hut in Namiranga). During the wet season, your lift will then probably drive to the banks of the Rovuma. During the dry season it will drive you to the end of the road, from which there is a walk of between 1 and 2km's (depending on the water level that day) to the Rovuma river. At the moment there is an unreliable ferry that goes across the river. Typically however, the crossing is done by dugout canoes or slightly larger wooden motorboats. The trip across the river shouldn't cost more than around 8USD, but can only normally be paid for using Tanzanian shillings, although if you find yourself without these, there are plenty of locals who will offer you "generous" exchange rates for your hard-earned Dollars and Meticais. If water levels are low you may have to wade to get to and from your boat on the Tanzanian side, so possessing a heavy-duty waterproof sack may be a good idea, but it is by no means essential. On the Tanzanian side you will often find yourself mobbed by people offering you transport. Pick-pocketing is common on both sides of the river, so care must be taken whilst finding transport to the nearby towns, a good method of reducing your trouble is to befriend a local on the boatride over, you will find most of your fellow travellers are willing to help you in one way or another. Transport then carries you on to the Tanzanian border post at Kilambo, and normally, further on to Mtwara, the capital of Southern Tanzania. For further information and up-to-date news on this crossing, go to "Russell's Place" (also known as Cashew Camp) in Pemba.

There are other crossings to Tanzania, but these all require long walks. Ask around for local information.

[edit] From Zambia

The main crossing is at Cassacatiza, north-west of Tete. This border is in good condition, but lightly traveled. Daily chapas run between Tete and Matema, from there the public transport is sporadic. The best way to travel from Mozambique to Zambia is to go via Malawi.

[edit] From Zimbabwe

There are two crossings - Nyamapanda (south-west of Tete), and Machipanda (west of Chimoio). Both are heavily traveled, especially Machipanda due to its location at the end of the Beira Corridor.

[edit] By Boat

Currently there is no scheduled sea travel to and from Mozambique. You might be able to hire a dhow from Tanzania, and then travel southwards along the coast. The best places to ask in Tanzania are the dhow ports of Mikindani, Mtwara and Msimbati. For travel from Mozambique to Tanzania, ask at Moçimboa da Praia and Palma.

To/from Malawi, it is possible to cross Lake Malawi (aka. Lake Nyassa), on board the regular(ish) lake steamer, the Ilala. She stops at Likoma Island, (which lies about 3 km off the Mozambique coast)from there it is a short boat ride to Cobue, (the administrative base of Largo District) in Mozambique. Visas can be purchased at the immigration post here (approx US$27 + US$3 admin). The steamer passes twice a week, once on her way North and then on her return South, the route is slow, but exciting, and a real eye opener to those who have not tasted real Africa before. The steamer also sails from/to Metangula, further south. For further infomation on travelling in this region, go to www.mandawilderness.org who run Nkwichi Lodge on the shores of Lake Niassa, 10kms south of Cobue.

Be aware that the lake crossing in local boats can be risky, as squalls blow up suddenly.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Road

The EN1 runs the length of the country generally staying close to the coast from Maputo up. Roads throughout the country are generally in poor condition, especially when compared to South Africa, although the stretch of the EN1 between Maputo and Inhambane has improved greatly in recent years and progress is spreading further north all the time.

[edit] Chapas and Busses

Buses and chapas leave early in Mozambique - 4AM is not unusual, particularly as you go further north. Chapas take the form of both mini & midi buses but often pick up trucks and cargo trucks will offer a ride for the same fare as a chapa. Government and privately owned buses ply the same routes as Chapas but typically stop a great deal more often so are inadvisable for anything other than short journeys.

