Photo Credit: bradleypjohnsonLanguage

The official languages in Zimbabwe are English, Shona, and Sindebele, with several other dialects spoken around the country. English is widely understood, but tourists will find that Shona is the most popular language.

Currency

The Zimbabwean dollar is no longer in use and has officially been withdrawn from circulation. The de facto currency is the US dollar, but most establishments use the South African rand, as well. ATMs are not readily available for foreign cards and only some hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards. Bureaux de change, large hotels, and major banks are the best places to exchange currency.

Time

Zimbabwe is on Central African Time, which is GMT +2.

Electricity

Zimbabwe uses electricity at 220V with UK-style, three-point plugs. US visitors using electrical appliances from home will need to bring a transformer as well as a plug adaptor.

Communications

The country’s international dialing code is +263 and the local code in Harare, the capital, is 4. Three main mobile phone networks operate successfully in the country, namely Econet Wireless, Telecel, and NetOne. SIM cards for these networks can be purchased at international airports. Internet cafés are present in the large cities, with many major hotels now providing Wi-Fi access.

Duty-free

Duty-free regulations depend on the country of entry. Visitors to Zimbabwe are permitted to carry 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars, or 250g of tobacco; one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine; and 250ml of perfume into the country duty-free, as well as other goods not amount to more than US$400 in value.

Tourist Office

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Harare: +263-4-780-651/4 or http://www.zimbabwetourism.net/

Consulates in Zimbabwe

American Embassy, Harare: +263-4-250-593/4 Canadian Embassy, Harare: +263-4-252-181 French Embassy, Harare: +263-4-703-216 German Embassy, Harare: +263-4-308-655 British Embassy, Harare: +263-4-772-990 Italian Embassy, Harare: +263-4-497-200 Australian Embassy, Harare: +263-4-853-235-55

Emergency

Police: 995 Ambulance (Harare and surrounding areas): 994 Emergencies: 999

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