Language: English is the official language, although it is only spoken as a first language by a tiny percentage of the population. Several indigenous languages are spoken including Shona and Ndebele.
Currency: The official currency is the
Zimbabwe dollar (ZWD), which issued in denominations of up to ZWD 100 billion. Foreign currency, especially US dollars, is hard to come by, but widely accepted and always preferred, and many prices are given in US dollars. Hard currency is required to pay for entry to
Victoria Falls and many national parks. Banks and major hotels have foreign
exchange facilities and many lodges, travel agencies and shops accept travelers cheques. Major credit cards, including Visa and
MasterCard, are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops;
Diners Club and
American Express are sometimes not accepted. ATM facilities are available in the cities. For tourists US dollars should be considered the de facto currency of Zimbabwe.
Time: Local time is GMT +2.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three round pin and three rectangular blade plugs are common.
Communications: The international dialing code for Zimbabwe is +263. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). International Direct Dialling is available. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)4 for
Harare. Telecel, Econet and Net*One operators provide GSM 900 network mobile phone coverage in most cities, towns and tourist areas throughout the country. Internet and Email facilities are available in Harare, but Internet cafes are generally crowded.
Duty Free: Travelers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on items to the value of US$250 provided this allowance is not claimed more than once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal consumption, including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 liters with no more than 2 liters of this being spirits. Prohibited items include narcotic and amphetamine drugs, honey, indecent or obscene reading material, toy firearms, and blade knives.
Tourist OfficeZimbabwe Tourism Authority, Harare: +263 (0)4 752570 or www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw
EmergencyEmergencies: 999.
Embassies
Zimbabwe Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 332 7100.
Zimbabwe Embassy,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7836 7755.
Zimbabwe
High Commission,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 237 4388.
Zimbabwe Embassy,
Canberra ACT,
Australia (also responsible for
New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 2281.
Zimbabwe Embassy,
Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5125.
United States Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 250 593/4.
British Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 772 990.
Canadian Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 252 181 5.
Australian High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 852 471.
South African High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 753 147/8/9.
Honorary
Consulate of Ireland, Harare +263 (0)4 771 949.
New
Zealand High Commission, Pretoria (also responsible for Zimbabwe): +27 (0)12 342 8656.