The chapas themselves, particularly on shorter routes, are generally in shockingly poor condition. Expect seats, doors and interiors falling apart. Having said that since 2007/2008 the Mozambican government has been regulating prices on key routes which means chapa travel in Mozambique is extremely good value. In larger cities this translates to signs with destinations and prices in chapa stations (EG - Junta in Maputo), these prices will not come down no matter how hard you negotiate but many an enterprising chapa conductor/navigator/bouncer will try to extort you if you are silly enough to ask what a price is. If in doubt ask at your hotel, a local or as a last resort simply hand them a large note; often they will asume you know the correct fare and give you the correct change.

[edit] Taxis

Once only found in Maputo taxis can now be found in many cities throughout the country. They never have meters so you must negotiate regarding cost before your journey. Taxis are often in as perilous condition as chapas (from balding tires to someone sitting in the passenger seat holding a plastic gas can with the cars fuel line going in to it) and breakdowns should be considered likely. Never pay for your journey until you reach your destination.

In Maputo there is a flat rate of 200Mts for any journey in the city center. Longer journeys (EG to Junta) cost 400Mts and up. In the early morning they will often attempt to gouge you, doubling the price to 400Mts, as there are often very few taxi's about at this time.

Chapas can also be rented as taxis but are typically more expensive and far less comfortable.

[edit] Air

Domestic flights are the fastest and most sane way to get around the country if you can afford it. Linhas Aereas de Moçambique [11] flies between the major cities. A detailed timetable for domestic flights is available as a pdf file at [12]. The flights themselves are actually on extremely modern, clean and well maintained planes and are a stark contrast to the other transport options in the country.

LAM operate an old style booking system where you can reserve a flight over the telephone and then pay for it on check in. If you do use this facility ensure that you confirm your flight 72 hours before departure or your reservation will likely be canceled.

Alternatively all LAM offices in towns and airports can book and receive payment for flights throughout the country. It is not advisable to pay using credit card due to the level of corruption present in all state enterprises including LAM.

[edit] Rail

Trains aren't really very useful, considering there's only one and it's in the far north of the country traveling from Nampula to Cuamba near the Malawian border. See get in above for more details.

Mine clearance from the old coastal railway running the length of the country has been finished in many areas but with the costs involved and the level of corruption in the country it will be decades before any rail service with reasonable coverage arrives in the country.

[edit] Talk

The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, though many people speak English in the capital Maputo and in touristy areas. The further north you travel the less likely you are to encounter English speakers, and as you enter more rural areas even Portuguese is limited.

Swahili is useful in the far north of the country as you get close to Tanzania, especially along the coast. Some native words from the Shona language can be useful if you are traveling near Cabora Bassa.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

• Dive, see Diving in Mozambique for details.

[edit][add listing] Buy

The currency of Mozambique is the new Metical (Meticais Nova Família, MZN), plural meticais (Mts, pronounced 'meta-caysh'), divided into 100 centavos. As of November 2008, one euro is worth about 30 meticais.

Three zeroes were dropped from the currency in 2006. Old currency can be exchanged at banks up to the end of December 2012. People will occasionally still refer to the old currency, so if someone asks for "1 million", they generally mean one thousand new meticais.

Note that many businesses in the tourist centers are run by South Africans and prices are often quoted in Rand (for which the usual abbreviation is ZAR). In this guide we've also quoted in Rand when applicable.

US$, ZAR, British pounds and Euros are freely convertible at commercial rates at any bank or exchange. Other currencies such as Canadian or Australian dollars or Japanese Yen, are not accepted anywhere, even at official banks and exchanges.

There is very little black market currency exchange, since the commercial exchanges offer the best market rate. You cannot exchange meticais outside Mozambique, but you can convert them back at exchanges prior to leaving the country. Also you cannot buy meticais outside Moçambique.

ATMs are present throughout the country; Standard, Millennium and Barclays are the three brands you are most likely to run in to. Standard currently only accept Visa & Mastercard, Millennium accept all international cards including Maestro/Cirrus cards while Barclays doesn't seem to accept any cards with great regularity. ATMs will only dispense 3,000Mts at one time (although to can insert your card again to withdraw more).

