Mozambique — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. The courtesies and modes of address customary in Portugal and other Latin countries are still observed. Casual wear is acceptable. Formal dress is seldom required.
Photography: Visitors should not take photographs of soldiers, airports, bridges or government/public buildings, since this is illegal. Only photos of beaches and other tourist sites may be taken.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
The national airline is LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (TM) (website: www.lam.co.mz).
Departure Tax
US$20 if destination is outside Africa; US$10 if destination is within Africa.
Main Airports
Maputo International (MPM) (Maputo) (website: www.aeroportos.co.mz) is 3km (1.8 miles) northwest of the city. To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services run to the center (journey time – 15 minutes). Facilities: Bank, restaurant, bar, snack bar, car hire and post office.
Beira (BEW) is 13km (8 miles) from the city (journey time – 15 minutes). Facilities: Restaurant, shops and post office.
Nampula (APL) is 4km (2.5 miles) east of the city. Facilities: Car hire, shops and cafe.
Getting There By Water
British, European, American, Japanese and South African cargo vessels call at Maputo and Beira, but there are no regular passenger services.
Getting There By Rail
A train runs from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border at Ressano Garcia where there is a connection to Maputo (journey time – 15 hours). An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo. There is a service from Harare to Beira. There should be connections from Malawi to Beira in future (although the border still has to be crossed on foot). Rail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable.
Getting There By Road
There are good road links with all neighboring countries except Tanzania (which will only become accessible upon completion of the Unity Bridge, estimated to be finished in late 2008). However, road travel can be dangerous and should only be undertaken in daylight. Hijacking and robberies are rife and travelers should be aware of the possiblilty of unexploded landmines on the lesser-used roads.
There is a regular bus service from Maputo to Johannesburg, and there are good bus links to other South African cities. Minibuses run between Maputo and towns in Swaziland, crossing the border at Namaacha.
For further information about entry requirements and routes for border crossing, contact the high commission.
Duty Free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Mozambique, by persons irrespective of age, without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits and 225L wine.
• 50mL perfume (opened).
• Other articles not exceeding US$50.
Note: Firearms require a permit.
Prohibited Imports
Narcotics and pornographic materials are prohibited.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Air
LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique(TM) (website: www.lam.co.mz) and Air Corridor (website: www.aircorridor.co.mz) offer domestic flights linking Maputo with Beira, Chimoio, Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane and Tete. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled and baggage is often lost or tampered with. Air-taxi services are also available, and are the safest means of transport outside the cities.
Getting Around By Rail
There is no rail connection between Maputo and Beira. A rail link between Beira and Tete is poised to reopen to passengers after a long closure due to landmines, which were cleared in 2005. Contact the Companhia dos Caminhos de Ferro da Beira (CCFB) (website: www.cfmnet.co.mz) for more information. Lines also run from the towns of Moçambique and Nacala, via the junction at Monapo, to Nampula and Lichinga. Trains also run from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia, and northwards on the line to Zimbabwe. Most trains have three classes, but there are few sleepers and no dining or air-conditioned cars. For seats and sleepers, it is necessary to book in advance. All train services are subject to disruption.
Getting Around By Road
Traffic drives on the left. Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It is possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can cause serious delays. Landmines may make travel by road outside the capital risky, and up-to-date travel advice should be sought. Driving after dark can be hazardous owing to vehicles traveling without headlights. Hijacking occurs. Seat belts are obligatory.
Bus: There are regular services covering most of the country. In more rural areas, road passage can only be undertaken by converted passenger trucks known as chapas. It is advisable to carry food and water on long journeys. There are occasional controls on the roads to check papers, especially in the north and near the border with Zimbabwe. Bus travel is the cheapest form of transport in the country and is, on the whole, fairly reliable.
Taxi: Rarely available outside large towns.
Car hire: Cars can be hired from international and local agencies in Maputo and Beira. Only hard currency is accepted.
Documentation: International Driving Permit is recommended.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Bus services in Maputo have been improved with the introduction of new vehicles, and there are now fairly extensive services. Taxis are metered and drivers expect a tip.