Everything in Mozambique that does not have a price attached can be bargained down to whatever you consider a reasonable price to be. Remember that while laughing when they give you an insane price is perfectly OK you should not get outwardly angry or hostile, you will be unlikely to get a reasonable price if you do. If in doubt about what a fair price is ask your hotel.

No one in Mozambique, including often backpacker lodges, have change. The 1000Mzn and 500Mzn are almost impossible to use day to day so change them down in to more manageable notes in any bank. The one exception to this rule is chapa drivers, if you find yourself running low on small bills pay for your 15Mzn fare with a 100Mzn note.

[edit][add listing] Eat

As a country the Portuguese occupation has a profound impact on local foods that has produced some of the most unique and interesting cuisine within Southern Africa. Towards the coast a great deal of seafood is used within even the most basic of dishes, however, in land the maize based partridges common throughout Africa becomes staple but with some Portuguese flair.

• Piri-Piri, also known as the African bird's-eye chili this extremely strong chili is common is sauce form throughout the country.
• Pãozinho , also known as Portuguese rolls. A very floury and often semi-sweet bread roll.
• Matata, a seafood (clam or prawn) and crushed peanut stew made with a leafy vegetable (pumpkin leaves or spinach are commonly used) and generally served over rice.
• Lourenco Marques Prawns or Prawns de Moçambique, are Mozambican prawns marinaded in a Piri-Piri, garlic, onion, lemon and vinegar.
• Cray fish and other seafood. These are caught off the beach throughout the country and will generally be prepared with a piri-piri marinade, served with rice and matata.

[edit][add listing] Drink

All tap water in Mozambique should be assumed to be unsafe to drink, even if it not harmful it usually has some sediment that your stomach will not be used to. Most western orientated lodgings either provide a fresh water source or sell bottled water.

[edit] Beer

In Mozambique Cervejas de Mocambique who are owned by SABMiller [13] have a virtual monopoly on beer brewing. The three most popular brands are 2M, Laurentina Clara and Manica. Other local African beers such as Castle and Windhoek are reasonably widely available but are not as popular as in neighboring countries due to the high quality of the local brews.

[edit] Liquors

Locally produced spirits such as vodka and gin are relatively common throughout the country and are relatively inexpensive.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodation ranges from inexpensive guesthouses and backpacker orientated accommodation through to some of the most expensive resort accommodation in the region.

[edit] Hotels

Hotels in Mozambique are generally ungraded and, particularly in the less traveled parts of the country, have not been updated since independence. In some cases you can pay up to $50USD a night for a hotel room that should be in the $5 - $10 range based on facilities.

[edit] Backpacker Lodges

Maputo, Tofo Beach, Vilanculos and Pemba have several backpacker lodges each and are geared up for the budget traveler. There are some backpacker options elsewhere in the country but often the only option for a budget traveler will be transient labor guesthouses or cheap hotels.

[edit] Self Catering

Where they are available facilities are often extremely lacking. If you do bring your own gas based cooking equipment keep in mind the typical backpacker sit-on-top gas canisters are not available anywhere in the country.

[edit] Camping and caravaning

Dedicated camp sites with security are available in almost all coastal towns and you can often camp in rural areas with a village chief's blessing (If you do decide to use this option a small offering such as food, liquor or cigarettes can be very useful).

If taking a caravan keep in mind that a great deal of roads in Mozambique degenerate in to sandy paths tat require 4WD, it is advisable to only stick to popular areas along the EN1.

[edit] Purchasing land or property

If someone offers to "sell" you land in Mozambique walk away immediately it is a scam. Private ownership of land in Mozambique is impossible, all land is owned by the government and will only be provided for foreign use, under a 99 year lease, under very specific circumstances.

[edit] Learn

• Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, [14] is the oldest and largest university in the country.

[edit] Work

• You may be able to find work teaching at a school such as The American International School of Mozambique [15].

• If you're a certified divemaster or instructor you could try helping out at one of the dive shops in Tofo Beach, Vilanculos or Ponta d'Ouro.

[edit] Stay safe

Risks are much the same as many other countries in Africa (and significantly less than some, including parts of South Africa). Nevertheless muggings, robberies, rape and murder do occur, so the normal precautions should be taken. Women absolutely should never walk alone on beaches, in recent years, attacks on women have grown in tourist areas. In particular it's worth checking with local hostels and other travellers as to where dangerous areas are.

But in general the Mozambican people are extremely warm and friendly and you will encounter far less hassle than in almost all of the countries surrounding it.

Since Mozambique recovered from a brutal civil war that ended in the early 1990s there have been occasional reports of people being maimed by landmines or unexploded ordinance.

[edit] Stay healthy

• Malarial prophylaxis is essential in all parts of Mozambique. Chloroquine/Paludrine are now as ineffective as in other parts of east Africa, and it's worth going to see your doctor to get decent protection.
• Get all your vaccine shots before arriving Medical facilities in Mozambique are now generally reasonably stocked, but it is always worth getting a range of vaccinations before you leave. Prevention is better than cure. It is worth considering carrying some clean needles if you are visiting out of the way areas, purely as remote medical facilities may have problems getting hold of them.
• Mind what you eat. As common in most countries in the world, if you are concerned about the standards of hygiene in a place, don't eat there.
• Do not have unprotected sex. As in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a very high HIV incidence, currently at 16% or 1 in 6.
• Do not drink tap water or use any ice. South of the Zambezi river that divides the country, Mozambique is much more developed, especially around Maputo, tourist areas such as Inhambane and the industrial city of Beira. Here, especially in built-up areas, it is safe to drink the tap water, hence water in this area is marketed as "mineral water" and not "drinking water" and is sold at an inflated price as a semi-luxury item (sometimes for as much as 50 or 60 Meticais in backpackers lodges and restaurants). The infrastructure in the north of the country is much less developed and, as such, caution must be exercised, especially in rural areas and the area near Palma and bordering Tanzania. The tap water is usually safe to drink in the main cities such as Nampula and Pemba, and on Mozambique Island. If you are ever unsure about the quality of the tap water, water-purifying liquids (normally chlorine-based) are widely available and very cheap - normally much cheaper than buying bottled water, also consider bringing puri-tabs if you are planning on going well off the "beaten track".
• Private clinics. There are a few private health clinics in Maputo that will also arrange repatriation in emergencies. Clinica da Sommerschield (tel: 21 493924) Clinica Suedoise (tel: 21 492922).
• If staying in more basic accommodation, check the shower fitting. A rather dangerous type from Brazil is popular, which contains an unearthed 4kW electric heater. DO NOT touch the fitting when in use, they have been known to give severe electric shocks. Better still, switch the power off (there should be a nearby circuit breaker) and have a cold shower.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Mobile phones

Mcel [16] is the state-owned provider, and as of yet the government has only licensed one other company, the South-African owned Vodacom Mozambique [17]. Apparently a third is arriving shortly. GPRS (data and internet) are available on Mcel. The APN for Internet is isp.mcel.mz and for WAP it is wap.mcel.mz with an IP address 10.1.4.35. Check your phone manual for setting instructions. The service is not entirely reliable. While it is ok to buy credit from the hundreds of vendors roaming the streets wearing MCel or Vodacom you should never buy sim cards / starter packs, in many cases they sell them at hugely inflated prices and often they will be from one of the many recalled batches that no longer work. Any mobile phone store can sell you a working started back for around 50MTS.

[edit] Internet

Internet is widely available in Maputo, with many internet cafes and all major hotels having internet access. Both Mcel and Vodacom have recently introduced internet to cellphone service. Outside Maputo internet coverage is sporadic, mostly available in places frequented by tourists, but local Telecommunication de Mozambique (TDM) offices almost always have internet although speed and availability can be problematic.